Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing

Name: Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 4 cups mixed salad greens; 1 cup shredded carrots; 1 cup sliced bell peppers; 1 cup cucumber, sliced; 1/2 cup red cabbage, shredded; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped; 1/3 cup peanut butter; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp honey; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 tsp ginger, grated; 2-3 tbsp water (to thin, if necessary)

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

This vibrant Thai Chicken Salad is loaded with fresh vegetables and topped with a creamy peanut dressing, making it a delightful and nutritious meal.

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2025-12-16T18:03:18.898Z

This Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing is a perfect blend of flavors and textures. The crunchy vegetables pair beautifully with tender chicken, while the peanut dressing adds a rich, nutty flavor.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        A fresh and zesty flavor profile that invigorates your taste buds
Crunchy textures from fresh veggies and roasted peanuts
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights
Ideal for meal prep or a light, healthy lunch

      

Fresh and Flavorful Ingredients

This Thai Chicken Salad is brimming with fresh, vibrant ingredients that not only provide a burst of flavor but also contribute to a healthy diet. The combination of mixed salad greens, shredded carrots, and colorful bell peppers offers a variety of textures and nutrients. Each bite is a delightful crunch that makes healthy eating enjoyable.

The addition of cucumbers and red cabbage not only enhances the salad's visual appeal but also packs in hydration and essential vitamins. With each ingredient carefully chosen for its taste and health benefits, this salad is a wholesome choice for any meal.

Topped with fresh cilantro and roasted peanuts, this dish elevates the traditional salad experience. The peanuts add a satisfying crunch while providing a source of protein and healthy fats, making this salad a balanced meal option.

A Creamy Peanut Dressing

The star of this salad is undoubtedly the creamy peanut dressing, which brings everything together with its rich and zesty flavor. Made with simple ingredients like peanut butter, soy sauce, and honey, this dressing is both easy to whip up and incredibly satisfying.

The balance of sweetness from honey, acidity from rice vinegar, and the umami flavor from soy sauce creates a dressing that complements the fresh vegetables beautifully. It's an excellent way to elevate your salad from ordinary to extraordinary.

Feel free to adjust the thickness of the dressing by adding water as needed. This versatility allows you to customize the dressing to your taste, ensuring that each salad is perfectly dressed to your liking.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This Thai Chicken Salad is not just a quick weeknight dinner; it's also an excellent choice for meal prep. Prepare a large batch at the beginning of the week, and you’ll have healthy lunches ready to go, saving you time and helping you stay on track with your nutrition goals.

Whether you're hosting a gathering, looking for a light lunch, or needing a refreshing dish for a picnic, this salad fits the bill. It's easy to transport and can be served immediately or enjoyed later, making it a versatile addition to your recipe repertoire.

Additionally, this salad can be easily customized based on seasonal ingredients or personal preferences. Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or add protein alternatives, such as tofu for a vegetarian option, making it adaptable for everyone.

Ingredients

For the Salad

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
4 cups mixed salad greens
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup sliced bell peppers
1 cup cucumber, sliced
1/2 cup red cabbage, shredded
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped

For the Peanut Dressing

1/3 cup peanut butter
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp honey
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp ginger, grated
2-3 tbsp water (to thin, if necessary)

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl for a nutritious meal.

Instructions

Prepare the Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, and ginger until smooth. Add water as needed to reach desired consistency.

Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, shredded chicken, carrots, bell peppers, cucumber, red cabbage, and cilantro.

Serve

Drizzle the peanut dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Top with chopped peanuts before serving.

Enjoy your refreshing Thai Chicken Salad!

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

To keep this salad fresh and tasty, store the components separately if you plan to make it in advance. Keep the salad greens, chicken, and vegetables in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This will prevent sogginess and help maintain the crunch of the veggies.

When you're ready to eat, simply toss everything together with the peanut dressing. If you've made the dressing ahead of time, it can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good stir or shake before using.

If you're packing this salad for lunch, consider using a lunchbox with compartments to keep the dressing separate until you're ready to eat. This way, you can enjoy a fresh, crisp salad without any soggy ingredients.

Variations to Try

While this recipe is delicious as is, don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients. Adding fruits like mango or pineapple can introduce a tropical twist, enhancing the sweetness and adding a juicy texture.

For those who love heat, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha can give the salad a spicy kick. Alternatively, you might incorporate grilled shrimp or tofu for an additional protein boost.

If you want to make the dish more filling, consider serving it with a side of jasmine rice or quinoa. This adds heartiness to the meal while still keeping it light and nutritious.

Nutritional Benefits

This Thai Chicken Salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. The combination of lean chicken and a variety of vegetables provides a great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, essential for maintaining a balanced diet.

The healthy fats from the peanut butter and roasted peanuts help keep you satiated, while the high fiber content from the vegetables aids in digestion and promotes a healthy gut. Together, these elements contribute to sustained energy levels throughout the day.

With its low calorie count and high nutrient density, this salad is an excellent choice for anyone looking to maintain or lose weight without sacrificing flavor. It's a guilt-free indulgence you can enjoy any day of the week.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, the peanut dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, if you use a gluten-free soy sauce, this salad is gluten-free.

→ How can I make this salad vegan?

You can substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use maple syrup instead of honey.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

You can add ingredients like avocado, snap peas, or radishes for extra crunch.