This Thai Chicken Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines crispy cabbage, shredded chicken, and a delectable homemade peanut dressing. It’s perfect as a light dinner or a side dish, offering a delightful mix of textures and tastes.

FULL RECIPE:

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
• 2 cups red cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 ½ cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup carrots, shredded
• ½ cup green onions, chopped
• ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• ½ cup peanuts, chopped
• ¼ cup slivered almonds

For the Peanut Dressing:

• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce (optional)
• 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
• 1-2 tablespoons water, to thin if necessary

Directions

1. Prepare the Peanut Dressing:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, lime juice, sesame oil, Sriracha sauce (if using), and grated ginger until smooth.
   • If the dressing is too thick, add water gradually to reach the desired consistency.
   • Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
2. Assemble the Salad:
   • In a large bowl, combine green cabbage, red cabbage, shredded chicken, red bell pepper, carrots, green onions, cilantro, peanuts, and slivered almonds.
3. Dress the Salad:
   • When ready to serve, drizzle the peanut dressing over the salad.
   • Toss thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
4. Serve:
   • Transfer the salad to serving plates or bowls.
   • Garnish with additional peanuts or cilantro if desired.
   • Enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Pro Tips:

• For convenience, you can use a 16 oz. bag of coleslaw mix instead of slicing fresh cabbage and carrots.
• Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver for this recipe. Alternatively, poach chicken breasts and shred them.
• To maintain the salad’s crispness, add the dressing just before serving.
• The Sriracha sauce adds depth without significant heat; adjust to taste.

Nutrients

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Potassium: 700 mg
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 10 g
• Vitamin A: 100% DV
• Vitamin C: 80% DV
• Calcium: 10% DV
• Iron: 15% DV

The Ultimate Thai Chicken Salad: A Flavorful and Nutritious Delight

Thai cuisine is known for its balance of sweet, savory, tangy, and spicy flavors, and this Thai Chicken Salad perfectly embodies that harmony. With fresh vegetables, shredded chicken, crunchy nuts, and a rich peanut dressing, this dish is a wholesome and refreshing meal option. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a side salad, or a satisfying main course, this recipe offers both flavor and nutrition in every bite.

The Unique Blend of Thai Flavors

What makes this salad distinctly Thai is its use of ingredients commonly found in traditional Thai dishes. The peanut dressing brings a creamy and nutty taste with a slight kick from Sriracha, while lime juice and rice vinegar add a refreshing tang. The combination of crunchy cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers creates a satisfying texture, complemented by the aromatic addition of cilantro and green onions.

Health Benefits of Thai Chicken Salad

This salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that contribute to overall well-being.

• High Protein Content: The shredded chicken provides a lean source of protein, essential for muscle repair and satiety.
• Rich in Fiber: Cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers are excellent sources of fiber, promoting digestive health and keeping you full longer.
• Heart-Healthy Fats: The peanuts and slivered almonds contain healthy fats that support cardiovascular health.
• Immune-Boosting Vitamins: The vegetables in this salad are packed with vitamins A and C, which strengthen the immune system and support skin health.
• Low in Carbohydrates: This dish is an excellent option for those following a low-carb diet while still wanting a flavorful meal.

Why This Salad is Perfect for Any Occasion

One of the best things about Thai Chicken Salad is its versatility. It can be served as a main course, side dish, or even a meal prep option for busy days.

• Quick and Easy to Prepare: With minimal cooking required, this salad comes together in under 30 minutes.
• Great for Meal Prep: Store the salad and dressing separately, and mix them before serving to maintain freshness.
• Customizable: Add or swap ingredients based on preference—grilled shrimp, tofu, or even mango can be excellent variations.

Pairing Suggestions

This salad pairs well with a variety of dishes and beverages to create a complete meal experience.

• Serve with Rice: A side of jasmine or brown rice complements the salad’s flavors.
• Pair with Soup: A light Thai soup, such as Tom Yum or Coconut Chicken Soup, enhances the meal.
• Refreshing Drink Options: Thai iced tea, coconut water, or a citrus-infused sparkling water can balance the salad’s bold flavors.

How to Customize Thai Chicken Salad to Your Taste

One of the best things about this Thai Chicken Salad is its adaptability. You can tweak the ingredients and flavors based on your dietary needs, preferences, or what you have on hand.

• Make it Vegetarian or Vegan: Swap the chicken for tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas for a plant-based alternative. Use maple syrup or agave instead of honey in the dressing.
• Add More Crunch: If you love extra texture, try adding crispy wonton strips, toasted sesame seeds, or sunflower seeds.
• Increase the Spice Level: For a spicier kick, increase the amount of Sriracha in the dressing, or add red chili flakes or Thai bird chilies.
• Incorporate Fruits: Mango, pineapple, or mandarin oranges add a sweet contrast to the savory and tangy elements.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

To keep the salad fresh and crisp, store the ingredients separately in airtight containers. The peanut dressing can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to five days. When ready to serve, simply toss everything together for a quick and satisfying meal.

Conclusion

Thai Chicken Salad is a vibrant, healthy, and flavor-packed dish that captures the essence of Thai cuisine. Its combination of fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and a savory peanut dressing makes it a crowd-pleasing favorite. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch, a nutritious dinner, or a meal-prep option, this salad is guaranteed to impress with its bold flavors and wholesome ingredients. Try it out and enjoy a refreshing, satisfying dish that delivers both taste and health benefits!