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Thai Chicken Salad

Thai Chicken Salad
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Thai Chicken Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines tender chicken, crisp fresh vegetables, and a tangy, slightly sweet dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch, light dinner, or a crowd-pleasing dish, it offers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, sour, and spicy flavors with bright herbs and crunchy peanuts for texture and color.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 to 2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded or chopped

Fresh Vegetables

  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • Optional: 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Optional: 1/4 cup sliced red onions

Herbs

  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped

Toppings

  • 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped

Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 small fresh chili, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
  • Optional: splash of soy sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Gently cook chicken breast if using raw, or use leftover cooked chicken breast. Shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces to allow it to absorb the dressing evenly and enhance flavor.
  2. Chop the Vegetables and Herbs: Dice cucumber, shred carrots, thinly slice red bell peppers and green onions. Roughly chop fresh cilantro and mint leaves to ensure vibrant, fresh herbal notes in the salad.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together freshly squeezed lime juice, fish sauce, minced garlic, sugar, and finely chopped chili. Taste and adjust the balance of tangy, salty, and sweet to your preference. Optionally add a splash of soy sauce for extra flavor.
  4. Toss Everything Together: Combine the shredded chicken, vegetables, and herbs in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss thoroughly, ensuring every ingredient is coated with the flavorful dressing.
  5. Add the Finishing Touches: Sprinkle roasted peanuts over the top just before serving to keep them crunchy. Optionally garnish with additional fresh herbs or a squeeze of lime for extra brightness.

Notes

  • Use freshly cooked chicken when possible for better flavor absorption and tenderness.
  • Lightly toast the peanuts yourself to enhance their flavor and crunch.
  • Adjust the dressing ingredients—lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar—to perfectly balance sweet, sour, and salty notes.
  • Chop herbs last and add just before tossing to preserve their aroma and vibrant color.
  • Keep the salad chilled before serving to maintain its refreshing qualities and crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thai chicken salad, healthy salad, quick lunch, Thai recipe, fresh herbs, peanut dressing, easy dinner

Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/thai-chicken-salad/