Thai Chicken Salad with Homemade Peanut Dressing served in a bowl.

Thai Chicken Salad with Homemade Peanut Dressing

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Thai Chicken Salad with Homemade Peanut Dressing is a delicious and refreshing dish that’s perfect for any time of the year. It combines vibrant vegetables with tender chicken and a creamy, nutty dressing that brings all the flavors together. Not only is this salad satisfying, but it also packs a punch of nutrition, making it a great choice for a healthy meal. Plus, it’s easy to make and great for meal prep!

How to Make Thai Chicken Salad with Homemade Peanut Dressing

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup peanut butter
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • ¼ cup chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp sriracha (or hot sauce)
  • ¾ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp toasted sesame oil
  • ½ tsp ground ginger
  • 4 cups shredded chicken
  • 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
  • 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup julienned carrots
  • 1 (11 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained and patted dry
  • ½ cup green onions, chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro
  • ½ cup honey roasted peanuts
  • ⅓ cup slivered almonds
  • Optional toppings: chow mein noodles, toasted sesame seeds, crispy wonton strips

Directions:

  1. Whisk together all dressing ingredients in a bowl or mini food processor until smooth. Chill until ready to use.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all salad ingredients. If prepping ahead, store dressing separately.
  3. When ready to serve, pour dressing over salad (start with half), toss to coat, and adjust to taste. Add optional toppings if desired.

How to Serve Thai Chicken Salad with Homemade Peanut Dressing

Serve this salad in large bowls or on individual plates. You can enjoy it as a main dish or as a side dish. The optional toppings like chow mein noodles or crispy wonton strips add an extra crunch and flavor.

How to Store Thai Chicken Salad with Homemade Peanut Dressing

To keep the salad fresh, store the salad and dressing separately in the refrigerator. The salad can last for about 3 days, while the dressing can be kept for up to a week. Just make sure to mix them together right before serving for the best taste and texture.

Tips to Make Thai Chicken Salad with Homemade Peanut Dressing

  • Use rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking.
  • Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
  • For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with tofu.
  • Let the salad chill for a bit to enhance the flavors.

Variation

You can add other vegetables like cucumbers or snap peas for extra crunch. If you like spice, add more sriracha to the dressing.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different nut butter instead of peanut butter?
Yes, you can substitute almond butter or cashew butter for a different flavor.

2. Is this salad gluten-free?
To make this salad gluten-free, use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

3. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a day in advance. Just keep the dressing separate and add it right before serving to keep the salad fresh.