Description
This vibrant Thai Peanut Chicken Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish combining tender shredded chicken with crisp cabbage and carrots, topped with a creamy, spicy peanut dressing. Perfect for a quick and healthy meal, this salad balances savory, sweet, and tangy flavors with a delightful crunch from peanuts and fresh herbs.
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 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 of the peanut 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 the flavors are well combined.
- Assemble the Salad Base: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, and Thai chili peppers or jalapenos if using. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
- Toss with Dressing: Pour the prepared peanut dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss thoroughly to coat all components with the flavorful dressing evenly. Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over just before eating.
Notes
- For a vegetarian or vegan version, substitute cooked shredded chicken with tofu or tempeh and use a soy-based peanut butter without honey.
- The Thai chili peppers add heat; omit or reduce for a milder salad.
- To save time, use pre-shredded vegetables.
- Peanuts can be toasted lightly for added flavor and crunch.
- This salad can be prepared in advance; keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness and texture.
