Can I make Thai Chicken Salad ahead of time?

Yes, but store the components separately. Prepare the salad ingredients and the peanut dressing up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate them in separate containers. Toss them together only when you are ready to serve for the crispest and freshest result.

What can I use instead of shredded chicken in Thai Chicken Salad?

Rotisserie chicken is the easiest substitute and saves significant time. You can also use leftover grilled chicken, baked chicken thighs, or even canned chicken in a pinch. For a vegetarian version, crispy baked tofu or chickpeas work beautifully.

Is Thai Chicken Salad spicy?

The Sriracha in the peanut dressing adds complexity rather than heat and does not make this salad spicy. If you are very sensitive to spice, you can reduce or omit the Sriracha entirely without significantly affecting the overall flavor.

What is the best peanut butter to use for Thai Chicken Salad dressing?

Creamy natural peanut butter produces the smoothest most flavorful dressing. Avoid sweetened or flavored peanut butters as the honey in the recipe already provides the right level of sweetness for the dressing.

Thai Chicken Salad Easy Fresh and Full of Flavor

Name: Thai Chicken Salad With Homemade Peanut Dressing Easy and Refreshing
Prep time: 25 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Thai Asian
Ingredients: 1/2 cup peanut butter; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup chicken broth; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 teaspoon Sriracha or hot sauce; 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 4 cups shredded chicken; 4 cups green cabbage shredded; 1 cup red cabbage shredded; 1 red bell pepper diced; 1 cup carrots julienned; 1 can 11 oz mandarin oranges drained and patted dry; 1/2 cup green onions sliced; 1/4 cup cilantro roughly chopped; 1/2 cup honey roasted peanuts; 1/3 cup slivered almonds; Optional chow mein noodles crispy wonton strips toasted sesame seeds

Description

A refreshing and flavorful Thai Chicken Salad made with homemade peanut dressing, crispy shredded cabbage, tender chicken, mandarin oranges, crunchy peanuts, and more. The perfect easy dinner or side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup chicken broth

2 tablespoons lime juice

2 tablespoons honey

1 teaspoon Sriracha or hot sauce

3/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

4 cups shredded chicken

4 cups green cabbage shredded

1 cup red cabbage shredded

1 red bell pepper diced

1 cup carrots julienned

1 can 11 oz mandarin oranges drained and patted dry

1/2 cup green onions sliced

1/4 cup cilantro roughly chopped

1/2 cup honey roasted peanuts

1/3 cup slivered almonds

Optional chow mein noodles crispy wonton strips toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Combine all dressing ingredients in a food processor or bowl and whisk until smooth then cover and refrigerate

2. Shred chicken or use rotisserie chicken and season with salt and pepper

3. Shred green and red cabbage or use a 16 oz coleslaw mix

4. Drain mandarin oranges completely and pat dry with paper towels

5. In a large serving bowl combine chicken cabbage bell pepper carrots oranges green onions and cilantro and toss gently

6. When ready to serve drizzle peanut dressing over salad in increments and toss to coat

7. Top with honey roasted peanuts slivered almonds and optional toppings and serve immediately

Notes

Do not add dressing until ready to serve to keep cabbage crisp.

16 oz coleslaw mix can replace shredded cabbage and carrots.

Sriracha adds flavor complexity without making the salad spicy.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad Dinner
Method: No-Cook Tossed
Cuisine: Thai Asian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving based on 6
Calories: 459
Sugar: 17g
Sodium: 866mg
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 17g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 31g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 37g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: thai chicken salad, peanut dressing salad, thai peanut chicken salad, easy asian salad, shredded chicken salad