Description
A vibrant and flavorful Thai Peanut Chicken Salad that combines shredded chicken and fresh vegetables with a creamy, tangy peanut dressing. Ready in just 10 minutes, this salad offers a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors with a satisfying crunch from peanuts and cabbage, making it a nutritious and delicious meal for any time of day.
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 of the ingredients for the Thai peanut dressing—creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, maple syrup, chili garlic sauce, fresh lime juice, and water—into a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy to ensure all the flavors are well combined.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss together the shredded cooked chicken, shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, green onions, and optional Thai chili peppers or jalapenos if you like some heat. Mix gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared peanut dressing over the salad mixture and toss thoroughly to coat all the components with the flavorful dressing. Serve the salad with lime wedges on the side, allowing diners to squeeze fresh lime juice over their portion for added brightness just before eating.
Notes
- For extra crunch, lightly toast the peanuts before chopping.
- Adjust the spiciness by adding more or fewer chili peppers according to your preference.
- If you prefer a thinner dressing, add a bit more water to reach desired consistency.
- Use honey instead of maple syrup as a natural sweetener alternative.
- This salad works well as a light lunch or dinner and can be served on its own or with steamed rice.
