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Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe

4.9 from 115 reviews

A vibrant and flavorful Thai Chicken Salad featuring a crunchy coleslaw mix, shredded chicken, fresh herbs, and a creamy peanut dressing that perfectly balances savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. This quick and easy salad is ideal for a healthy lunch or light dinner, ready in just 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad

  • 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

Peanut Dressing

  • 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

Instructions

  1. Make the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, water, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, sesame oil, grated ginger, and garlic powder until smooth. Adjust the taste and consistency by adding more lime juice or water if needed to reach your preferred balance.
  2. Prep the Salad: Chop the scallions, red bell pepper, and fresh herbs (cilantro and basil). Toss these ingredients together with the coleslaw mix and shredded cooked chicken in a large bowl.
  3. Combine: Pour the prepared peanut dressing over the salad mixture. Toss thoroughly until everything is well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing again to ensure even distribution.
  4. Serve: Divide the salad into serving bowls. Garnish with extra chopped peanuts and fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest flavors and best texture.

Notes

  • You can substitute shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience.
  • Adjust the peanut dressing thickness by varying the water amount to suit your preference.
  • Fresh herbs like cilantro and basil add vibrant flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
  • For a spicier kick, consider adding a dash of chili flakes or sriracha to the dressing.
  • This salad is best enjoyed fresh to maintain the crunch of the coleslaw mix.

Keywords: Thai chicken salad, peanut dressing, healthy salad, quick Thai recipe, coleslaw chicken salad, easy lunch salad, gluten free salad