Name: Thai Chicken Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (poached, grilled, or rotisserie); 2 cups shredded cabbage (napa, red, or green); 1 cup grated or julienned carrots; 1 cup sliced cucumber or bell pepper; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped; 1/4 cup chopped peanuts, cashews, or slivered almonds; Optional: 1/2 cup diced mango, green papaya, or avocado; Optional: 1/4 cup edamame or sliced scallions; For the dressing: 3 tbsp peanut butter, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 tsp grated ginger, 1 tsp chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste), 2–3 tbsp water to thin

I’m excited to share a vibrant Thai Chicken Salad that’s bursting with fresh flavors and satisfying crunch. It’s made with tender shredded chicken, crisp cabbage, colorful veggies, and a bold, tangy Thai-inspired dressing. Whether I’m craving something light yet filling or prepping lunch for the week, this salad always hits the spot. Thai Chicken Salad

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe for its perfect balance of texture and flavor. The crisp vegetables pair beautifully with juicy chicken and a rich, nutty dressing. It’s easy to put together, customizable based on what I have on hand, and it keeps well for days. Plus, the zingy lime and fresh herbs make every bite bright and refreshing.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

shredded cooked chicken
shredded cabbage (green, red, or napa)
grated or julienned carrots
thinly sliced red bell pepper or cucumber
fresh cilantro and/or mint
chopped scallions
roasted peanuts or cashews
optional: diced mango or avocado for added creaminess

For the dressing (common variations include):
peanut butter
lime juice
rice vinegar
soy sauce or fish sauce
honey or maple syrup
minced garlic
grated ginger
chili flakes or sriracha for heat
sesame oil

directions

I start by combining all the salad ingredients in a large bowl.
Then, I whisk the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.
I pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything until well coated.
I like to let the salad sit for 10–15 minutes before serving so the flavors can meld.

Servings and timing

This Thai Chicken Salad typically serves 4 people.
It takes about 15 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to assemble and mix, for a total of 35 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes use grilled or poached chicken, or even rotisserie chicken for convenience.
To make it vegetarian, I swap the chicken for tofu or edamame.
For a different flavor profile, I replace the peanut butter with almond butter or skip it entirely for a lighter chili-lime dressing.
When I want something sweet and tropical, I add fresh mango or pineapple chunks.

storage/reheating

I always store the salad and dressing separately if I’m not serving it right away.
The undressed salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
If it’s already dressed, I try to enjoy it within 24 hours so the vegetables stay crisp.
I don’t recommend reheating—it’s best served cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

What type of chicken works best for this salad?

I usually use shredded rotisserie chicken for ease, but grilled or poached chicken breasts also work great.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I often prep the salad and dressing separately, then toss them together just before serving for the best texture.

How do I make it spicier or milder?

To adjust the heat, I add more or less sriracha, chili flakes, or fresh Thai chili depending on how spicy I want it.

What if I’m allergic to peanuts?

I simply swap the peanuts for cashews or skip nuts entirely and use a sesame-based dressing instead.

Is this salad gluten-free?

It can be! I just make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in the dressing.

Conclusion

I love how this Thai Chicken Salad delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s fresh, crunchy, satisfying, and completely customizable to fit my tastes. Whether I serve it for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, it always leaves me feeling nourished and refreshed.