Dive into a burst of flavors with our Thai Chicken Salad with Spicy Peanut Dressing! This vibrant dish combines tender shredded chicken, crisp salad greens, and colorful veggies, all brought together by a creamy, spicy peanut dressing that will tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, this recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to whip up in just 35 minutes. Are you ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that screams freshness and excitement? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Thai
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon chili paste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the ingredients. If you haven't done so already, cook the chicken until it's fully cooked, then shred it into bite-sized pieces. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or poach your own chicken breasts.
- Wash and dry the mixed salad greens thoroughly. You can use a salad spinner or pat them dry with paper towels. Place the greens in a large salad bowl.
- Peel and shred the carrots using a box grater or a food processor. Add the shredded carrots to the bowl with the salad greens.
- Rinse the cilantro under cold water, shake off excess water, and chop it roughly. Add the chopped cilantro to the salad bowl.
- In a separate mixing bowl, prepare the spicy peanut dressing. Add 1/4 cup of peanut butter, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of lime juice, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1 teaspoon of chili paste.
- Whisk the dressing ingredients together until smooth and well combined. If the dressing is too thick, you can add a tablespoon of warm water to reach your desired consistency.
- Once the dressing is ready, add the shredded chicken to the salad bowl with the greens, carrots, and cilantro. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Drizzle the spicy peanut dressing over the salad, reserving a little for serving if desired. Toss the salad again to ensure everything is coated evenly with the dressing.
- Serve the Thai chicken salad immediately, garnished with additional cilantro or crushed peanuts if desired. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful meal!
Tips
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: To save time, opt for store-bought rotisserie chicken. It’s already cooked and adds great flavor to your salad!
- Prep Ahead: Chop your veggies and make the dressing in advance. This way, you can quickly assemble the salad when you're ready to eat.
- Customize Your Greens: Feel free to mix and match your salad greens! Spinach, arugula, or even kale can add a unique twist to this dish.
- Adjust the Spice: If you prefer a milder dressing, reduce the amount of chili paste. For those who love heat, add more to kick it up a notch!
- Make It a Meal: To turn this salad into a heartier meal, serve it with a side of rice or quinoa.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: Top your salad with additional crushed peanuts or fresh cilantro for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
- Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store the dressing separately to keep the salad fresh. It can last in the fridge for up to three days!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 90mg
