Thai Peanut Chicken Salad

Name: Thai Peanut Chicken Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 31 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1.5 lbs); 4 cups fresh mixed greens (romaine and spinach); 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 cucumber, diced; 1 cup shredded carrots; 3 green onions, chopped; ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped; ½ cup creamy peanut butter; 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce; 2 tbsp fresh lime juice; 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 tsp grated ginger; 1 tsp Sriracha sauce (optional)

Published: April 5, 2025

by mimi

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Thai Peanut Chicken Salad is not only quick to prepare but also bursting with flavor
The vibrant colors from fresh veggies make it visually appealing, ensuring everyone will want to dig in
Plus, it’s versatile enough for lunchboxes or dinner parties, making meal planning a breeze

I once made this salad for my family reunion, and it disappeared faster than you can say “Thai peanut sauce.”

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts works well adjust according to your crowd size.
Fresh Mixed Greens: A mix of romaine and spinach brings both crunch and nutrients.
Red Bell Pepper: Choose firm peppers for vibrant color and sweetness that brightens the salad.
Cucumber: Use English cucumbers for their crisp texture and minimal seeds.
Carrots: Shredded carrots add both color and crunch pre-shredded is fine if you’re short on time.
Green Onions: Fresh green onions give a mild onion flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of herbal freshness feel free to adjust to your taste preference.

For the Sauce:

Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter provides richness natural varieties are best for flavor.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce keeps saltiness in check while enhancing flavors beautifully.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice adds zesty brightness that cuts through the creaminess of the peanut butter.
Honey or Maple Syrup: A touch of sweetness balances out bold flavors perfectly use honey for classic taste or maple syrup for vegan option.
Garlic Clove: Fresh minced garlic ensures each bite has aromatic depth skip if you’re feeling shy about garlic breath
Ginger Root: Grated ginger adds warmth and spice use fresh for best results.
Sriracha Sauce (optional): For those who like a kick, Sriracha brings heat that elevates everything else in the salad.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Cook the Chicken: Begin by heating a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper before adding them to the pan. Cook until golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through about 7-8 minutes per side. Let rest before slicing into strips.

Prepare the Veggies: While your chicken cools down, wash and chop all your vegetables. Slice the red bell pepper into thin strips, dice cucumber, shred carrots if they aren’t pre-shredded, and chop green onions. The more colorful your cutting board looks, the better

Make the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, grated ginger, and Sriracha if desired. Whisk until smooth this sauce should be thick yet pourable Add water gradually if needed to achieve desired consistency.

Toss Everything Together: In a large bowl or platter, combine mixed greens with chopped veggies. Gently toss them together before adding sliced chicken on top. Drizzle with dressing generously don’t be shy

Add Final Touches: Sprinkle chopped cilantro over everything for that fresh flavor punch Serve immediately so everyone can enjoy those gorgeous colors while they’re at their peak.

This Thai Peanut Chicken Salad isn’t just food it’s a celebration on your plate Each ingredient plays its part in creating an unforgettable culinary experience filled with vibrant colors and flavors sure to impress anyone lucky enough to share it with you

You Must Know

This Thai Peanut Chicken Salad not only bursts with flavor but also comes together in minutes
Fresh vegetables and a rich peanut sauce create a delightful crunch that’s both satisfying and refreshing
Perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating your chicken in a zesty peanut sauce for at least 30 minutes. While the chicken grills or bakes, chop your veggies for a fresh crunch, and whisk up the remaining peanut sauce to drizzle over everything later.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the chicken for tofu or shrimp. Add extra toppings like crunchy peanuts, sesame seeds, or even sliced avocado for creaminess that elevates each bite

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet and serve chilled with fresh veggies for that crisp texture.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Use high-quality peanut butter for a richer taste it makes all the difference in flavor
Chop your veggies uniformly to ensure they mix well and provide an even crunch
Let the salad sit for 10 minutes before serving to enhance all those delicious flavors

It was my cousin’s birthday when I first made this salad, and it was such a hit that I had to make it again the next week

FAQs

FAQ

Can I prepare Thai Peanut Chicken Salad in advance?

Yes, you can assemble it ahead of time but add dressing just before serving.

What can I substitute for chicken?

Tofu or shrimp are great alternatives if you prefer plant-based options.

How can I make this salad gluten-free?

Simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in your peanut dressing for safety.