Zesty Thai Chicken Salad 🥗🇹🇭

This vibrant Thai Chicken Salad is a delightful mix of fresh ingredients and bold flavors, making it a perfect dish for lunch, dinner, or a picnic. With a combination of tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and a zesty peanut dressing, it’s sure to impress your family and friends! 🍽️✨

Ingredients

For the salad

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (grilled or rotisserie works well)
• 4 cups mixed greens (such as romaine, spinach, or arugula)
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup crushed peanuts (for topping)

For the peanut dressing

• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Water (to thin the dressing, as needed)

Instructions

• In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, shredded chicken, carrots, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and cilantro. Toss gently to mix.

🥗 Make sure not to crush the greens; a gentle toss will keep your salad fresh and crisp!

• To prepare the peanut dressing, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, lime juice, sesame oil, and minced garlic in a small bowl. If the dressing is too thick, add a little water, one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve your desired consistency.

🥜 Adjust sweetness and saltiness according to your taste! If you like it spicier, consider adding a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes.

• Drizzle the peanut dressing over the salad just before serving and toss to coat everything evenly.

• Top with crushed peanuts for an added crunch!

🥢 Serve immediately to enjoy the freshness of the ingredients. If you need to prepare it in advance, keep the dressing separate until just before serving.

Variations

• Grilled Shrimp: Substitute chicken with grilled shrimp for a seafood twist!
• Vegetarian: Replace chicken with marinated tofu or tempeh for a hearty vegan option.
• Spicy: Add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili powder to crank up the heat!
• Noodle Salad: Toss in some cooked rice noodles to make this a complete meal in a bowl.

This Thai Chicken Salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients! Enjoy your culinary adventure with a touch of Southeast Asian flair! 🍽️💚