Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing
User Reviews
4.7
Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing
Description
The Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing incorporates a mix of shredded cooked chicken, coleslaw mix, chopped red bell pepper, scallions, and chopped peanuts for varied textures and flavors. The dressing is prepared by whisking together creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, sesame oil, grated fresh ginger, garlic powder, and water to adjust consistency. The balance between sweet, salty, acidic, and nutty flavors makes the dressing a key component that binds the salad ingredients together.
Fresh cilantro and basil are optional but recommended for their herbal freshness which complements the richer peanut dressing. The salad’s texture contrasts the crisp vegetables with tender chicken and crunchy nuts. Tossing just before serving keeps the ingredients crisp and the dressing flavorful.
This dish is ideal served immediately and can feed roughly 4 to 6 people. Adjusting the water in the dressing helps to reach the desired drizzling thickness. Using standard creamy peanut butter is advised over natural brands to maintain the intended texture and flavor. Frozen ginger can be grated easily and reduces waste for fresh ginger use.
Ingredients
- 1 pound coleslaw mix
- 3 cups chicken shredded, cooked
- 1/4 cup scallions chopped
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 1/2 cup peanut chopped
- cilantro chopped (optional but recommended, small handful, fresh
- basil sliced thin or torn (optional, small handful, fresh
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Dressing:
- 5 tablespoons peanut butter see note, creamy
- 3 tablespoons water or more as needed
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil see note, pure
- 1 teaspoon ginger grated, fresh
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Add the dressing ingredients to a medium-sized bowl and whisk together until smooth. Taste and adjust (e.g. add more lime juice or honey). If your dressing comes out really thick (peanut butter brands can vary), add even more water than suggested.
- Prep all the salad ingredients and them add to a large bowl. Toss with the dressing and serve immediately. Season with salt & pepper as needed.
Notes
- Avoid natural peanut butter for this recipe; use creamy peanut butter to maintain smooth texture and flavor balance.
- Frozen fresh ginger is easier to grate and reduces waste, so keep ginger frozen until needed.
- Fresh cilantro and basil add vibrant herbal notes but can be omitted if unavailable.
- The dressing thickness varies by peanut butter brand; add water gradually to get desired consistency.
- Serves 4 to 6; adjust quantities if fewer servings are desired.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 251 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 251kcal | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 14g | 5% |
| Protein | 14g | 28% |
| Fat | 17g | 26% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 20mg | 7% |
| Sodium | 434mg | 18% |
| Potassium | 423mg | 9% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 819IU | 16% |
| Vitamin C | 55mg | 61% |
| Calcium | 55mg | 6% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7
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