Name: Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs); 1 cup bell peppers, thinly sliced; 1 cup carrots, julienned; 1 cup cucumbers, diced; ½ cup cilantro, chopped; ½ cup mint, chopped; ½ cup unsweetened peanut butter; ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce; Juice of 2 limes; 1 tbsp honey (optional); Water as needed for consistency

Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad offers a perfect balance of fresh, crunchy textures and rich, savory flavors. The peanut dressing brings a creamy, slightly sweet, and salty contrast to the crisp veggies and juicy chicken. It’s easy to make, packed with protein and fiber, and it’s versatile enough to serve as a main or side dish. The combination of lime, herbs, and peanut butter creates a bright and flavorful meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
1 cup bell peppers, thinly sliced
1 cup carrots, julienned
1 cup cucumbers, diced
½ cup cilantro, chopped
½ cup mint, chopped
½ cup unsweetened peanut butter
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
Juice of 2 limes
1 tbsp honey (optional)
Water as needed for consistency

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 6 minutes on each side until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Allow the chicken to rest before slicing.
Prepare the Veggies: While the chicken cools, chop the bell peppers, julienne the carrots, and dice the cucumbers.
Make the Dressing: In a bowl, combine the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey (if using), and water. Whisk until smooth, adding more water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
Assemble the Salad: Slice the cooled chicken into strips or cubes. In a large bowl, toss the chicken with the prepared veggies, cilantro, and mint.
Dress the Salad: Drizzle the peanut dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
Serve: Serve immediately, or chill the salad for later enjoyment.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes

Variations

Add More Veggies: Include other veggies like red cabbage, edamame, or sliced radishes for extra color and crunch.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of sriracha to the peanut dressing for a spicy twist.
Vegan Version: Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version.
Noodles: Toss the salad with cooked rice noodles or soba noodles for a heartier meal.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: This salad is best served cold, but if you prefer, you can warm the chicken separately and serve it on top of the salad when ready to eat.

FAQs

1. Can I use grilled chicken instead of pan-seared?

Yes, grilled chicken would work perfectly in this recipe and add a smoky flavor to the salad.

2. Can I prepare the salad in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the veggies, chicken, and dressing in advance, but it’s best to combine them just before serving to keep the salad fresh and crunchy.

3. Can I substitute the peanut butter?

If you’re allergic to peanuts, you can substitute with almond butter or sunbutter for a similar creamy texture and nutty flavor.

4. Can I make this salad without cilantro?

Yes, you can substitute cilantro with parsley, basil, or omit it entirely if you prefer.

5. How can I make the dressing thicker?

If the dressing is too thin, add more peanut butter to thicken it up, or reduce the amount of water added.

6. Can I make the salad spicier?

Absolutely! Add a chopped chili pepper or a spoonful of sriracha to the dressing for a spicy kick.

7. Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this salad can be made gluten-free by ensuring you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

8. How do I make this salad lower in calories?

To make the salad lighter, use less peanut butter and omit the honey from the dressing. You can also reduce the amount of oil used for cooking the chicken.

9. Can I serve this with a side dish?

This salad pairs well with jasmine rice, quinoa, or a side of crispy spring rolls.

10. Can I freeze this salad?

It’s not recommended to freeze this salad as the fresh ingredients, especially the veggies and herbs, will not hold up well once frozen. It’s best enjoyed fresh.

Conclusion

Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing is a delicious, refreshing meal full of vibrant flavors and textures. It’s quick to make, versatile, and a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy elements. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this salad is sure to impress with its creamy peanut dressing and satisfying crunch.