Name: Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 pound coleslaw mix; 3 cups shredded cooked chicken; 1/4 cup scallions, chopped; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1/2 cup peanuts, chopped; Small handful of fresh cilantro, chopped (optional); Small handful of fresh basil, thinly sliced or torn (optional); Salt & pepper, to taste; 5 tablespoons creamy peanut butter; 3 tablespoons water (or more as needed); 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 tablespoon honey; 1/2 teaspoon pure sesame oil; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Thai Chicken Salad is an easy and quick way to enjoy the complex, rich flavors of Thai food. The combination of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and the creamy peanut dressing is irresistible. The dressing itself is a highlight—made with creamy peanut butter, fresh ginger, and lime juice, it adds just the right balance of savory, sweet, and tangy notes. Plus, it’s customizable with fresh herbs like cilantro and basil, making it fresh and full of flavor. It’s a satisfying and nutritious meal that requires minimal prep time.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Salad:

1 pound coleslaw mix
3 cups shredded cooked chicken
1/4 cup scallions, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup peanuts, chopped
Small handful of fresh cilantro, chopped (optional but recommended)
Small handful of fresh basil, sliced thin or torn (optional)
Salt & pepper, to taste

For the Dressing:

5 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
3 tablespoons water (or more as needed)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon pure sesame oil
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients until smooth. Taste and adjust as needed, adding more lime juice or honey to suit your preference. If the dressing is too thick, add more water to reach the desired consistency.
Prep all the salad ingredients and place them into a large bowl.
Toss the salad ingredients with the dressing until everything is evenly coated.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 and takes about 20 minutes to prepare.

Variations

Spicy Version: Add some chili flakes or fresh chopped chili to the dressing for an extra kick.
Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and use tofu or tempeh as a protein alternative.
Noodle Salad: You can add some cooked rice noodles to make this salad heartier and more filling.
Crunchy Vegetables: Add shredded carrots, cucumber, or snap peas for extra crunch.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The salad should stay fresh for up to 2-3 days, but the dressing will last longer.
Reheating: This salad is best served cold, so avoid reheating it. If needed, you can warm the chicken before tossing it into the salad.

FAQs

Can I use a different nut butter for the dressing?

Yes, you can substitute almond butter or cashew butter, but the flavor will differ slightly from the original peanut dressing.

Can I make this salad in advance?

While you can prep the ingredients ahead of time, it’s best to toss the salad with the dressing just before serving to avoid sogginess.

Is the dressing gluten-free?

The dressing can be made gluten-free by using tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce.

Can I add more vegetables to this salad?

Absolutely! You can include more crunchy vegetables like shredded carrots, cucumbers, or bell peppers for added texture and flavor.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

To add some heat, you can stir in chili flakes or some fresh chopped chili into the dressing.

What can I use instead of sesame oil?

If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use olive oil, but it will change the flavor profile. If possible, try to find sesame oil for the authentic taste.

How do I make the salad vegan?

For a vegan version, simply swap out the chicken for tofu or chickpeas, and use a plant-based sweetener in the dressing instead of honey.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, using rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken works perfectly in this salad.

Can I freeze the salad?

It’s best not to freeze this salad, as the veggies will lose their crunch when thawed. However, you can freeze the dressing for later use.

Can I use natural peanut butter in the dressing?

It’s recommended to avoid using natural peanut butter as it can alter the flavor and consistency of the dressing. Stick with creamy peanut butter for the best results.

Conclusion

This Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines a variety of textures and flavors. From the tender chicken to the creamy peanut dressing, every bite offers a delightful experience. It’s quick to make, nutritious, and customizable to suit your preferences. Whether you’re looking for a healthy lunch or a light dinner, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation.

Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing

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This Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing is a vibrant, healthy, and satisfying dish. Featuring tender shredded chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy peanut dressing, it’s the perfect meal for lunch or dinner. With zesty lime, fragrant cilantro, and a touch of honey, this recipe brings the delicious flavors of Thai cuisine straight to your table.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Salad
Method: No-cook
Cuisine: Thai
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with more lime juice or honey if necessary. Add more water to adjust the consistency if needed.
- Combine the salad ingredients in a large bowl. Toss with the dressing until everything is evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

Avoid using natural peanut butter as it can affect the flavor and texture.
Use toasted sesame oil from the Asian section of the grocery store for a richer flavor.
Fresh cilantro and basil add great freshness to the salad.
For easier ginger grating, freeze fresh ginger beforehand.