The Perfect Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe – So Zesty

Thai chicken salad with peanut dressing bursts with color and zest, reimagineing ordinary meals into culinary adventures.

Southeast Asian flavors dance across your palate, creating a symphony of taste sensations.

Crisp vegetables mingle with succulent protein, offering a perfect balance of textures and nutrients.

Fragrant herbs and spices weave through each bite, promising an exciting gastronomic experience.

Light yet satisfying, this dish represents a harmonious blend of freshness and robust flavor profiles.

Complex yet approachable, the recipe welcomes home cooks of all skill levels to experiment and delight.

Prepare to elevate your meal with a delectable combination that sparks joy and nourishes body and soul.

Pairing Ideas for Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing

• Amplify Thai Zest with Crisp Riesling: Pair this vibrant salad with a chilled Riesling wine, which complements the peanut dressing's sweetness and cuts through the rich chicken flavors with its bright, refreshing acidity.
• Boost Flavor with Ginger Kombucha: Complement the salad's ginger notes by serving a cold, tangy ginger kombucha that enhances the dish's Asian-inspired profile and provides a probiotic punch.
• Elevate Crunch with Sesame Crackers: Add light, toasted sesame crackers on the side to provide extra texture and nutty undertones that harmonize perfectly with the peanut dressing and salad ingredients.
• Cool Down with Lemongrass Iced Tea: Serve a chilled lemongrass iced tea to balance the salad's bold flavors, offering a subtle, aromatic refreshment that cleanses the palate between bites.

Fun Variations of Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing

• Spicy Southeast Sensation: Amp up the heat by adding sliced Thai chili peppers or a drizzle of sriracha sauce to the dressing for a fiery kick that tingles your taste buds.
• Protein Power Swap: Replace chicken with grilled tofu, shrimp, or flank steak to create a versatile protein option that keeps the salad exciting and nutritionally balanced.
• Tropical Green Remix: Swap coleslaw mix for mixed greens, add mango chunks, and include crispy wonton strips for a refreshing, crunchy alternative that brings island vibes to your plate.
• Crunchy Herb Boost: Incorporate additional fresh herbs like mint leaves, increase the peanut quantity, and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for extra texture and aromatic complexity.

Why Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing Is a Flavor Explosion

• Craft a Quick, No-Cook Meal: Whip up this Thai chicken salad in minutes without turning on the stove, perfect for busy weeknights or hot summer days when cooking feels overwhelming.
• Enjoy a Flavor-Packed Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with lean protein from chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a zesty peanut dressing, this salad delivers a balanced meal that satisfies hunger and taste buds simultaneously.
• Experience Textural Symphony: The crisp coleslaw mix, tender shredded chicken, and crunchy peanuts create a delightful contrast of textures that makes every bite interesting and exciting.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients, adjust spice levels, or add extra toppings to make this recipe your own, ensuring it always matches your mood and dietary preferences.

Key Ingredients for Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing

• Shredded Cooked Chicken: Tender protein that soaks up the bold, nutty dressing and brings heartiness to the crisp salad base.
• Coleslaw Mix: A vibrant blend of shredded cabbage and carrots that adds crunch and color to every bite.
• Red Bell Pepper (Chopped): Crisp and slightly sweet with a bright red hue that complements the bold Thai flavors.
• Scallions (Chopped): Mild onion flavor with a fresh bite that lifts the entire dish.
• Fresh Cilantro (Chopped, Optional): Adds a burst of citrusy freshness and herbal depth to the salad.
• Fresh Basil (Thinly Sliced or Torn, Optional): Brings a sweet, peppery note that enhances the Thai-inspired profile.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: Forms the rich, nutty base of the dressing with a smooth texture and deep flavor.
• Chopped Peanuts: Add irresistible crunch and extra peanut flavor for garnish and texture.
• Water (As Needed): Helps adjust the consistency of the dressing to your desired creaminess.
• Soy Sauce: Adds a salty, umami punch that ties together the sweet and tangy elements.
• Lime Juice: Bright and zesty, it cuts through the richness of the peanut butter and balances the dressing.
• Honey: Natural sweetness that softens the savory notes and complements the peanut and lime.
• Sesame Oil: Fragrant and nutty, it adds depth and traditional Thai aroma.
• Fresh Ginger (Grated): Warm, slightly spicy undertone that elevates the complexity of the dressing.
• Garlic Powder: Adds subtle pungency to round out the flavor without overpowering.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential finishing touch to enhance every layer of flavor.

How to Make Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing Like a Pro

Step 1: Whisk Creamy Peanut Dressing

• Water
• Soy sauce
• Lime juice
• Honey
• Sesame oil
• Grated ginger
• Garlic powder

Whisk until smooth. Adjust flavors by adding more lime juice or honey. For a lighter consistency, mix in extra water.

Step 2: Prepare Vibrant Salad Base

• Coleslaw mix
• Shredded chicken
• Scallions
• Red bell pepper slices
• Peanuts
• Cilantro leaves
• Basil leaves

Toss ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution.

Step 3: Dress and Season Salad

Drizzle the prepared peanut dressing over the salad mixture. Toss again to coat evenly. Season with salt and pepper according to personal taste preferences.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately for maximum freshness. Alternatively, refrigerate briefly to allow flavors to meld together, creating a delightful taste experience.

Tips for Perfect Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing

• Master the Dressing Consistency: Adjust the peanut butter dressing by adding water gradually to achieve your desired thickness, ensuring a silky smooth texture that coats ingredients perfectly.
• Maximize Flavor Infusion: Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the dressing to meld with the chicken and vegetables, intensifying the taste profile.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap shredded chicken with rotisserie chicken, grilled tofu, or shrimp to create exciting variations that suit your dietary preferences.
• Boost Crunch Factor: Toast the peanuts lightly in a dry skillet before adding them to the salad, enhancing their nutty flavor and providing an extra crispy texture.
• Keep Herbs Fresh: Chop cilantro and basil leaves just before mixing to preserve their vibrant color and release maximum aromatic oils into the salad.

Storing and Reheating Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer leftover Thai chicken salad into an airtight container with a tight-sealing lid. Keep refrigerated for up to 2-3 days, ensuring the salad remains crisp and fresh. Separate the dressing from the salad ingredients to prevent soggy vegetables and maintain optimal texture.
• Reheating Tips: Gently warm the chicken component separately in a microwave for 30-45 seconds at medium power. For best results, consume the salad cold, as reheating might compromise the delicate texture of the vegetables and herbs. Refresh the dish by adding a splash of fresh peanut dressing before serving to revive its vibrant flavors.
• Ingredient Preservation: Store unused peanut dressing in a sealed glass jar within the refrigerator for up to one week. Give the dressing a quick stir before each use to recombine any separated ingredients.

Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Zesty Thai chicken salad brings explosive flavors of Southeast Asian cuisine to your plate. Crisp vegetables, tender chicken, and tangy peanut dressing create a perfect balance that refreshes palates and transports you to Bangkok’s street markets.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken

Fresh Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1 pound coleslaw mix
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• ¼ cup chopped scallions
• Small handful of fresh cilantro, chopped (optional but recommended)
• Small handful of fresh basil, sliced thin or torn (optional)

Dressing and Garnish:

• 5 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup chopped peanuts
• 3 tablespoons water, or more as needed
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon honey
• ½ teaspoon pure sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Craft a silky, aromatic peanut dressing by whisking creamy peanut butter with warm water, soy sauce, fresh lime juice, honey, sesame oil, freshly grated ginger, and garlic powder until achieving a smooth, well-integrated consistency.
2. Fine-tune the dressing’s flavor profile by gradually adding more lime juice for tanginess or honey for sweetness, and adjust the liquid to create a pourable texture that coats ingredients evenly.
3. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine shredded coleslaw mix, cooked and chopped chicken breast, thinly sliced scallions, julienned red bell pepper, roasted chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro leaves, and torn fresh basil leaves.
4. Gently toss the ingredients to ensure a harmonious distribution of colors, textures, and flavors throughout the salad.
5. Drizzle the prepared peanut dressing over the salad, carefully coating each component while maintaining the salad’s structural integrity.
6. Season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance the overall taste, adjusting according to personal preference.
7. Serve immediately for optimal freshness, or chill for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and intensify before presenting.

Notes

• Customize your dressing by adjusting lime juice and honey for a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process and reduce last-minute kitchen stress.
• Swap chicken with tofu or shrimp for a delightful protein variation that keeps the dish exciting.
• Enhance texture by toasting peanuts before adding them to the salad for a deeper, nuttier crunch.
• Store leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making meal prep a breeze.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Dinner
• Method: None
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg