Description
Thai Chicken Salad combines tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a zesty, tangy dressing for a healthy and flavorful dish. Infused with fresh herbs like cilantro and mint, this vibrant salad delivers a perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and crunch. Ideal for lunch, dinner, or a refreshing appetizer, it’s a quick and customizable meal that’s packed with bold, Thai-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (e.g., lettuce, arugula, or spinach)
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- 1 cucumber, julienned or thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- ¼ cup roasted peanuts, chopped (optional, for garnish)
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce (or soy sauce for a vegetarian version)
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 small chili, minced (optional, for heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
-
Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat, let it rest for a few minutes, and then slice it into thin strips. -
Prepare the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine mixed salad greens, shredded carrots, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, and mint leaves. Toss gently to combine. -
Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, fish sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and minced chili (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. -
Assemble the Salad:
Add the sliced chicken to the salad. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently to coat. -
Garnish and Serve:
Garnish the salad with roasted peanuts (if using) and serve immediately.
Notes
- Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with tofu, tempeh, or crispy buffalo cauliflower for a vegetarian version.
- Extra Crunch: Add crispy fried onions, water chestnuts, or fried wonton strips for an extra crunch.
- More Heat: Increase the chili in the dressing or add fresh chili peppers to the salad for more heat.
- Different Greens: Swap spinach for kale, mixed greens, or iceberg lettuce for a change in texture.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare salad ingredients in advance, but add dressing and chicken just before serving to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai-Inspired
