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- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 4 cups mixed greens (such as romaine and spinach) - 1 cup shredded carrots - 1 red bell pepper, julienned - 1 cucumber, thinly sliced - 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped - 3 tablespoons lime juice - 2 tablespoons fish sauce - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 1/4 cup crushed peanuts (for topping) - 1/4 cup crispy fried shallots - Calories per serving: Approximately 300 - Macronutrient breakdown: - Protein: 25g - Carbs: 15g - Fat: 15g This salad is not just colorful; it's packed with nutrients too! The mix of chicken and greens gives you protein and vitamins. The dressing adds a tangy kick, making it a perfect meal. Enjoy! {{ingredient_image_1}} Whisking the dressing ingredients Start by making the sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together: - 3 tablespoons lime juice - 2 tablespoons fish sauce - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes Mix until it blends well. This dressing is the heart of the salad. It brings all the flavors together. Preparing the vegetables Next, get your veggies ready. You need to: - Wash and dry 4 cups of mixed greens (like romaine and spinach) - Shred 1 cup of carrots - Julienne 1 red bell pepper - Thinly slice 1 cucumber - Chop 1/2 cup of cilantro Keep everything fresh and crunchy for the best taste. Combining key ingredients In a large salad bowl, combine: - The mixed greens - Shredded chicken (2 cups, cooked and shredded) - Shredded carrots - Julienned red bell pepper - Sliced cucumber - Chopped cilantro Gently toss to mix all the ingredients. This step is key for even flavor. Mixing the dressing with the salad Now it’s time for the dressing. Drizzle the sauce over the salad mix. Toss thoroughly, so every bite gets coated in that zesty flavor. Presentation tips For a great look, serve in individual bowls. Top each bowl with: - Crushed peanuts (1/4 cup) - Crispy fried shallots (optional) You can also add a sprinkle of cilantro and a lime wedge for extra flair. Optimal chilling time Let the salad chill for 15-30 minutes. This helps the flavors come together nicely. Enjoy your fresh, crunchy Thai chicken salad! To make the dressing just right, taste as you mix. Add more lime juice for zing. If you like it sweeter, add more honey. You can make the dressing ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge. Shake it well before use. Keep your salad crisp by adding ingredients right before serving. Store greens in a damp paper towel to keep them fresh. Use an airtight container for leftovers. This keeps everything crunchy and tasty. Repurpose leftover salad by adding it to wraps or sandwiches. You can mix it into rice or grain bowls for a quick meal. Turn it into a soup by adding broth. Creativity with leftovers can lead to new yummy dishes! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for the freshest vegetables and herbs to enhance the flavor and crunch of your salad. Customize Your Dressing: Feel free to adjust the sweetness or spiciness of the dressing according to your taste preferences. Chill Before Serving: Allow the salad to rest in the fridge for 15-30 minutes after tossing to let the flavors meld beautifully. Crunch Factor: Add additional toppings like toasted sesame seeds or crispy wontons for extra texture and flavor. {{image_2}} For a tasty twist, try using tofu or shrimp instead of chicken. Tofu works well and absorbs flavors nicely. It’s great for a vegan option. Shrimp adds a sweet and savory touch. Just remember to cook them until they turn pink. If you want, you can also use rotisserie chicken for convenience. This saves time and still gives great flavor. You can change up the veggies based on what’s fresh. Try adding seasonal ingredients like snap peas or radishes. They add crunch and color. For greens, consider using kale or arugula. They provide a different taste and texture. Each option brings new flavors, making it fun to experiment. If you want a vegan dressing, replace fish sauce with soy sauce or coconut aminos. This keeps it flavorful without animal products. You can also add peanut butter for a creamier texture. For different flavors, toss in lime zest or sesame seeds. These small changes can make your salad exciting every time. To store leftovers, place the Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad in an airtight container. Make sure the container seals well to keep the salad fresh. You can separate the dressing from the salad for even better results. Store the dressing in a small jar or container. This way, the salad stays crisp. The salad lasts about three days in the fridge. Look for signs of spoilage, such as a sour smell or wilting greens. If the chicken looks or smells off, it’s best to throw it away. Always check the salad before eating. You can freeze this salad, but it’s not the best option. Freezing can change the texture of the vegetables. If you decide to freeze it, use a freezer-safe container. Thaw it in the fridge before eating, and enjoy it within a day of thawing. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. Just keep the dressing separate. Mix the salad and dressing when you are ready to eat. This keeps the greens crunchy. If you mix it too early, the salad may get soggy. If you need a substitute for fish sauce, try soy sauce. You can also use coconut aminos for a sweeter taste. Another option is to mix soy sauce with a bit of lime juice. This gives a nice tangy flavor. Yes, this salad can be gluten-free. Use gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce. Check the fish sauce label to ensure it is gluten-free. Most fish sauces are fine, but it’s always good to check. - Can I add more vegetables? Yes, you can add more veggies like snap peas or radishes. They will add crunch and flavor. - How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container. Keep the dressing separate if possible. This will help keep the salad fresh. - Can I use rotisserie chicken? Yes, rotisserie chicken works great in this salad. It saves time and adds flavor. - How spicy is this salad? The spice level depends on the red pepper flakes. Adjust the amount to suit your taste. This blog post covered how to make a tasty Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad. We listed essential and optional ingredients, shared nutrition facts, and provided step-by-step instructions for preparation and assembly. I shared tips for perfecting your dressing and keeping the salad fresh. We also explored variations for proteins and vegetables. Lastly, I covered proper storage to keep your salad delicious. Enjoying this salad brings vibrant flavors and healthy choices to your plate. You now have all the tools to create this dish with ease!

Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad

A refreshing and vibrant salad featuring shredded chicken, mixed greens, and a zesty Thai dressing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Thai
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 4 cups mixed greens (such as romaine and spinach)
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 whole red bell pepper, julienned
  • 1 whole cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 0.5 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 0.25 cup crushed peanuts (for topping)
  • 0.25 cup crispy fried shallots (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the lime juice, fish sauce, honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes until well combined. Set aside.
  • In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, shredded chicken, shredded carrots, julienned red bell pepper, sliced cucumber, and chopped cilantro. Toss gently to combine.
  • Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated.
  • Once dressed, top the salad with crushed peanuts and crispy fried shallots if using.
  • Serve immediately or chill for 15-30 minutes to let the flavors meld before serving.

Notes

Serve in individual bowls and garnish with an additional sprinkle of cilantro and a lime wedge on the side for a fresh touch.
Keyword chicken, crunchy, healthy, salad, Thai