Dinner

Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe

Name: Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 lb coleslaw mix; 3 cups shredded cooked chicken; 1/4 cup scallions, chopped; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1/2 cup chopped peanuts; Small handful fresh cilantro, chopped (optional but recommended); Small handful fresh basil, sliced thin or torn (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; 5 tablespoons creamy peanut butter; 3 tablespoons water (or more as needed); 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 tablespoon honey; 1/2 teaspoon pure sesame oil; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Byreem everly November 19, 2025November 19, 2025

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Introduction

This Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing is a quick and vibrant dish perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Combining crunchy vegetables, tender chicken, and a rich, creamy peanut dressing, it offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures that everyone will enjoy.

The image shows a close-up of a bowl filled with a colorful chicken salad. The bottom layer consists of chopped cucumber pieces that are light green with a smooth texture. On top of the cucumber, there are thin strips of bright orange carrots mixed with small bits of red bell pepper and thin slices of purple onion. The next layer features chunks of shredded white chicken spread evenly all over the salad. Scattered on top are halved toasted peanuts, adding a light brown crunchy texture. Small green cilantro leaves are spread throughout the dish, adding color and freshness. The bowl itself is white and set on a white marbled surface, creating a clean and fresh look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb coleslaw mix
3 cups shredded cooked chicken
1/4 cup scallions, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup chopped peanuts
Small handful fresh cilantro, chopped (optional but recommended)
Small handful fresh basil, thinly sliced or torn (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
5 tbsp creamy peanut butter
3 tbsp water, or more as needed
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp honey
1/2 tsp pure sesame oil
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1/4 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

Step 1: Make the dressing by whisking together peanut butter, water, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, sesame oil, grated ginger, and garlic powder in a bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency or flavor with extra lime juice or water as needed.
Step 2: Prepare the salad by chopping the scallions, red bell pepper, and fresh herbs. Toss them together in a large bowl with the coleslaw mix and shredded chicken.
Step 3: Pour the peanut dressing over the salad and toss everything until evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
Step 4: Serve the salad divided into bowls. Garnish with additional chopped peanuts and herbs if desired. Enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, toast the peanuts lightly before chopping and adding them to the salad.
Try swapping shredded chicken for cooked shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
Add a splash of fish sauce to the dressing for a more authentic Thai flavor.
If you prefer a spicier kick, mix in some chili flakes or sriracha into the dressing.

Storage

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Since the dressing can cause the vegetables to soften, it’s best to keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving. Reheat is not recommended as this salad is best served fresh and chilled.

How to Serve

The dish is a vibrant, fresh salad served in a white bowl, filled with shredded white chicken pieces layered on top of a colorful mix of sliced cucumbers, thin carrot strips, red bell peppers, and purple cabbage. Scattered throughout are light brown peanuts and fresh green cilantro leaves adding pops of green. The textures vary from the crispness of the vegetables to the tender, juicy chicken, all combined to create a bright and appetizing look. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of peanut butter?

Yes, creamy peanut butter works best for a smooth dressing, but you can use natural peanut butter; just whisk it thoroughly to combine. Avoid chunky peanut butter to keep the dressing smooth.

Is this salad gluten-free?

This salad is gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in the dressing. Otherwise, regular soy sauce contains gluten, so check the label if needed.