Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing

Try this Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing for a refreshing and flavorful meal! Packed with shredded chicken, fresh veggies, and a creamy peanut dressing, this salad is both healthy and satisfying. Perfect for lunch or dinner, it’s easy to make and full of vibrant flavors. With ingredients like ginger, lime, and cilantro, this salad offers a delicious taste of Thai cuisine. Make this quick and nutritious dish your new go-to recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound coleslaw mix
• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1/4 cup scallions, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup peanuts, chopped
• Small handful of fresh cilantro, chopped (optional but recommended)
• Small handful of fresh basil, sliced thin or torn (optional)
• Salt & pepper, to taste

Dressing:

• 5 tablespoons creamy peanut butter (see note)
• 3 tablespoons water (or more as needed)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon pure sesame oil (see note)
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions:

1. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients until smooth. Taste and adjust as needed, adding more lime juice or honey to suit your preference. If the dressing is too thick (peanut butter brands can vary), add more water until the desired consistency is reached.
2. Prep all the salad ingredients and add them to a large bowl. Toss with the dressing until everything is evenly coated. Serve immediately and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Notes:

• It’s best to avoid natural peanut butter for this recipe as it can affect the flavor and texture. Use it sparingly and adjust the dressing as needed if you do use it.
• Use the sesame oil found in the Asian section of your grocery store. It has a strong, nutty flavor and is typically darker in color, sometimes labeled as toasted sesame oil. Any available brand will work.
• Adding cilantro and basil is optional but highly recommended for extra flavor and freshness.
• Pro tip: Grate ginger easily by freezing it. Keeping fresh ginger in the freezer reduces waste and makes grating simpler.