Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing

This Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish packed with vibrant vegetables, tender chicken, and a rich peanut dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, this salad offers a satisfying crunch and a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to make with simple ingredients
• Packed with fresh, nutritious vegetables and lean protein
• The homemade peanut dressing is rich, creamy, and full of bold flavors
• Perfect for meal prep and can be made ahead of time
• Versatile and customizable to suit different dietary preferences

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cooked chicken breast, shredded
• Green and purple cabbage, thinly sliced
• Carrots, julienned
• Red bell pepper, sliced
• Cucumber, thinly sliced
• Green onions, chopped
• Cilantro, chopped
• Peanuts, roughly chopped
• Sesame seeds (optional)

For the Peanut Dressing:

• Peanut butter
• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Lime juice
• Honey or maple syrup
• Garlic, minced
• Ginger, grated
• Sesame oil
• Water (to adjust consistency)

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, cucumber, green onions, and cilantro.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together all the peanut dressing ingredients until smooth. Adjust the consistency with water if needed.
3. Pour the peanut dressing over the salad and toss to combine evenly.
4. Garnish with chopped peanuts and sesame seeds for extra crunch.
5. Serve immediately or chill for 10-15 minutes before serving for enhanced flavor.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas.
• Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
• Spicy Kick: Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the dressing.
• Nut-Free: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and omit peanuts.
• Extra Crunch: Add crispy wonton strips or toasted cashews.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve for best texture.
• Reheating: This salad is best enjoyed cold, but if needed, lightly warm the chicken separately before adding it to the salad.

FAQs

How do I make this salad ahead of time?

Prepare all ingredients and store them separately. Assemble and toss with dressing just before serving.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option for this recipe.

What other vegetables can I add?

You can include snap peas, edamame, or shredded Brussels sprouts for extra texture and flavor.

Can I make the peanut dressing in advance?

Yes, the dressing can be made up to 5 days ahead and stored in the fridge.

What type of peanut butter should I use?

Use natural peanut butter without added sugar or oils for the best flavor.

Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?

Yes, almond butter works well as a substitute.

How can I make the dressing thinner?

Add a little more water or lime juice until you reach your desired consistency.

Is this salad good for meal prep?

Absolutely! Just keep the dressing separate until ready to eat.

What’s the best way to shred chicken for this recipe?

Use two forks to pull the chicken apart or shred it quickly with a stand mixer.

Can I use bottled dressing instead?

You can, but homemade peanut dressing gives the best fresh flavor.

Conclusion

Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing is a flavorful, nutritious, and satisfying meal that’s quick to prepare and easy to customize. Whether you enjoy it fresh or as part of your meal prep routine, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Try it today and enjoy the perfect blend of textures and flavors!

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