Zingy Thai-Inspired Chopped Chicken Salad Recipe

Crafting a delightful chopped thai-inspired chicken salad brings unexpected bursts of flavor to your dinner table.

Vibrant herbs and zesty dressing create a symphony of tastes that dance across your palate.

Each crisp bite delivers a perfect balance of tender chicken and crunchy vegetables.

Fragrant cilantro and mint weave through the mix, adding layers of complexity.

Lime juice provides a tangy punch that lifts the entire dish.

Colorful ingredients promise a meal that looks as amazing as it tastes.

You’ll want to savor every refreshing forkful of this culinary adventure.

What Makes This Thai-Inspired Salad Unforgettable

• This Thai-inspired chicken salad delivers maximum taste with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or summer lunch gatherings.
• Easily swap ingredients based on what's in your fridge – chicken can be replaced with tofu, shrimp, or leftover rotisserie meat for instant meal flexibility.
• Packed with colorful vegetables and lean protein, this salad offers a nutrient-dense meal that feels indulgent yet supports wellness goals without sacrificing deliciousness.
• Prepare components ahead of time, store dressing separately, and assemble just before serving to maintain crisp textures and vibrant flavors throughout the week.

Everything That Goes into This Flavor Bomb

• Chicken: Lean protein that adds substance and heartiness to the salad.
• Peanuts: Crunchy topping with rich, nutty flavor and extra protein boost.

• Green Cabbage, Red Cabbage: Crisp base with different color and texture variations.
• Bell Pepper: Sweet, crunchy vegetable that adds bright color and freshness.
• Carrots: Provides sweet crunch and beautiful orange color to the salad.
• Cilantro, Green Onions: Fresh herbs that bring vibrant, zesty flavors.

• Peanut Butter: Creamy base that creates rich, smooth dressing texture.
• Soy Sauce: Adds umami and salty depth to the dressing.
• Lime Juice: Bright, tangy element that balances richness.
• Warm Water: Helps adjust dressing consistency and blend ingredients.
• Honey or Brown Sugar: Provides subtle sweetness to round out flavors.

Directions to Chop and Toss the Perfect Thai Salad

Step 1: Whip Up The Zesty Dressing

• Creamy peanut butter
• Fresh lime juice
• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger

Whisk everything together until the mixture becomes silky smooth. Add warm water gradually to create a perfect drizzling consistency.

Step 2: Prep The Colorful Ingredients

• Tender cooked chicken
• Crisp green cabbage
• Vibrant red cabbage
• Crunchy bell peppers
• Shredded carrots
• Fresh cilantro
• Sliced green onions

Step 3: Create The Flavor Explosion

Pour the tangy peanut dressing over the salad ingredients. Use tongs or salad servers to toss everything together, ensuring each ingredient gets beautifully coated with the dressing.

Step 4: Garnish And Serve

• Crushed roasted peanuts
• Extra cilantro leaves
• Optional chili flakes for heat

Serve immediately for maximum crunch and flavor. For deeper flavor development, let the salad rest in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before enjoying.

Tips for a Balance of Heat, Crunch, and Creaminess

• Customize Chicken Texture: Shred or dice chicken into bite-sized pieces for easier eating and better dressing absorption.
• Control Dressing Consistency: Adjust water quantity to create thinner or thicker dressing based on personal preference, ensuring perfect coating.
• Boost Nutrition Variety: Swap chicken with tofu or tempeh for vegetarian version, maintaining the classic Thai-inspired flavor profile.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Chop vegetables and cook chicken in advance, storing separately to quickly assemble salad when ready to serve.
• Enhance Crunch Factor: Toast peanuts before chopping to intensify nutty flavor and add extra crispiness to the salad's texture.

Keeping Thai-Inspired Salad Crisp and Fresh

• Store leftover salad in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. Keep dressing and salad separate to prevent soggy vegetables.
• Before serving, drain any excess liquid and give the salad a quick toss to redistribute flavors and restore crispness.
• This salad contains fresh vegetables and herbs that will lose texture and quality when frozen, so consume within recommended refrigeration time.
• Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs or extra peanuts just before serving to boost flavor and crunch of chilled leftovers.

Dishes That Pair Perfectly With This Salad

• Complement the salad's bold flavors with a creamy, sweet Thai iced tea that balances the tangy and spicy dressing.
• Choose a slightly sweet Riesling wine that matches the salad's zesty dressing and cuts through the peanut richness.
• Add a light, fragrant jasmine rice side to soak up the delicious peanut dressing and provide a neutral base for the vibrant salad.
• Create a refreshing drink that echoes the Thai-inspired flavors and offers a cool, zingy contrast to the salad's warmth.

How to Switch It Up While Keeping the Spirit

• Vegan Protein Swap: Replace chicken with crispy tofu or tempeh, marinated in soy sauce and grilled for a plant-based protein option.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari instead of soy sauce in the dressing and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Version: Swap cabbage for mixed greens and reduce carrots, creating a lighter, lower-carbohydrate meal option.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the dressing for those who enjoy extra heat and bold flavors.

All the Answers About Thai-Inspired Chicken Salad

• What makes the dressing creamy?

The dressing gets its creamy texture from peanut butter, which provides a rich and smooth base when whisked with other ingredients like lime juice and soy sauce.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chopped vegetables and chicken in advance. Keep the dressing separate and mix just before serving to prevent the salad from getting soggy.

• Is this salad gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce. Check that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

• How can I add more protein to this salad?

You can increase protein by adding edamame, tofu, or using grilled shrimp instead of chicken. Nuts like almonds or cashews also boost protein content.

Chopped Thai-Inspired Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy and fresh, chopped Thai-inspired chicken salad delivers a zesty explosion of Southeast Asian flavors. Crisp vegetables and tender chicken mingle with a tangy dressing, promising you a delightful culinary journey through Thailand’s vibrant cuisine.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 cups (473 ml) cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped

Vegetables and Greens:

• 2 cups (473 ml) shredded green cabbage
• 1 cup (237 ml) shredded red cabbage
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup (237 ml) shredded carrots
• ½ cup (118 ml) chopped fresh cilantro
• ½ cup (118 ml) chopped green onions

Dressing and Toppings:

• ½ cup (118 ml) chopped peanuts (for topping)
• ¼ cup (59 ml) creamy peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) honey or maple syrup
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 ml) warm water (to thin as needed)
• ½–1 teaspoon (2.5–5 ml) sriracha or chili paste, for heat (optional)

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant, zesty dressing by whisking peanut butter, lime juice, soy sauce, honey, and ginger in a small bowl until silky smooth. Gradually incorporate warm water to achieve a pourable consistency.
2. Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniform texture for optimal flavor distribution.
3. Slice green and red cabbage into delicate ribbons, creating a crunchy foundation for the salad.
4. Dice bell peppers and carrots into precise, uniform cubes to provide textural contrast and visual appeal.
5. Finely chop fresh cilantro and green onions, releasing their aromatic oils and adding a bright, herbaceous layer.
6. Combine chicken, cabbage, bell peppers, carrots, cilantro, and green onions in a spacious mixing bowl.
7. Drizzle the prepared peanut dressing over the salad, gently tossing to ensure every ingredient is evenly coated.
8. Sprinkle chopped peanuts on top for a satisfying crunch and nutty undertone.
9. Optional: Allow salad to rest for 15 minutes in the refrigerator, enabling flavors to harmonize and intensify.
10. Serve chilled, garnishing with additional fresh herbs for a final burst of color and freshness.

Notes

• Customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of sriracha or chili sauce in the dressing for those who prefer milder or spicier flavors.
• Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian version that maintains the protein-packed essence of the dish.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time and store separately to keep vegetables crisp and prevent soggy salad textures.
• Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to save time and add a quick protein boost to the recipe.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg