Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing is a refreshing mix of tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and a creamy, nutty sauce that ties it all together perfectly. Crisp lettuce, shredded carrots, and fresh herbs add a bright crunch that balances out the richness of the peanut dressing. It feels light but still satisfying thanks to all the different textures and flavors.
I love making this salad when I want something that feels a little special but is still quick to put together. The peanut dressing is my favorite part—it’s tangy, slightly sweet, and has just the right amount of salty goodness. I usually make a little extra dressing to drizzle on top because it really lifts the whole dish.
This salad is great on its own or served alongside some warm rice or noodles. It’s perfect for a fresh lunch or a light dinner, and it’s one of those recipes that always gets compliments. Whenever I make it, I find myself excited to eat more of those crunchy veggies with that creamy peanut flavor—definitely keep some extra peanuts on hand for a little crunch on top!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I love using shredded cooked chicken breast for a tender, lean protein. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut here if you want to save time. For a vegetarian option, try tofu or chickpeas instead.
Mixed Salad Greens: The combination of romaine, iceberg, and red cabbage gives this salad a nice crunch and fresh flavor. Feel free to add other veggies like cucumber or bell peppers for extra color and texture.
Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter creates the dressing’s rich, nutty base. If you’re allergic to peanuts, sunflower seed butter is a good alternative. Natural peanut butter works fine, but stir it well first.
Soy Sauce & Lime Juice: These add the salty and tangy balance to the dressing. For gluten-free options, choose tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Fresh lime juice is best for bright flavor, but bottled works in a pinch.
Fresh Garlic & Ginger: These ingredients bring depth and a slight spice punch to the dressing. If fresh ginger isn’t available, a pinch of ground ginger can be used, though fresh is tastier.
How Can I Make a Smooth and Balanced Peanut Dressing?
Getting the perfect creamy peanut dressing can feel tricky, but it’s all about slowly mixing and tasting. Here’s what helps me:
- Combine all thick ingredients first (peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, oils, lime juice, garlic, ginger).
- Whisk well until mostly combined.
- Slowly add warm water, 1 tablespoon at a time, whisking constantly until smooth and pourable—this avoids lumps.
- Taste and adjust—add more lime juice if you want tang, more honey for sweetness, or soy sauce for saltiness.
- Optional: stir in sriracha for a little heat if you like spicy flavors.
Keep the dressing on the thicker side if you prefer it as a dip, or thin it out more to make tossing the salad easier. This step really brings the salad together with a creamy, tasty finish!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large salad bowl – I like using a big bowl to toss all the ingredients easily and serve it beautifully.
- Whisk or fork – helps to blend the peanut dressing smoothly without lumps.
- Measuring spoons and cups – for accurate amounts of ingredients like lime juice, honey, and soy sauce.
- Cutting board and knife – for chopping veggies, cilantro, and peanuts with ease.
- Small bowl – handy for mixing dressing separately before tossing with the salad.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Switch proteins: Use cooked shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for different textures or to keep it vegetarian.
- Extra crunch: Top the salad with toasted sesame seeds or extra chopped peanuts for more texture.
- Herb boost: Add Thai basil or mint leaves for a fresh, aromatic twist.
- Sweeten it up: Mix in a drizzle of honey or a dash of brown sugar into the dressing for extra sweetness.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large salad bowl – perfect for mixing all the salad ingredients together with ease.
- Medium bowl – to whisk and prepare the peanut dressing separately.
- Whisk or fork – to blend the dressing ingredients smoothly.
- Measuring spoons and cups – for accurate measuring of dressing ingredients.
- Cutting board and sharp knife – for chopping vegetables, herbs, and peanuts.
- Grater or microplane – useful for grating fresh ginger.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Protein swaps: Try grilled shrimp, tofu, or cooked turkey instead of chicken for a different twist.
- Veggie additions: Add cucumber slices, bell peppers, or bean sprouts for extra crunch and freshness.
- Herbs: Mint or Thai basil are wonderful herbs to add alongside cilantro for more aromatic flavor.
- Spicy kick: Increase the sriracha or add chopped fresh chili peppers if you like your salad spicy.
- Crunch topping: Toasted sesame seeds or crispy fried shallots make a tasty and crunchy garnish.
- Dressing twist: Swap peanut butter for almond or cashew butter for a different nutty flavor.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Salad?
Yes! Just make sure the chicken is fully thawed before shredding. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave for a quicker option.
Can I Make the Peanut Dressing Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The dressing can be made and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before serving, as it may thicken slightly.
How Should I Store Leftover Salad?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate if possible to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
What Can I Substitute for Peanut Butter?
If you have a peanut allergy, try almond butter or sunflower seed butter instead. Keep the other dressing ingredients the same for best flavor balance.