Description
This vibrant Thai Peanut Chicken Salad is a quick and refreshing dish combining shredded chicken with crunchy cabbage, carrots, and a zesty peanut dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, it offers a delightful balance of creamy, spicy, and tangy flavors with a satisfying crunch from fresh peanuts and vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 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)
Thai Peanut 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 dressing ingredients—creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, maple syrup, chili garlic sauce, fresh lime juice, and water—to a blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring the flavors are well combined.
- Mix Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss together the shredded cooked chicken, shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, and optional Thai chili peppers or jalapenos for added spice. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Combine Salad and Dressing: Pour the prepared peanut dressing over the mixed salad ingredients. Toss thoroughly to coat everything evenly with the dressing. Serve the salad with lime wedges on the side, allowing diners to squeeze fresh lime juice over the salad for an extra bright and tangy kick.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with tofu or chickpeas.
- Adjust the number of chili peppers based on your desired spice level.
- If you prefer a thinner dressing, add more water gradually until the desired consistency is reached.
- The salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day before serving.
- Use natural peanut butter to avoid added sugars or oils for a healthier dressing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Thai
