Craving something light yet packed with bold flavors? This Thai Chicken Salad is a vibrant and healthy dish that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Featuring a mix of tender shredded chicken, crunchy cabbage, and colorful veggies, this salad is elevated by a creamy peanut dressing with a perfect balance of sweetness, tang, and spice. Topped with honey-roasted peanuts and slivered almonds for extra crunch, it’s a refreshing, satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and bursting with Thai-inspired flavors.
Ingredients:
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup peanut butter
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (or substitute with hot sauce for desired heat level)
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
For the Salad:
- 4 cups shredded chicken (use rotisserie chicken for convenience)
- 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 1 (11 oz.) can mandarin oranges, drained and patted dry
- ½ cup green onions, chopped
- ¼ cup cilantro, roughly chopped
- ½ cup honey-roasted peanuts
- 1/3 cup slivered almonds
Instructions:
- Prepare the Peanut Dressing:
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, chicken broth, lime juice, honey, sriracha, garlic powder, toasted sesame oil, and ground ginger. Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more sriracha if you prefer extra heat or more lime juice for tanginess.
- Once the dressing is smooth, set it aside.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, green and red cabbage, diced red bell pepper, julienned carrots, mandarin oranges, green onions, and cilantro.
- Toss the salad ingredients gently to ensure even distribution.
- Add the Dressing:
- Pour the prepared peanut dressing over the salad mixture. Use tongs or two large spoons to toss everything together until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Top with Crunch:
- Just before serving, sprinkle the honey-roasted peanuts and slivered almonds over the top for a delicious crunch.
- Serve:
- Serve the Thai Chicken Salad immediately as a main course or side dish. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own as a light, refreshing meal.
Conclusion:
This Thai Chicken Salad is a perfect blend of crunchy vegetables, tender chicken, and sweet, tangy mandarin oranges, all tossed in a creamy, nutty dressing. The honey-roasted peanuts and slivered almonds add a delightful texture that brings everything together. With its bold flavors and wholesome ingredients, this salad is a fantastic option for a healthy lunch or dinner that can be made in under 30 minutes. Enjoy the vibrant taste of Thai-inspired cuisine in the comfort of your home!