If you’re looking for a refreshing, nutritious, and flavorful meal, this Thai Chicken Salad is exactly what you need! It’s loaded with crisp vegetables, juicy shredded chicken, crunchy peanuts, and sweet mandarin oranges, all tossed in a creamy, homemade peanut dressing that’s both tangy and slightly spicy.
Not only is this salad incredibly easy to make, but it’s also packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it perfect for a light dinner, meal prep, or a side dish for any occasion. Whether you’re craving something fresh and healthy or a flavor-packed salad, this Thai-inspired dish delivers in every way!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 25 minutes with minimal prep!
✅ Protein-Packed – Shredded chicken makes this salad filling and satisfying.
✅ Customizable – Add more veggies, swap proteins, or adjust the spice level.
✅ Meal Prep-Friendly – Stays fresh in the fridge and makes a great make-ahead lunch.
✅ Bold & Flavorful – A perfect balance of sweet, savory, nutty, and spicy flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Thai Chicken Salad is made with simple ingredients that come together beautifully for an irresistible crunch and burst of flavors!
For the Creamy Peanut Dressing:
- ½ cup peanut butter – The base of the dressing, adding a rich, nutty taste.
- ¼ cup soy sauce – Provides a salty, umami depth to the dressing.
- ¼ cup chicken broth – Thins out the dressing while adding extra flavor.
- 2 tablespoons lime juice – Brings a fresh, zesty brightness to balance the peanut butter.
- 2 tablespoons honey – Adds a touch of natural sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon sriracha – Gives the dressing a subtle kick of spice (adjust to taste).
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder – Adds a mild, savory flavor.
- ½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil – Enhances the nutty flavors.
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger – Complements the dressing with a warm, slightly spicy note.
For the Salad:
- 4 cups shredded chicken – You can use rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or poached chicken for this.
- 4 cups green cabbage, shredded – A crunchy, mild base for the salad.
- 1 cup red cabbage, shredded – Adds a pop of color and a slight peppery bite.
- 1 red bell pepper, diced – Provides sweetness and a crisp texture.
- 1 cup carrots, julienned – Brings in natural sweetness and extra crunch.
- 1 (11 oz.) can mandarin oranges, drained and patted dry – Adds a juicy, citrusy element.
- ½ cup green onions, sliced – Gives the salad a mild, oniony freshness.
- ¼ cup cilantro, roughly chopped – Brings a refreshing herbal note.
- ½ cup honey-roasted peanuts – Adds crunch and a slight sweetness.
- 1/3 cup slivered almonds – More crunch and nutty flavor!
- Optional Toppings: Chow mein noodles, crispy wonton strips, or toasted sesame seeds for extra texture.
How to Make Thai Chicken Salad
This simple, no-cook recipe is incredibly easy to put together!
Step 1: Make the Dressing
- In a food processor or mixing bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, chicken broth, lime juice, honey, sriracha, garlic powder, sesame oil, and ground ginger until smooth and well combined.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
- In a large salad bowl, toss together the shredded chicken, cabbages, bell pepper, carrots, mandarin oranges, green onions, and cilantro.
- Add the peanuts and almonds for extra crunch.
Step 3: Toss & Serve
- When ready to serve, gradually add the dressing to the salad, tossing gently until evenly coated.
- Top with chow mein noodles, crispy wonton strips, or toasted sesame seeds if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Serving Ideas & Pairings
This Thai Chicken Salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with many dishes. Here are a few ideas:
🥢 With a Side of Rice – Serve it alongside steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice for a more filling meal.
🍜 As a Wrap or Bowl – Wrap it in lettuce leaves or serve it over quinoa or rice noodles for a fun twist.
🥗 As an Appetizer – Serve in small cups for a party-friendly, bite-sized option!
🥑 With Avocado – Sliced avocado on top adds creaminess and extra nutrients.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- To Make Ahead: Prep the salad ingredients and dressing separately and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. Toss with the dressing just before serving.
- To Store: Keep leftovers refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 3 days. The flavors meld together beautifully, making it great for meal prep!
- To Freeze: Freezing is not recommended as the cabbage and dressing don’t thaw well.
Customizations & Variations
One of the best things about this Thai Chicken Salad is that it’s so easy to customize!
🥦 Add More Veggies: Try adding edamame, snap peas, or cucumbers for extra crunch.
🐓 Swap the Protein: Use shrimp, tofu, or beef instead of chicken.
🌿 Make it Vegan: Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
🔥 Adjust the Spice: Add more sriracha or red pepper flakes for extra heat!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use store-bought peanut dressing?
Yes! While homemade dressing is fresh and flavorful, you can use a store-bought Thai peanut dressing for a shortcut.
2. Can I use a different nut butter?
Absolutely! Try using almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a unique twist.
3. What’s the best way to shred chicken?
You can shred rotisserie chicken, use a fork to pull apart cooked chicken breasts, or even toss cooked chicken in a stand mixer with a paddle attachment for easy shredding!
Final Thoughts
If you love crunchy, fresh, and flavor-packed meals, this Thai Chicken Salad is a must-try! Whether you’re making it for dinner, meal prep, or a potluck dish, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
The combination of textures, bold flavors, and the creamy peanut dressing makes every bite absolutely delicious. Plus, it’s healthy, easy, and customizable!
Print
🥗 Thai Chicken Salad – Fresh, Crunchy & Flavor-Packed!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
This Thai Chicken Salad is the perfect combination of crunchy, creamy, and refreshing flavors! With crisp cabbage, juicy shredded chicken, and a rich peanut dressing, it’s a satisfying meal that comes together in just 25 minutes. Serve it as a light dinner or a delicious side dish. Either way, it’s a must-try! 🥜🌿
Ingredients
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup peanut butter
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp sriracha (or hot sauce)
- ¾ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp toasted sesame oil
- ½ tsp ground ginger
For the Salad:
- 4 cups shredded chicken
- 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 1 (11 oz.) can mandarin oranges, drained & patted dry
- ½ cup green onions, chopped
- ¼ cup cilantro, roughly chopped
- ½ cup honey roasted peanuts
- ⅓ cup slivered almonds
✨ Optional Toppings: Chow Mein noodles, crispy wonton strips, toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Dressing: In a food processor or bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients until smooth. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
2️⃣ Prepare the Salad: Chop, dice, and shred all salad ingredients. Toss them together in a large mixing bowl.
3️⃣ Dress & Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad in increments, tossing to coat evenly. Add more dressing as needed.
4️⃣ Garnish & Enjoy: Top with crunchy wonton strips, sesame seeds, or Chow Mein noodles for extra texture!
Notes
✔ Short on time? Use rotisserie chicken for quick prep!
✔ Want it spicier? Add extra sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
✔ Meal prep friendly! Store dressing separately and mix before serving.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 390 per serving
- Sugar: 11g per serving
- Fat: 21g per serving
- Carbohydrates: 22g per serving
- Fiber: 5g per serving
- Protein: 32g per serving