This Easy Thai Chicken Salad is fresh and full of flavor! It combines crunchy veggies, tender chicken, and a creamy peanut dressing that makes every bite tasty and satisfying.
I love how colorful and fun this salad looks on my plate. Plus, the peanut dressing is so creamy—I can’t help but drizzle it on everything! Yum! 😋
To make it even more delightful, I often toss in some crispy noodles for extra crunch. It’s quick to prepare, so it’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: Cooked, shredded chicken is the star here. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or cook your own chicken breasts and shred them. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try using tofu or chickpeas instead.
Coleslaw Mix: This mix adds crunch and color. However, you can also use fresh shredded cabbage or any mix of leafy greens if coleslaw mix isn’t available. Just cut the veggies finely to keep that salad texture.
Red Bell Pepper: Red pepper adds sweetness and a pop of color! If you prefer, you can use yellow or orange bell peppers, or even carrots for extra crunch. They all work well in this salad!
Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter gives the dressing its rich texture. If you’re allergic to peanuts, sunflower butter or almond butter can be great substitutes. Just remember to adjust the flavor as needed!
How Do You Make the Perfect Creamy Peanut Dressing?
The dressing is key to this salad’s success. Start by whisking the peanut butter, lime juice, soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic together in a bowl. The lime juice gives it a zesty kick!
- Add water one tablespoon at a time until it’s creamy but still runny enough to drizzle.
- If you like a bit of spice, stir in red pepper flakes or a small amount of sriracha.
- Taste the dressing and adjust with more lime juice or honey for sweetness if needed.
This dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Just give it a stir before using!
Easy Thai Chicken Salad with Creamy Peanut Dressing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
- 4 cups coleslaw mix (shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, and carrots)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped roasted peanuts
- Fresh cilantro leaves (optional, for garnish)
For the Creamy Peanut Dressing:
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2–3 tablespoons water (to thin the dressing)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes or a few drops of sriracha (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, and if you choose to chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, that will let the flavors develop even further. In total, you can expect about 45 minutes from start to finish, including chilling time. Perfect for a quick dinner or a healthy lunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dressing:
Begin by whisking together the peanut butter, lime juice, soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic in a medium bowl. Keep stirring until the mixture is nice and smooth. If it’s too thick, slowly add water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach a creamy but pourable consistency. Add red pepper flakes or sriracha if you want a little heat, then taste the dressing and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
2. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, coleslaw mix, diced red bell pepper, and sliced green onions. This colorful mix of veggies and chicken adds great texture and flavor to your salad!
3. Combine Salad and Dressing:
Pour the creamy peanut dressing over your salad mixture. Toss everything together gently to make sure all the ingredients are evenly coated in that delicious dressing. You want every bite to have that rich peanut flavor!
4. Add Peanuts:
Now, it’s time to sprinkle the chopped roasted peanuts over the top of your salad. Give it another gentle toss to combine the peanuts with the salad. This adds a lovely crunch!
5. Serve:
If you like, garnish your salad with fresh cilantro leaves. Serve immediately for a fresh crunch, or chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. It’s wonderful either way!
Enjoy this easy, fresh Thai chicken salad with its creamy, tangy peanut dressing! It’s a perfect meal packed with flavor and goodness! 🍽️
FAQ for Easy Thai Chicken Salad with Creamy Peanut Dressing
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted or grilled chicken works perfectly in this salad. Just shred it and mix it with the other ingredients. If you don’t have leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver too!
How Can I Make This Salad Spicy?
If you love spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few drops of sriracha to the peanut dressing for a kick! You can also toss in some chopped jalapeño or diced chili peppers for added heat. Adjust to your taste!
Can I Make the Dressing Ahead of Time?
Yes! The peanut dressing can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using, and if it’s too thick, add a splash of water to loosen it up.
How Do I Store Leftover Salad?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The salad may become a bit soggy over time due to the dressing, so it’s best to dress only the portion you plan to eat right away!
