Name: Thai Style Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 3 cups shredded chicken; 1 cup shredded carrots; 1 cup chopped cilantro; 1 cup chopped green onions; 1/2 cup sliced almonds; Watermelon radish slices or crackers, for serving; 12 oz dairy-free plain yogurt; 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter; 3 tbsp coconut aminos; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tsp toasted sesame oil; 2 tsp rice vinegar; Juice of 2 limes

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 41 reviews

If you are craving something fresh, vibrant, and packed with exciting flavors, this Thai Style Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe is your new go-to! It perfectly combines tender shredded chicken with crisp vegetables and the irresistible creaminess of a peanut dressing that dances on your tongue. Every bite bursts with a balance of savory, tangy, and nutty notes that make this salad not just a meal but an experience you’ll want to share with friends and family. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a stunning dish to impress at your next gathering, this recipe delivers delight in every forkful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A wooden bowl holds five distinct layers of ingredients arranged in a circle: bright orange shredded carrots on the upper left, chopped green onions on the lower left, shredded white chicken in the center, fresh cilantro leaves on the upper right, and sliced almonds on the lower right. Surrounding the bowl on a white marbled surface are round slices of vibrant pink watermelon radish on a white plate, black sesame seeds in a small bowl, a creamy white dressing topped with black sesame seeds in a white bowl, lime halves, extra green onion pieces in a small bowl, and scattered cilantro leaves. The overall scene is bright, colorful, and fresh, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering fresh, simple, and accessible ingredients ensures that your Thai Style Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe will shine. Each component plays a unique role in texture, flavor, and color, blending effortlessly into a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

3 cups shredded chicken: Use cooked, shredded chicken for a hearty protein that absorbs the dressing well.
1 cup shredded carrots: Adds a sweet crunch and vibrant orange color to brighten up the salad.
1 cup chopped cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings a lively herbaceous note essential to Thai-inspired dishes.
1 cup chopped green onions: Offers subtle sharpness and a fresh bite that lifts the whole salad.
1/2 cup sliced almonds: Toasted almonds contribute a satisfying crunch and a nutty depth.
Watermelon radish slices or crackers for serving: Provides a colorful and crisp accompaniment to the salad.
12 oz dairy-free plain yogurt: Forms a creamy, tangy base for the peanut dressing that’s gentle and cooling.
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter: Delivers richness and the signature nutty flavor to the dressing.
3 tbsp coconut aminos: Adds umami and a touch of sweetness without the need for soy sauce.
2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dressing with aromatic, savory depth.
2 tsp toasted sesame oil: Brings a fragrant, toasty warmth that’s unmistakably Thai.
2 tsp rice vinegar: Balances the richness with a mild, tangy acidity.
Juice of 2 limes: Fresh lime juice brightens the flavors and adds zesty freshness.

How to Make Thai Style Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Dressing

Start by whisking together the dairy-free plain yogurt, creamy peanut butter, coconut aminos, minced garlic, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, and fresh lime juice in a bowl. Blend until smooth and creamy. This dressing is the heart of your salad, marrying the tangy and nutty flavors into the perfect coating for the chicken and veggies.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, shredded carrots, chopped cilantro, chopped green onions, and sliced almonds. Each ingredient adds layers of flavor and textural contrast that make this salad truly exciting.

Step 3: Toss the Salad with Dressing

Pour the peanut dressing over the salad mixture and toss everything together gently but thoroughly. Make sure every bite gets a little of that luscious dressing to tie it all together. The salad should look colorful and appealing, with the dressing lightly coating all the ingredients.

Step 4: Chill Before Serving

For the best flavor, cover the salad and let it chill in the fridge for about 20 to 30 minutes. This rest allows the flavors to meld and the chicken to soak up the dressing, resulting in a more flavorful and refreshing dish.

How to Serve Thai Style Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe

In the center of the image, there is a black bowl filled with a smooth, creamy white sauce sprinkled with small black sesame seeds. Surrounding this bowl, there are four smaller bowls and some loose ingredients placed on a white marbled surface. To the top left, a black plate holds several bright pink and white slices of watermelon radish. Above the creamy sauce on the right side, a wooden bowl contains shredded orange carrot and chopped green onions. Below the creamy bowl to the left, there is a black bowl filled with more shredded orange carrot, and next to it, there is a small wooden bowl with chopped green onions. On the right side near the bottom, there are fresh green leaves and a halved lime. The colors are vibrant, contrasting well with the white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding the perfect garnish makes this salad feel extra special. Use vibrant watermelon radish slices for a pop of color and a crisp, slightly peppery bite. Fresh extra cilantro leaves or chopped peanuts sprinkled on top can also amplify the flavor and presentation.

Side Dishes

This versatile salad pairs beautifully with light and simple sides like steamed jasmine rice, crunchy cucumber slices, or even a handful of crunchy crackers. These sides complement the salad’s creaminess and offer additional textures for a balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Thai Style Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe in colorful bowls or over a bed of fresh lettuce leaves for an elegant touch. You could also package it in mason jars for a fun picnic or lunchbox treat that looks as great as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This salad keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The dressing may thicken over time, so give the salad a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing before serving leftovers.

Freezing

Because of the dairy-free yogurt and fresh vegetables, freezing this salad isn’t recommended as it will affect the texture and freshness. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. If you want to warm the chicken, gently reheat it separately and add it to the salad just before serving. Avoid reheating the entire salad with dressing to maintain its vibrant texture and flavors.

FAQs

Can I use regular yogurt instead of dairy-free yogurt?

Absolutely! Regular plain yogurt works perfectly in the peanut dressing if you don’t have any dietary restrictions. It still adds tanginess and creaminess to the salad.

What type of chicken is best for this salad?

Shredded cooked chicken breast or thigh meat works best. You can use leftover roasted chicken, rotisserie chicken, or poach chicken breasts yourself for a tender and juicy result.

Is this salad spicy?

This Thai Style Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe is mild and flavorful without heat. If you love spice, add a dash of chili flakes or fresh sliced chili for a little kick.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Definitely! The peanut dressing can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good whisk before tossing it into the salad to keep it creamy.

Are there any good substitutions for coconut aminos?

If you don’t have coconut aminos, light soy sauce or tamari are great alternatives, but keep in mind they add saltiness, so adjust accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Thai Style Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe, it will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation. It’s fresh, easy to make, and packed with bold flavors that feel both comforting and exciting. Don’t hesitate to whip it up for your next lunch or dinner; your taste buds will thank you for the vibrant punch of Thai-inspired goodness!

Thai Style Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need