Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing

Highlighted under: World Food Recipes

This vibrant Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing is a delightful mix of fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and a creamy, nutty dressing that brings everything together in perfect harmony.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-17T00:42:19.536Z

This salad is a favorite for its bright flavors and textures. The combination of crunchy vegetables, succulent chicken, and a rich peanut dressing is truly irresistible. Perfect for lunch or a light dinner!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Fresh, crunchy vegetables paired with savory chicken
  • Creamy peanut dressing that adds depth and richness
  • Quick to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners

The Freshness of Thai Cuisine

Thai cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients. In this Thai Chicken Salad, you'll experience a delightful blend of textures and tastes, from the crispness of fresh vegetables to the tender, savory chicken. The combination of sweet, salty, and tangy elements in the peanut dressing enhances the salad's appeal, making it a feast for the senses.

The use of mixed greens, carrots, cucumber, and bell peppers not only adds a rainbow of colors to your plate but also packs a nutritional punch. Each ingredient contributes unique vitamins and minerals, ensuring that this dish is as healthy as it is delicious. It's a perfect example of how salads can be both satisfying and nutritious.

Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal

One of the standout features of this Thai Chicken Salad is its simplicity. With minimal prep time and straightforward ingredients, you can whip up a delicious dinner in no time. This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you crave something wholesome but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Moreover, the versatility of this salad allows you to customize it according to your preferences. Feel free to add other vegetables or proteins, such as shrimp or tofu, to suit your taste. This adaptability makes it a go-to recipe that you can enjoy repeatedly without getting bored.

Perfect for Meal Prep

This Thai Chicken Salad is not only a great dinner option but also an excellent choice for meal prep. You can prepare the salad ingredients in advance and store them separately from the dressing. This way, you can enjoy fresh salads throughout the week without compromising on flavor or texture.

Simply combine the ingredients each day and drizzle with the peanut dressing just before serving. This method ensures that your salad remains crisp and flavorful, making it an ideal lunch option for work or school. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to encourage healthy eating habits.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing:

Salad Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 4 cups mixed greens
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup cucumber, sliced
  • 1 cup red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1/4 cup chopped peanuts for topping

Peanut Dressing

  • 1/4 cup peanut butter
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Water to thin, as needed

Once you have all the ingredients ready, you can start preparing your delicious salad!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing:

Prepare the Dressing

In a bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Add water gradually until you reach your desired consistency. Set aside.

Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, shredded chicken, carrots, cucumber, red bell pepper, and cilantro. Toss gently to mix.

Add the Dressing

Drizzle the peanut dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Serve

Top with chopped peanuts for added crunch. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Your Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing is now ready to be enjoyed!

Storage Tips

To keep your Thai Chicken Salad fresh, store the salad and the dressing separately. This prevents the greens from wilting and ensures they stay crisp. You can keep the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, while the dressing can last even longer. Just give it a good stir or shake before using it again.

If you find yourself with leftovers, consider adding them to a wrap or sandwich for a tasty lunch the next day. This way, you can enjoy the flavors of the salad in a different format, making it a versatile option for your meal rotation.

Serving Suggestions

This Thai Chicken Salad pairs beautifully with a side of jasmine rice or quinoa for a heartier meal. The grains add a nice texture and enhance the overall experience of the dish. You can also serve it alongside spring rolls or dumplings for a complete Thai-inspired feast.

For a refreshing drink that complements the salad, consider serving coconut water or a light iced tea. The subtle flavors of these beverages enhance the meal without overpowering the delightful taste of the salad.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use tofu instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Tofu is a great vegetarian substitute that will soak up the flavors of the dressing.

→ How long can I store the salad?

It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just ensure you use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in the dressing.

→ Can I make the dressing in advance?

Yes! The peanut dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing

This vibrant Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing is a delightful mix of fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and a creamy, nutty dressing that brings everything together in perfect harmony.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration15 minutes
Overall Time35 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: World Food Recipes

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Salad Ingredients

  1. 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  2. 4 cups mixed greens
  3. 1 cup shredded carrots
  4. 1 cup cucumber, sliced
  5. 1 cup red bell pepper, sliced
  6. 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
  7. 1/4 cup chopped peanuts for topping

Peanut Dressing

  1. 1/4 cup peanut butter
  2. 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  3. 2 tablespoons lime juice
  4. 1 tablespoon honey
  5. 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  6. 1 garlic clove, minced
  7. Water to thin, as needed

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Add water gradually until you reach your desired consistency. Set aside.

Step 02

In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, shredded chicken, carrots, cucumber, red bell pepper, and cilantro. Toss gently to mix.

Step 03

Drizzle the peanut dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 04

Top with chopped peanuts for added crunch. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Total Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Dietary Fiber: 4g
  • Sugars: 8g
  • Protein: 20g