If you’re craving a vibrant salad that brings bold flavors and satisfying textures together in one bowl, look no further than this Thai Peanut Chicken Salad Recipe. It’s a fantastic blend of tender shredded chicken, crunchy cabbage and carrots, all brought to life with a creamy, tangy peanut dressing that’s bursting with a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory notes. Every bite feels like a little celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients that come together in just minutes — making it an absolute favorite for busy weeknights or light lunch gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Thai Peanut Chicken Salad Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each contributing unique flavors, crunch, and color that make the salad so irresistibly fresh and vibrant.
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded): Tender, protein-packed chicken forms the hearty base of the salad.
- 2 cups cabbage (shredded): Adds a crisp, slightly sweet crunch to balance the creamy dressing.
- 1 cup carrots (shredded): Brings bright color and natural sweetness for freshness.
- ½ cup peanuts (chopped): Offers a satisfying crunch with a nutty flavor that complements the peanut dressing.
- ½ cup fresh cilantro (chopped): Fresh herbaceous notes that lift and brighten every bite.
- ¼ cup green onions (chopped): Adds subtle oniony sharpness and a pop of green.
- 2 Thai chili peppers or jalapenos (optional): A touch of heat for those who love a little spice in their salad.
- 1 lime (sliced into wedges): To squeeze fresh citrus acidity that awakens the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter: The star of the dressing, lending rich creaminess and depth.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds umami and saltiness to balance the sweetness.
- ½ tablespoon sesame oil: Nutty aroma and a layer of Asian-inspired flavor.
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar: Provides gentle acidity for brightness.
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup (or honey): Gives a subtle sweetness that smooths the dressing.
- 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce: Adds a kick of heat and garlicky depth.
- ½ teaspoon fresh lime juice: Enhances the zesty notes in the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon water: To achieve the perfect dressing consistency.
How to Make Thai Peanut Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Dressing
Start by gathering all the ingredients for the dressing — peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, maple syrup, chili garlic sauce, lime juice, and water. Pop them into a blender and pulse until you get a smooth, creamy sauce. This homemade peanut dressing is truly the heart of the salad, packing the perfect punch of flavor.
Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss together your shredded cooked chicken, shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, green onions, and, if you like a bit of warmth, the thinly sliced Thai chilies or jalapenos. This colorful mix not only tastes wonderful but creates an inviting texture contrast.
Step 3: Dress and Toss
Pour your luscious peanut dressing over the combined salad ingredients and toss everything gently but thoroughly, so every bite has that delicious, creamy coating. Serve the lime wedges on the side; squeezing fresh lime juice over your bowl just before eating takes the flavor to a whole new level.
How to Serve Thai Peanut Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your salad’s look and taste by sprinkling extra chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro on top just before serving. A few thin slices of green onion or a final drizzle of sesame oil will add that special touch that makes the presentation pop and the flavors sing.
Side Dishes
This salad shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with light, complementary sides like jasmine rice, steamed edamame, or even some crisp, fresh spring rolls to keep the meal fresh and balanced. These sides keep the overall meal feeling light yet satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests or make lunch feel special? Serve this Thai Peanut Chicken Salad Recipe in crunchy lettuce cups or wrap the salad ingredients in rice paper rolls. You can also stack it in a pretty glass jar for grab-and-go lunches that look as good as they taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days in the refrigerator. Keep the dressing separate if possible to maintain the cabbage’s crisp texture.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this salad because the fresh vegetables and creamy dressing can separate and become watery when thawed. Instead, freeze cooked chicken separately if needed and assemble the salad fresh.
Reheating
If you have leftover chicken stored separately, gently warm it before tossing it with fresh veggies and peanut dressing. Avoid reheating the entire salad, as the raw vegetables lose their crunch and freshness.
FAQs
Can I use different types of nuts in this Thai Peanut Chicken Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! While peanuts provide the classic taste and texture, you can experiment with cashews or almonds for a different crunch, but be mindful of how that impacts the overall flavor balance.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Definitely. Simply swap out the chicken for grilled tofu or cooked chickpeas. The peanut dressing remains the star, so the salad stays flavorful and satisfying without meat.
How spicy is this salad, and can I adjust the heat?
The heat mainly comes from the Thai chili peppers or jalapenos and the chili garlic sauce in the dressing. Feel free to reduce or omit these ingredients if you prefer a milder dish or boost them if you like things fiery.
Can I prepare the salad in advance?
You can prep the individual components ahead of time—shred the chicken and veggies and make the dressing. To keep everything fresh and crisp, toss the salad with dressing just before serving.
What can I substitute for peanut butter if I have an allergy?
Sunflower seed butter or almond butter are good substitutes that provide creaminess and nuttiness. Be sure to choose a smooth variety and check for any added ingredients that might alter the flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Thai Peanut Chicken Salad Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a gift to your taste buds — vibrant, creamy, crunchy, sweet, spicy, and utterly delicious all at once. It’s quick to make, endlessly versatile, and perfect for sharing with friends or savoring as a nourishing solo meal. Give it a try and watch it become your new go-to for fresh, flavorful eating!
Print
Thai Peanut Chicken Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A vibrant and flavorful Thai Peanut Chicken Salad featuring shredded chicken and fresh vegetables tossed in a creamy, spicy peanut dressing. This quick and easy salad combines crunchy cabbage, sweet carrots, and crunchy peanuts with a zesty homemade peanut sauce for a perfect light meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
- 2 cups cabbage (shredded)
- 1 cup carrots (shredded)
- ½ cup peanuts (chopped)
- ½ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- ¼ cup green onions (chopped)
- 2 Thai chili peppers or jalapenos (optional – for spice)
- 1 lime (sliced into wedges)
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- ½ tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup (or honey)
- 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce
- ½ teaspoon fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: Add all of the ingredients for the Thai peanut dressing including peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, maple syrup or honey, chili garlic sauce, fresh lime juice, and water into a blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Combine the salad ingredients: In a large bowl, toss together the shredded cooked chicken, shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, chopped peanuts, chopped fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, and optional Thai chili peppers or jalapenos for added spice.
- Dress and serve: Pour the blended peanut dressing over the salad mixture and toss well to coat all the ingredients evenly. Serve the salad with lime wedges on the side to squeeze fresh lime juice over before eating for extra brightness and flavor.
Notes
- For a spicier salad, add more Thai chili peppers or jalapenos.
- You can substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
- Use crunchy peanut butter for an added textural element.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 1 day.
- Adjust the sweetness and heat in the dressing to your taste by varying the maple syrup and chili garlic sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Thai
