Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing

Imagine the perfect balance of crispy vegetables, tender chicken, and a silky, aromatic peanut dressing that coats every bite with sweet, salty, and tangy flavors. This Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing delivers all that and more, bringing restaurant-quality Thai flavors right to your dinner table. The combination of crunchy coleslaw, protein-packed chicken, and that irresistible peanut sauce creates a meal that’s both satisfying and refreshing. You’ll learn how to create a perfectly balanced dressing that brings authentic Thai flavors to this easy-to-assemble salad that’s perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or entertaining guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection for many good reasons. First, the textural contrasts are absolutely divine – the crunch of fresh vegetables and chopped peanuts against tender shredded chicken creates a satisfying mouthfeel with every bite. The peanut dressing is the real star, offering a perfect harmony of creamy, sweet, salty, and tangy notes that will have you licking your fork clean.

What makes this Thai chicken peanut salad particularly special is its versatility. It works beautifully as a light summer dinner, a make-ahead lunch option, or even as an impressive potluck contribution. The recipe comes together in minutes, especially if you use pre-shredded coleslaw mix and rotisserie chicken, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Health-conscious eaters will appreciate that this dish packs serious nutritional benefits too – loaded with vegetables, lean protein, and heart-healthy fats from the peanuts. The flavor profile is complex enough to satisfy sophisticated palates while remaining accessible to those who might be new to Thai cuisine. It’s truly a crowd-pleaser that manages to be both familiar and exciting at the same time.

Ingredients for the Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing

The beauty of this salad lies in the balance of fresh, crunchy vegetables, lean protein, and the aromatic Thai-inspired dressing that brings everything together with its complex flavors.

For the Salad:

• 1 pound coleslaw mix
• 3 cups shredded cooked/rotisserie chicken
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh scallions
• 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 & pepper (to taste)

For the Peanut Dressing:

• 5 tablespoons creamy peanut butter (see note)
• 3 tablespoons water (or more as needed)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (see note)
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Pro Tips

To elevate your Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing from good to outstanding, here are three essential techniques to master:

First, the peanut dressing consistency is crucial. Different brands of peanut butter have varying thicknesses, so adjust your water accordingly. The perfect consistency should be pourable but still coat the back of a spoon. If your dressing seems too thick even after adding the recommended water, don’t hesitate to add more, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach that silky, pourable consistency.

Second, don’t skip the fresh herbs if possible. The cilantro and basil might be marked as optional, but they add authentic Thai flavor dimensions that can’t be replicated. If you’re serving guests who may not like cilantro (some people have the genetic predisposition to taste soap), consider serving the herbs on the side so everyone can customize their portion.

Lastly, for maximum crunch and flavor contrast, assemble the salad just before serving. If you need to prepare in advance, store the dressing separately from the vegetables and chicken, combining everything right before serving. This prevents the coleslaw from becoming soggy and maintains that satisfying textural contrast that makes this Thai chicken peanut salad so special.

Instructions

Step 1: Add the dressing ingredients to a medium-sized bowl and whisk together until smooth. Taste and adjust (e.g. add more lime juice or honey). If your dressing comes out really thick (peanut butter brands can vary), add even more water than suggested.

Step 2: Prep all the salad ingredients and add them to a large bowl. Toss with the dressing and serve immediately. Season with salt & pepper as needed.

Variations

The classic Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing is wonderful as written, but you can easily customize it to suit different tastes or dietary needs. For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with 2 cups of cubed firm tofu (preferably baked or air-fried until crispy) or 1 can of drained and rinsed chickpeas for plant-based protein that still offers satisfying texture.

For those who enjoy extra heat, add 1-2 tablespoons of Thai red chili paste (sambal oelek) to the dressing or thinly sliced fresh Thai chilis to the salad. This creates a spicy Thai chicken salad that will delight those who appreciate some fire in their meals.

If you’re following a lower-carb diet, you can replace half the coleslaw mix with finely chopped kale or shredded Brussels sprouts for added nutrition and a heartier texture. For a gluten-free version, simply substitute the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, which will maintain that savory umami flavor without the gluten.

Storage and Serving

This Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing is best enjoyed immediately after tossing with the dressing, when the vegetables are at their crunchiest. However, if you need to store leftovers, they’ll keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though the texture will soften somewhat.

For meal prep, store the undressed salad components and dressing separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, combining them just before serving. The peanut dressing might thicken when chilled, so let it come to room temperature and thin with a splash of water if needed.

For serving, this Thai peanut chicken salad makes a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it as part of a larger spread. It pairs beautifully with fresh spring rolls, a light coconut soup, or steamed jasmine rice for a more substantial meal. For an elegant presentation, serve the salad in a large shallow bowl and garnish with additional chopped peanuts, fresh lime wedges, and sprigs of cilantro or basil.

FAQs

Can I make the peanut dressing ahead of time?
Yes! The dressing can be made up to 5 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It may thicken when chilled, so bring it to room temperature and whisk in a bit of water before using.

What can I substitute for peanut butter if there’s an allergy?
For a peanut-free version, substitute almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or tahini. Each will give a slightly different flavor profile but will still create a delicious dressing.

Is this Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing spicy?
As written, the recipe is mild. If you prefer heat, add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the dressing to taste.

Can I add other vegetables to the salad?
Absolutely! Shredded carrots, thinly sliced cucumbers, snow peas, or edamame would all make excellent additions to this flexible recipe.

How can I make this salad more filling?
To make a more substantial meal, add cooked rice noodles or quinoa to the salad, or serve it over a bed of steamed jasmine rice for a complete protein-packed meal.

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