Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing: A Crunchy, Flavorful Delight
Bring a touch of Thai cuisine to your table with this Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing, a dish that promises a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and fresh flavors. Ideal for a light lunch or a vibrant side dish, this salad combines crunchy vegetables, tender chicken, and a rich, nutty dressing that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- Coleslaw Mix: 1 pound
- Shredded Cooked Chicken: 3 cups
- Scallions: 1/4 cup, chopped
- Red Bell Pepper: 1, chopped
- Chopped Peanuts: 1/2 cup
- Fresh Cilantro: A small handful, chopped (optional but recommended)
- Fresh Basil: A small handful, sliced thin or torn (optional)
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
For the Peanut Dressing:
- Creamy Peanut Butter: 5 tablespoons (Note: For a lighter option, you can use a reduced-fat version)
- Water: 3 tablespoons, or more as needed
- Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Lime Juice: 1 tablespoon
- Honey: 1 tablespoon
- Sesame Oil: 1/2 teaspoon (Note: Ensure it’s pure sesame oil for the best flavor)
- Fresh Ginger: 1 teaspoon, grated
- Garlic Powder: 1/4 teaspoon
Directions
- Make the Dressing:
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, water, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, sesame oil, grated ginger, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Adjust the flavor as needed by adding more lime juice or honey.
- If the dressing is too thick, add more water to reach the desired consistency.
- Prepare the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, shredded chicken, scallions, red bell pepper, peanuts, cilantro, and basil.
- Toss the ingredients together to mix well.
- Dress the Salad:
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve:
- Enjoy the salad immediately for the freshest flavor, or let it chill in the refrigerator for a while to allow the flavors to meld together.
Preparation Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
This Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing is not only quick and easy to prepare but also offers a nutritious option that doesn’t compromise on flavor. The creamy peanut dressing, when paired with the crunch of the fresh vegetables and the richness of the chicken, creates a fulfilling meal that’s both refreshing and indulgent. Perfect for any occasion, whether it be a simple family dinner or a gathering with friends, this salad is sure to impress. Enjoy this delightful blend of textures and flavors that make Thai cuisine so beloved.
Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
The Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing is a visually appealing dish that combines the bright, fresh colors of red bell peppers and greens with the rich tones of the peanut dressing. This salad is not only a feast for the eyes with its array of colors and textures but also a delight to the taste buds with its complex, bold flavors.
Ingredients
Salad:
1 pound coleslaw mix
3 cups shredded cooked chicken
1/4 cup chopped scallions
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup chopped peanuts
Small handful of fresh cilantro, chopped (optional but recommended)
Small handful of fresh basil, sliced thin or torn (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
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 pure sesame oil (see note)
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
Make the Dressing: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, water, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, sesame oil, grated ginger, and garlic powder until smooth. Adjust the flavor as needed by adding more lime juice or honey. If the dressing is too thick, add more water to reach the desired consistency.
Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, shredded chicken, scallions, red bell pepper, peanuts, cilantro, and basil. Toss the ingredients together.
Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Enjoy the salad immediately, or let it chill in the refrigerator for flavors to meld.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes