Healthy Thai Chicken Salad with Homemade Peanut Sauce
Looking for a vibrant, flavorful, and protein-packed salad? Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing is the perfect answer. This dish combines juicy grilled chicken, crisp veggies, and a creamy, tangy peanut sauce. It’s satisfying, colorful, and loaded with texture and nutrition. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or serving it at a summer gathering, this salad delivers bold Thai-inspired flavor in every bite. The rich peanut dressing ties everything together beautifully. If you’re ready to upgrade your salad game, this recipe belongs at the top of your list.
Ingredients
Fresh veggies make this salad refreshing. Grilled chicken adds protein and flavor. Peanut dressing brings richness and depth. It’s sweet, savory, spicy, and tangy. Every bite is satisfying and balanced. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or guests.
For the Salad:
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cucumber, sliced thin
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 green onions, chopped
- ¼ cup chopped roasted peanuts (optional)
For the Peanut Dressing:
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ teaspoon grated ginger
- 2–4 tablespoons warm water (to thin)
Nutritional Information
Loaded with protein and fresh veggies. Healthy fats come from peanuts. It’s filling but light and energizing. Low in sugar, high in flavor. Nutrient-dense and ideal for balanced meals. Great choice for clean-eating lovers.
- Calories: 375
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 550mg
Quick Time Needed
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (if cooking chicken)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Make
Start by prepping all the vegetables. Whisk together ingredients for peanut dressing. Cook or shred leftover chicken breast. Toss everything together in a large bowl. Drizzle with dressing and gently mix. Top with peanuts and enjoy fresh.
Step 1: Prepare the Veggies
Wash the cabbage and slice it thin. Shred carrots and slice bell pepper. Cut cucumbers into long thin strips. Chop green onions and fresh cilantro leaves. Place all vegetables in a salad bowl. Set aside while preparing the chicken.
Step 2: Cook or Prep the Chicken
Use rotisserie chicken or grill fresh breast. Season fresh chicken with salt, pepper. Cook chicken until juicy and tender. Let chicken cool for easy slicing. Shred or slice into thin pieces. Add chicken to the salad bowl later.
Step 3: Make the Peanut Dressing
Whisk peanut butter and soy sauce. Add lime juice and rice vinegar. Mix in honey, sesame oil, and garlic. Grate fresh ginger and stir in. Add warm water to thin dressing. Stir until smooth and pourable consistency.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
Add chicken to chopped vegetable mix. Pour peanut dressing over salad ingredients. Toss gently with tongs until combined. Ensure everything is fully coated evenly. Salad should look glossy and colorful. Ready to finish with garnishes now.
Step 5: Toss and Garnish
Sprinkle chopped peanuts over tossed salad. Add cilantro or sesame seeds too. Use lime wedges for extra tang. Add final touches before serving salad. Garnishes add flavor, crunch, and color. Salad should look fresh and inviting.
Step 6: Serve Fresh
Serve salad immediately for crisp freshness. Or chill salad for fifteen minutes. Chilling helps meld the vibrant flavors. Great for lunch, dinner, or gatherings. Pair with iced tea or lemonade. A refreshing, protein-packed salad to love!
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Looking for lighter, cleaner swaps? Try these. Use almond butter instead of peanuts. Skip honey and choose maple syrup. Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh. Use coconut aminos for less sodium. Add more greens for a fiber boost.
- Replace peanut butter with almond or cashew butter
- Substitute soy sauce with low-sodium tamari or coconut aminos
- Swap honey for maple syrup or agave
- Use grilled tofu or edamame for a plant-based version
- Add spinach, arugula, or kale for more greens
- Lighten the dressing with more vinegar and water
Storing Tips
Store ingredients separately for better freshness. Dressing lasts longer in a sealed jar. Keep the salad base in an airtight container. Chicken can be stored separately, too. Add dressing just before serving. It lasts three days, chilled and fresh.
- Store undressed salad in the fridge up to 3 days
- Keep peanut dressing in an airtight jar up to 5 days
- Chicken can be refrigerated separately for 3–4 days
- Avoid freezing as the texture changes
- Add dressing only when ready to serve
- Refresh salad with a squeeze of lime before eating
Serving Ideas
This salad fits many meal types perfectly. Serve it cold for summer lunches. Add rice noodles for extra substance. Wrap it in lettuce for crunch. Pair with grilled skewers or dumplings. Great for potlucks, picnics, and quick dinners.
- Serve over cooked rice or quinoa
- Wrap it in lettuce cups or rice paper rolls
- Top with crispy wonton strips or sesame seeds
- Pair with Thai iced tea or a lime spritzer
- Add mango slices for a sweet twist
- Serve alongside grilled skewers or spring rolls
Chef’s Special Tips
Little tweaks make big flavor changes. Always use the freshest ingredients for brightness. Slice veggies thin for better texture. Warm dressing slightly before pouring, it blends. Shred chicken finely for even distribution. Balance sweet, salty, and tangy carefully.
- For extra crunch, add shredded green apple
- Marinate the chicken in lime and garlic for 15 minutes before cooking
- Toast peanuts for added aroma
- Mix dressing in a blender for a creamier texture
- Add chili flakes or sriracha for heat
- Use fresh herbs like Thai basil or mint for a twist
Conclusion + Call to Action
Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing is more than just a meal—it’s an explosion of flavors and textures in every bite. With the boldness of Thai cuisine and the balance of healthy ingredients, this salad is as delicious as it is nourishing. Whether you’re prepping weekday lunches or impressing guests, this recipe is your new go-to.
Ready to dive in? Try this salad today and share your version on social media! Tag us so we can see your tasty creation and don’t forget to check out more fresh recipes on our blog!