Description
This Thai Chicken Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish featuring juicy grilled chicken, crisp vegetables, and a tangy, spicy Thai dressing. Packed with bold flavors, fresh herbs, and crunchy peanuts, this healthy salad is perfect for a light meal or a flavorful side dish. It’s quick to prepare, high in protein, and ideal for meal prep.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
2 chicken breasts, grilled and sliced
4 cups mixed greens (romaine, spinach, or arugula)
1 cucumber, julienned
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 carrot, shredded
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup chopped peanuts
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
2 green onions, chopped
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
For the Dressing:
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons fish sauce
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 small garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (or to taste)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cucumber, bell pepper, carrot, cilantro, and green onions.
- Add grilled chicken slices on top of the salad.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients: rice vinegar, fish sauce, lime juice, honey, sesame oil, garlic, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Garnish with chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, and fresh mint leaves before serving.
Notes
Protein Swap: Use shrimp, tofu, or grilled steak instead of chicken.
Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas, and swap fish sauce for soy sauce.
Nut-Free Version: Use sunflower seeds or toasted pumpkin seeds instead of peanuts.
Extra Spice: Add fresh sliced chili peppers or a drizzle of sriracha.
Creamy Dressing: Mix in a spoonful of peanut butter or tahini for a richer texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (for grilling the chicken)
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling, Tossing
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
