Thai Chicken Salad: A Refreshing and Flavor-Packed Meal

Name: Thai Chicken Salad: A Refreshing and Flavor-Packed Meal
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Thai-inspired
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached); 2 cups green cabbage, shredded; 1 cup red cabbage, shredded; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 cup carrots, julienned; 1 cup mandarin oranges, drained; 3 green onions, chopped; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped; 1/2 cup honey roasted peanuts; 1/4 cup slivered almonds; Optional toppings: Chow mein noodles, crispy wonton strips, toasted sesame seeds; 1/4 cup peanut butter; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian); 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 teaspoon sriracha (or more for extra spice); 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

Hi I'm Emma

Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on February 20, 2025

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

A Salad That Brings Back Travel Memories

There are certain dishes that have the power to transport you to another place, evoking memories of past travels and the joy of discovering new flavors. For me, this Thai Chicken Salad is one of those dishes.

I still remember the first time I had a Thai-inspired salad. I was traveling through Thailand, exploring the bustling night markets filled with the aroma of grilled meats, fresh herbs, and fragrant spices. I stopped at a small food stall where a vendor handed me a plate of crisp cabbage, tender chicken, and crunchy peanuts tossed in a rich, nutty, and slightly spicy dressing. The first bite was an explosion of flavors—sweet, tangy, savory, and just a hint of heat—and I was hooked.

When I returned home, I found myself craving that same balance of freshness and crunch, and after a few attempts in my kitchen, I created this Thai Chicken Salad. While it may not be an exact replica of what I had in Thailand, it captures the essence of that dish—light, refreshing, and packed with layers of flavor. Whether you’re looking for a healthy meal, a quick lunch, or a side dish for a gathering, this salad is sure to impress.

Why This Thai Chicken Salad Stands Out

1. A Perfect Balance of Flavors

Thai cuisine is all about achieving harmony in every bite, and this salad does just that. It combines savory chicken, crunchy cabbage, juicy mandarin oranges, and a rich peanut dressing that ties everything together beautifully.

2. Incredible Texture in Every Bite

This salad is anything but boring. With crunchy peanuts, crisp cabbage, tender chicken, and the chewiness of mandarin oranges, every bite has a satisfying contrast of textures.

3. Packed with Nutrients

Not only is this salad delicious, but it’s also packed with lean protein, fiber, healthy fats, and vitamins from fresh vegetables and nuts. It’s a great option for those looking for a healthy yet satisfying meal.

4. Easy to Make and Meal Prep Friendly

With just a little prep work, this salad comes together in 20 minutes and can be stored for easy lunches throughout the week. Using rotisserie chicken or pre-shredded cabbage makes it even quicker.

5. Completely Customizable

One of the best things about this salad is how easy it is to adapt to your preferences. Want more spice? Add extra sriracha. Need a vegetarian version? Swap out the chicken for tofu or chickpeas.

What You’ll Need (Ingredients)

For the Salad:

Shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
Green cabbage, shredded
Red cabbage, shredded
Red bell pepper, diced
Carrots, julienned
Mandarin oranges, drained
Green onions, chopped
Cilantro, roughly chopped
Honey roasted peanuts
Slivered almonds
Optional toppings: Chow mein noodles, crispy wonton strips, toasted sesame seeds

For the Peanut Dressing:

Peanut butter
Soy sauce
Chicken broth
Lime juice
Honey
Sriracha (or hot sauce)
Garlic powder
Toasted sesame oil
Ground ginger

How to Make It (Directions)

Step 1: Make the Peanut Dressing

Whisk together all dressing ingredients until smooth and creamy.
Cover and chill until ready to serve.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, toss together cabbage, bell pepper, carrots, mandarin oranges, green onions, and cilantro.
Add the shredded chicken and mix well.

Step 3: Dress and Serve

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
Top with peanuts, almonds, and any optional crunchy toppings.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutritious Bites (Nutritional Info per Serving)

Calories: 459 kcal
Carbohydrates: 31g
Protein: 37g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Sodium: 866mg
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 17g
Vitamin C: 74mg
Calcium: 97mg
Iron: 3mg

How to Serve Thai Chicken Salad

This salad is incredibly versatile and can be served in different ways depending on your meal preferences:

1. As a Main Dish

Because it’s packed with protein and healthy fats, this salad is filling enough to be eaten on its own. Pair it with a bowl of steamed jasmine rice or quinoa for a heartier meal.

2. As a Side Dish

If you’re serving a Thai-inspired dinner, this salad makes a perfect side dish alongside grilled shrimp, Thai-style beef skewers, or coconut curry.

3. In a Wrap

For an easy, portable lunch, wrap the salad in a whole wheat tortilla or lettuce wrap for a crunchy, flavorful meal on the go.

4. Served with Noodles

Tossing this salad with chilled soba noodles or rice noodles transforms it into a heartier noodle salad with even more texture and bite.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Use a Different Protein?

Yes! If you don’t have chicken on hand or want to mix things up, try:

Shrimp: Grilled or sautéed for a seafood twist.
Tofu: Crispy or marinated tofu for a vegetarian option.
Thinly sliced beef: Seared for a richer, heartier variation.
Chickpeas: For a plant-based protein boost.

2. What Type of Cabbage Works Best?

This recipe calls for a mix of green and red cabbage, but you can use:

All green cabbage for a milder taste.
Napa cabbage for a softer, more delicate crunch.
Pre-shredded coleslaw mix for an easy shortcut.

3. Can I Make the Peanut Dressing in Advance?

Absolutely! The dressing can be made up to one week in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using, as the ingredients may separate over time.

4. How Long Does This Salad Stay Fresh?

For best results, store the salad undressed in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add the dressing just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp.

5. How Can I Make This Salad Spicier?

If you love heat, here are a few ways to amp up the spice:

Add extra sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the dressing.
Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the salad.
Add thinly sliced Thai chili peppers for an extra kick.

6. Can I Make This Salad Vegan?

Yes! Simply swap out the chicken for tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in the dressing.

7. What Can I Use Instead of Peanuts?

If you have a peanut allergy or prefer a different crunch, try:

Cashews for a buttery flavor.
Almonds for a nutty crunch.
Sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.

8. Can I Use a Different Type of Citrus Instead of Mandarin Oranges?

Yes! If mandarin oranges aren’t available, try using:

Fresh orange segments
Chopped pineapple
Diced mango

9. What’s the Best Way to Shred Chicken?

The easiest way to shred chicken is to use:

Rotisserie chicken for a convenient shortcut.
Poached chicken—boil chicken breasts for 15-20 minutes, then shred with two forks.
A stand mixer—place cooked chicken in the bowl and mix with a paddle attachment for a quick shredding method.

10. How Can I Make the Dressing Creamier?

For a thicker, creamier dressing, you can:

Add Greek yogurt or mayonnaise.
Use more peanut butter for a richer texture.

Conclusion: A Salad That’s as Satisfying as It Is Fresh

This Thai Chicken Salad is more than just a salad—it’s a bold, vibrant, and nutrient-packed meal that’s light yet satisfying. The combination of crunchy cabbage, juicy chicken, sweet mandarin oranges, and nutty peanut dressing creates a flavor explosion that will leave you coming back for more.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, completely customizable, and perfect for meal prep. Whether you’re serving it for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or as part of a larger feast, this salad is guaranteed to impress.

So the next time you’re craving something fresh, flavorful, and packed with crunch, skip the takeout and make this Thai Chicken Salad instead. It’s the kind of meal that makes healthy eating feel like a treat.