Name: Irresistible Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast; 2 cups shredded green cabbage; 1 cup shredded purple cabbage; 1 cup grated carrots; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 cucumber, julienned; 1/2 cup chopped cilantro; 1/2 cup chopped green onions; 1/3 cup chopped roasted peanuts; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional); 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter; 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger; 2–4 tablespoons warm water (to thin)

A vibrant, flavor-packed Thai chicken salad loaded with crunchy vegetables and tossed in a creamy, zesty peanut dressing. I like making this salad for meal prep, quick dinners, or even picnics—it’s as refreshing as it is satisfying.

Ingredients

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

For the Salad:

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast

1 cup shredded purple cabbage

1 cup grated carrots

2 cups shredded green cabbage

1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

1 cucumber, julienned

1/2 cup chopped cilantro

1/2 cup chopped green onions

1/3 cup chopped roasted peanuts

1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

For the Peanut Dressing:

1/3 cup creamy peanut butter

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 tablespoon lime juice

2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari

1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

1 clove garlic, minced

2–4 tablespoons warm water (to thin)

Directions

I start by combining the shredded chicken, cabbage (both green and purple), grated carrots, bell pepper, cucumber, cilantro, and green onions in a large mixing bowl.

Next, I whisk together all the ingredients for the peanut dressing in a small bowl—beginning with 2 tablespoons of warm water and adjusting to get the consistency I like.

Then, I pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until the veggies and chicken are well coated.

Right before serving, I sprinkle chopped peanuts and sesame seeds over the top for extra crunch.

I like serving it immediately, but chilling it in the fridge for about 30 minutes brings out a refreshing, cold flavor that’s great on a hot day.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: Approximately 370 kcal per serving

Variations

When I feel like switching things up, I add some cooked rice noodles or swap the chicken for grilled shrimp or tofu to make it vegetarian. Sometimes, I toss in edamame or snap peas for an extra protein and fiber boost. If I’m craving heat, a drizzle of sriracha or a few red chili flakes in the dressing does the trick.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If I’m making it ahead, I like to keep the dressing separate and mix it in just before eating to keep the veggies crisp. This salad doesn’t need reheating, but if using fresh grilled chicken, I let it cool completely before adding it in.

FAQs

How can I make this salad vegetarian?

I replace the chicken with grilled tofu, tempeh, or even chickpeas to keep it plant-based while still satisfying.

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Yes, I often use rotisserie chicken for convenience—just shred it up and toss it in.

Is the peanut dressing spicy?

No, the base recipe isn’t spicy, but I sometimes add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce if I want some heat.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely. I usually chop the veggies and mix the dressing in advance, storing them separately. When ready to eat, I combine everything for maximum crunch.

What can I substitute for peanut butter?

If I need a peanut-free option, I use almond butter or sunflower seed butter. The flavor changes slightly but still works beautifully.

Conclusion

This crunchy Thai chicken salad with peanut dressing has become one of my go-to meals when I need something quick, healthy, and packed with flavor. It’s versatile, easy to prep ahead, and always hits the spot with its balance of textures and tastes. Whether I’m prepping for the week or making a fast dinner, this salad always delivers something fresh and satisfying.

Recipe:

Irresistible Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing

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Author: Sophia
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A vibrant and flavor-packed Thai chicken salad loaded with crunchy vegetables and tossed in a creamy, zesty peanut dressing. Perfect for meal prep, picnics, or a quick dinner.