Thai Chicken Salad

Thai Chicken Salad is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish featuring tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a bold, tangy dressing. It’s a refreshing and healthy meal option inspired by classic Thai flavors, including lime, fish sauce, garlic, and chili. Whether served as a light lunch or hearty dinner, this salad is a delicious way to spice up your weekly meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Thai Chicken Salad is all about balance — savory, spicy, sweet, and tangy. It’s healthy, gluten-free, and loaded with colorful veggies. You’ll love how easy it is to customize, whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving it at a gathering. The best part? It’s a complete meal in a bowl that doesn’t compromise on flavor or nutrition.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
• Shredded green or napa cabbage
• Carrots, julienned or shredded
• Red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• Cucumber, thinly sliced
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Fresh mint leaves, chopped
• Green onions, chopped
• Chopped peanuts or cashews (optional, for garnish)

For the Thai dressing:

• Lime juice
• Fish sauce or soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Honey or maple syrup
• Garlic, minced
• Fresh ginger, grated
• Chili flakes or fresh red chili (optional)
• Sesame oil (optional)

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the cabbage, carrots, red bell pepper, cucumber, cilantro, mint, and green onions.
2. Add the cooked chicken and toss everything together.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together lime juice, fish sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes.
4. Taste and adjust the dressing to your preference (add more honey for sweetness or more lime for tang).
5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat.
6. Garnish with chopped peanuts or cashews before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 4 servings and takes about 20 minutes to prepare.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Swap chicken with tofu, tempeh, or edamame.
• Noodle base: Add cooked rice noodles or glass noodles to make it more filling.
• Fruity twist: Add sliced mango or pineapple for a tropical touch.
• Creamy version: Stir in a spoonful of peanut butter into the dressing for a creamy Thai peanut flavor.
• Spicy lovers: Increase the chili or add sriracha for more heat.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing separate if preparing ahead of time for best texture. This salad is served cold and doesn’t require reheating.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a convenient option and works well in this salad.

What type of cabbage is best?

Green cabbage, napa cabbage, or even purple cabbage can be used. A mix adds color and texture.

Is this salad spicy?

It can be! You control the heat level by adjusting the amount of chili or using none at all.

Can I make the dressing ahead?

Yes, the dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge.

Is fish sauce necessary?

Fish sauce adds authentic Thai flavor, but you can use soy sauce or tamari for a vegetarian option.

How can I make this salad low-carb?

Skip any added noodles and use low-carb sweeteners like monk fruit or stevia in the dressing.

Can I serve this warm?

While traditionally served cold, you can warm the chicken slightly before mixing if you prefer a warmer dish.

What can I use instead of peanuts?

Cashews, sunflower seeds, or sesame seeds are great alternatives.

Can I meal prep this salad?

Yes, just keep the dressing separate and combine before eating to avoid soggy veggies.

Is it gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce or fish sauce, the salad is naturally gluten-free.

Conclusion

Thai Chicken Salad is a crave-worthy dish that’s light yet satisfying, packed with fresh vegetables and tossed in an irresistible tangy dressing. Whether you’re after a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing lunch, this salad brings bold flavor and wholesome ingredients together in the most delicious way.

Print