Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing is a fresh and colorful dish that combines tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and a creamy peanut sauce that’s both tangy and sweet. You’ll find crisp lettuce, shredded carrots, bell peppers, and some fresh herbs all tossed together with juicy chicken slices. The peanut dressing brings everything to life with its smooth texture and rich flavor.
I love making this salad when I want something light but still filling. The peanut dressing is my favorite part—I usually stir in a little extra lime juice to give it a bright kick that wakes up my taste buds. It’s fun to mix all the ingredients yourself so you get just the right amount of dressing on every bite.
This salad is perfect for a quick lunch or a simple dinner, especially on warm days when you want something refreshing. I like serving it with some chopped peanuts sprinkled on top for extra crunch. It’s also great if you want to impress friends at a casual get-together, because it looks as good as it tastes!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Shredded cooked chicken breast is perfect here for tenderness and protein. If you prefer, use rotisserie chicken for ease, or leave it out for a vegetarian version and add tofu or chickpeas.
Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter creates the rich dressing. If there’s a peanut allergy, try sunflower seed butter or tahini as substitutes — they offer similar creaminess but different flavors.
Fresh Veggies: Romaine lettuce, red cabbage, carrots, cucumber, and bell pepper give the salad fresh crunch and vibrant colors. Feel free to swap in whatever crunchy veggies you have on hand, like snap peas or shredded zucchini.
Herbs: Cilantro and green onions add bright, fresh notes. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, fresh parsley or basil work nicely as alternatives.
Peanut Dressing: This dressing balances salty, sweet, tangy, and spicy—all important flavors. Adjust the lime juice for brightness or the chili for heat to suit your taste.
How Do I Make a Smooth, Creamy Peanut Dressing without Clumps?
Getting the peanut dressing smooth can be tricky if the peanut butter is thick or cold. Here’s how I do it:
- Start with room temperature peanut butter to make whisking easier.
- Whisk the peanut butter alone first until creamy and smooth.
- Add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger gradually while whisking.
- Slowly add water, a tablespoon at a time, whisking constantly to loosen the dressing to a pourable, silky texture.
- If your dressing is still too thick, a splash of warm water helps even more.
- For an extra smooth finish, using a mini blender or food processor works well, especially if garlic or ginger bits are tough to whisk in.
This technique keeps the dressing creamy and well combined, making sure it coats your salad perfectly without any thick patches or clumps.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large salad bowl – I like a big bowl to toss everything easily so ingredients don’t spill.
- Whisk or fork – makes mixing the dressing smooth and lump-free.
- Measuring cups and spoons – keeps your ingredients just right without guesswork.
- Chopping board and knife – for prepping vegetables and herbs efficiently.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for different protein options that suit your mood or diet.
- Add sliced mango or pineapple for a sweet twist that pairs well with the spicy peanut sauce.
- Mix in shredded cabbage or bean sprouts for extra crunch and freshness.
- Use lime zest or a splash of fish sauce in the dressing for more complex, authentic flavors.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large salad bowl – to mix and toss all the ingredients easily.
- Whisk or fork – for blending the peanut dressing smoothly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to measure ingredients accurately.
- Cutting board and sharp knife – for chopping vegetables and herbs.
- Two forks – to shred the cooked chicken breast.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Protein Options: Swap the chicken with cooked shrimp, tofu, or tempeh for a different twist.
- Sweet Touch: Add diced mango or pineapple chunks for a burst of sweetness that complements the peanut sauce.
- Extra Crunch: Mix in bean sprouts, water chestnuts, or shredded jicama for added texture.
- More Zing: Add a teaspoon of fish sauce or a splash of lime zest to the peanut dressing for deeper flavor.
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat by increasing chili flakes or adding fresh chopped chili peppers to the salad.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Salad?
Yes, but make sure the chicken is fully thawed before shredding. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Pat dry to avoid excess moisture in the salad.
How Long Can I Store the Salad and Dressing?
Store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The salad is best eaten within 1-2 days to keep veggies crisp, while the peanut dressing can last up to 5 days.
Can I Make the Salad Ahead of Time?
You can prep all ingredients and keep them refrigerated but toss the salad with dressing just before serving to prevent wilting and sogginess.
What Can I Use Instead of Peanut Butter?
Try sunflower seed butter or tahini as peanut-free alternatives. These will change the flavor slightly but still provide a creamy texture to the dressing.