Description
A vibrant and flavorful Thai Peanut Chicken Salad featuring shredded chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy peanut dressing with a hint of spice and tang. Perfect for a quick, healthy lunch or dinner that combines crunchy textures and bold Asian-inspired flavors.
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)
Dressing Ingredients
- 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 the dressing ingredients—creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, maple syrup, chili garlic sauce, fresh lime juice, and water—into a blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring all flavors are combined.
- Combine 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 the optional Thai chili peppers or jalapenos for added spice. Mix thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Dress the salad: Pour the prepared peanut dressing over the combined salad ingredients. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat all the components with the flavorful dressing evenly.
- Serve: Plate the salad and serve with lime wedges on the side, allowing diners to squeeze fresh lime juice over the salad for an extra burst of citrus brightness.
Notes
- If you prefer a milder salad, omit the Thai chili peppers or jalapenos.
- For a vegan version, replace chicken with tofu and use a soy sauce alternative that is vegan-friendly.
- Use natural peanut butter for a healthier dressing.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to one day.
- Adjust the amount of water in the dressing to achieve your desired consistency.
