Thai Chicken Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Dressing: The homemade peanut dressing provides a harmonious balance of tangy, savory, and sweet notes, elevating the overall taste of the salad.
• Crunchy Texture: A mix of fresh vegetables and nuts adds a satisfying crunch to every bite.
• Quick and Convenient: Utilizing rotisserie chicken and pre-shredded coleslaw mix can significantly reduce preparation time.
• Versatile: Suitable as a main course for lunch or dinner, or as a side dish for gatherings and potlucks.

Ingredients

For the Dressing:

• ½ cup peanut butter
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon sriracha (or hot sauce)
• ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon 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 and patted dry
• ½ cup green onions, chopped
• ¼ cup cilantro, roughly chopped
• ½ cup honey roasted peanuts
• ⅓ cup slivered almonds
• Optional: Chow mein noodles, crispy wonton strips, toasted sesame seeds

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

Directions

1. Prepare the Dressing:

   • In a mini food processor or a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, soy sauce, chicken broth, lime juice, honey, sriracha, garlic powder, toasted sesame oil, and ground ginger. Blend or whisk until smooth and well combined. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

2. Assemble the Salad:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, green cabbage, red cabbage, diced red bell pepper, julienned carrots, mandarin oranges, green onions, cilantro, honey roasted peanuts, and slivered almonds. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly.

3. Dress the Salad:

   • When ready to serve, drizzle the prepared peanut dressing over the salad. Start with a portion of the dressing, toss to coat, and add more as needed to achieve the desired level of dressing.

4. Serve:

   • Transfer the dressed salad to serving plates or a large serving bowl. Garnish with optional toppings such as chow mein noodles, crispy wonton strips, or toasted sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: 6 servings
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

1. Protein Alternatives:

   • Substitute the shredded chicken with grilled shrimp, tofu, or beef strips for a different protein option.

2. Vegetable Additions:

   • Incorporate additional vegetables such as snap peas, edamame, or cucumber slices to enhance the salad’s texture and nutritional value.

3. Spice Level Adjustment:

   • Increase or decrease the amount of sriracha in the dressing to adjust the heat level according to your preference.

4. Nut Variations:

   • Replace peanuts and almonds with cashews or sunflower seeds for a different nutty flavor.

5. Leafy Greens:

   • Add a handful of spinach or mixed greens to the salad for extra volume and nutrients.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage:

  • For optimal freshness, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The salad can be stored for up to 2 days, while the dressing can last up to a week.

• Reheating:

  • This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If using warm protein like freshly cooked chicken or shrimp, allow it to cool before adding to the salad to maintain the crispness of the vegetables.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients and dressing ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them just before serving to maintain the salad’s crispness.

Is there a substitute for peanut butter in the dressing?

If you have a peanut allergy or prefer an alternative, you can use almond butter or sunflower seed butter in place of peanut butter.

Can I use bagged coleslaw mix instead of shredding my own cabbage and carrots?

Absolutely, using a 16 oz. bag of coleslaw mix is a convenient shortcut that works well in this recipe.

How can I make this salad vegetarian or vegan?

To make the salad vegetarian, omit the chicken and replace it with tofu or additional vegetables. For a vegan version, also substitute the honey in the dressing with maple syrup or agave nectar.

What can I serve alongside this salad?

This Thai Chicken Salad pairs well with dishes like spring rolls, fried rice, or a light soup to create a complete meal.

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