Thai Chicken Salad

Name: Thai Chicken Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 4 cups mixed salad greens; 1 cup shredded carrots; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 cucumber, sliced; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1/4 cup chopped peanuts; 3 tablespoons lime juice; 2 tablespoons fish sauce; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon grated ginger; 1 garlic clove, minced

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

Elevate your dining experience with this vibrant Thai Chicken Salad that combines tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a zesty homemade dressing. Perfect for a fresh, healthy meal, this salad bursts with flavors that celebrate the essence of Thai cuisine. Easy to prepare, this delightful recipe is perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep throughout the week.

Created by

Keira Thompson

Last updated on 2025-12-14T09:20:40.114Z

This Thai Chicken Salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, offering a refreshing taste of Thai cuisine right at your table.

A Burst of Thai Flavors

Thai cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors, balancing sweet, sour, salty, and spicy elements. This Thai Chicken Salad is no exception, featuring a harmonious blend of fresh herbs, zesty dressing, and tender chicken. Each bite is a celebration of authentic Thai ingredients, making it not just a meal but an experience.

The fresh cilantro adds a fragrant touch, while the lime juice provides that essential zing that elevates the dish. The peanuts add an unexpected crunch, enhancing the overall texture and flavor profile. This salad showcases how traditional Thai elements can seamlessly blend into an accessible and healthy dish perfect for any occasion.

Health Benefits of the Ingredients

This Thai Chicken Salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. Cooked chicken serves as an excellent source of lean protein, crucial for muscle maintenance and overall health. The mixed salad greens and vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals, supporting digestive health and providing antioxidants.

Additionally, the fresh herbs like cilantro and the dressing's ingredients, such as ginger and garlic, are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Incorporating these elements into your meals can contribute to improved wellness and vitality, making this salad a smart choice for health-conscious eaters.

Perfect for Every Occasion

Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this Thai Chicken Salad fits the bill. Its vibrant presentation and delightful flavors make it a crowd-pleaser at parties, while its ease of preparation makes it ideal for meal prepping. You can easily whip up a large batch and store portions in the fridge for a convenient lunch or dinner throughout the week.

Not to mention, it's incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand or prefer. You can add cooked shrimp, or tofu for a vegetarian option, or mix in your favorite seasonal vegetables to create variations that suit your taste.

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
4 cups mixed salad greens
1 cup shredded carrots
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 cucumber, sliced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup chopped peanuts

Dressing Ingredients

3 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons fish sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1 garlic clove, minced

Mix all ingredients together for a delicious meal.

Instructions

Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, fish sauce, honey, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic until well combined.

Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, salad greens, carrots, bell pepper, cucumber, and cilantro. Drizzle with dressing and toss to combine.

Serve

Top with chopped peanuts and serve chilled.

Enjoy your fresh and flavorful Thai Chicken Salad!

Tips for Meal Prep

When preparing this Thai Chicken Salad for meal prep, consider storing the dressing separately to keep the greens fresh. Pack the salad ingredients in airtight containers, and drizzle the dressing right before serving to maintain crispness. This way, you can enjoy a refreshing salad throughout the week without soggy greens.

Additionally, you can cook a larger batch of chicken at once and shred it for various meals. This can save time during your busy week, allowing you to quickly assemble this flavorful salad whenever you need a nutritious meal.

Serving Suggestions

For an even heartier meal, consider serving this Thai Chicken Salad over a bed of quinoa or brown rice. This adds a healthy grain element to your dish while complementing the salad's vibrant flavors. You can also serve it alongside spring rolls or a bowl of coconut soup for a complete Thai-inspired dining experience.

If you enjoy a bit of kick, consider adding sliced chili peppers or a dash of sriracha to the dressing. This elevates the flavors and adds warmth, making it suitable for those who love a spicy twist on their salads.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the salad and dressing separately and combine them just before serving.

→ Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?

You can replace the chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.