Thai Chicken Salad

Name: Thai Chicken Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: Serves approximately four
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 180 – 220 g (6 – 7 oz) chicken breast; 150 g (5 oz) mixed lettuce leaves; 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved; 1 small cucumber, sliced; 1/4 red onion, finely sliced; 1/2 large red chili, deseeded and sliced; 1/2 cup roasted cashews; 1/4 cup coriander/cilantro leaves; 1 tbsp finely chopped coriander stems; 1.5 tsp Chili Garlic Sauce; 1 small garlic clove, minced; 1.5 tbsp fresh lime juice; 2 tsp fish sauce; 1 tbsp canola oil; 1.5 tsp sugar

Published: June 1, 2025

by Sabrina

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A Thai Chicken Salad is a vibrant and delicious dish that brings the flavors of Southeast Asia right to your table. This salad features tender poached chicken, fresh vegetables, and a zesty Thai chilli lime dressing that balances sweetness, tanginess, and spice perfectly. Ideal for lunch or dinner, this salad is not only healthy but also quick to prepare, making it a go-to option for weeknight meals and gatherings alike.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can enjoy this flavorful dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
Fresh and Healthy: Packed with fresh vegetables and lean protein, this salad is a nutritious choice for any meal.
Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main or side dish, it’s suitable for various occasions—from casual dinners to potlucks.
Flavor Explosion: The unique Thai chilli lime dressing adds an exciting layer of flavor that will tantalize your taste buds.
Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to adjust the vegetables or spice levels based on your preferences for a personalized touch.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Thai Chicken Salad, you’ll need some essential tools. These items will help streamline the cooking process and ensure everything comes together seamlessly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Sharp knife
Cutting board
Saucepan
Mixing bowl
Jar with a lid (for dressing)

Importance of Each Tool

Sharp knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables effortless and ensures even cuts for better presentation.
Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to combine all ingredients easily without spilling.
Jar with a lid: Using a jar to mix the dressing helps blend the flavors well and makes for easy storage if you have leftovers.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

180 – 220 g / 6 – 7 oz chicken breast

For the Salad

150 g / 5 oz mixed lettuce leaves (or other of choice)
1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1 small cucumber, sliced
1/4 red onion, finely sliced
1/2 large red chilli, deseeded and very finely sliced (Note 1)
1/2 cup roasted cashews, unsalted preferred
1/4 cup coriander / cilantro leaves

For the Thai Chilli Lime Dressing

1 tbsp finely chopped coriander/cilantro stems (see video)
1 1/2 tsp Chilli Garlic Sauce (Note 2)
1 small garlic, minced
1 1/2 tbsp fresh lime juice (or rice vinegar)
2 tsp fish sauce (Note 3)
1 tbsp canola oil (or vegetable, grapeseed or other neutral oil)
1 1/2 tsp sugar (any, I use white)

How to Make Thai Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Take the chicken out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking to bring it closer to room temperature.
In a saucepan, boil water. Once boiling, add the chicken breast and cover with a lid.
Remove from heat when it returns to a simmer. Let it sit covered for about 20 minutes (it can rest up to 45 minutes).
Once cooled slightly, remove chicken from water and shred it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a jar, combine all dressing ingredients: chopped coriander stems, Chilli Garlic Sauce, minced garlic, lime juice, fish sauce, canola oil, and sugar.
Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed for balance.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, add all prepared salad ingredients: mixed lettuce leaves, halved tomatoes, sliced cucumber, red onion, red chilli slices, roasted cashews, and coriander leaves.
Drizzle most of the dressing over the salad mix. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
Serve immediately with any remaining dressing drizzled on top.

Enjoy your refreshing Thai Chicken Salad as a delightful part of any meal!

How to Serve Thai Chicken Salad

Thai Chicken Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a side, this salad is sure to impress.

As a Main Course

Serve it chilled for a refreshing lunch option during hot days.
Pair it with jasmine rice or quinoa for added substance.

As a Side Dish

Accompany grilled meats with this salad to balance the flavors.
Serve alongside spring rolls for a delightful Asian-inspired meal.

In Wraps

Use lettuce leaves to create wraps filled with Thai Chicken Salad for an easy-to-eat option.
Add fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for an extra burst of flavor.

With Noodles

Toss the salad with cooked rice noodles for a hearty, noodle-based dish.
Drizzle some extra dressing on top for enhanced flavor.

How to Perfect Thai Chicken Salad

To make your Thai Chicken Salad truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips.

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables will enhance the crunch and flavor of the salad significantly.
Adjust the dressing: Taste and modify the dressing ingredients until you achieve that perfect balance of tangy, sweet, salty, and spicy.
Let it rest: Allow the salad to sit for 10 minutes after tossing; this helps flavors meld beautifully.
Customize your toppings: Feel free to add avocado or other nuts to elevate the texture and taste of your salad.
Control spiciness: Gradually add chili until you reach your desired level of heat without overwhelming the dish.
Store properly: If storing leftovers, keep the dressing separate to maintain freshness and crunchiness in the salad.

Best Side Dishes for Thai Chicken Salad

Pairing side dishes with your Thai Chicken Salad can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:

Coconut Rice: This fragrant rice complements the flavors of the salad perfectly.
Spring Rolls: Fresh or fried spring rolls provide a crunchy contrast and are easy to share.
Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled veggies add smoky flavors that pair well with the salad’s brightness.
Miso Soup: A warm miso soup offers a comforting contrast to the coolness of the salad.
Edamame: Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt makes for a healthy and fun finger food option.
Thai Curry: A mild curry can enhance your meal with its rich flavors while still allowing the salad to shine.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Thai Chicken Salad, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the taste and quality of your dish. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for.

Using overcooked chicken: Ensure that your chicken is poached correctly to retain its juiciness. Overcooking will make it dry and tough.
Skipping the dressing balance: The dressing should have a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, salty, and spicy. Adjust ingredients as needed to achieve this harmony.
Not chilling ingredients beforehand: To enhance freshness, chill your ingredients before assembling the salad. This keeps the salad crisp and refreshing.
Ignoring ingredient prep: Properly slicing vegetables ensures even distribution of flavors. Take the time to finely slice your onions and chili.
Using stale nuts: Fresh cashews add an important crunch and flavor. Check that your nuts are fresh for the best result.

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Thai Chicken Salad in an airtight container.
It can last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keep the dressing separate if possible to maintain freshness.

Freezing Thai Chicken Salad

Freezing is not recommended due to the salad’s texture after thawing.
If necessary, you can freeze cooked chicken separately for up to 2 months.

Reheating Thai Chicken Salad

Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in a baking dish covered with foil until heated through.
Microwave: Use medium heat in intervals of 30 seconds until warm. Be careful not to overheat it.
Stovetop: Heat on low in a skillet with a splash of water or oil until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Thai Chicken Salad unique?

Thai Chicken Salad stands out due to its vibrant flavors from the Thai Chilli Lime Dressing that combines sweet, salty, tangy, and spicy elements.

Can I substitute ingredients in Thai Chicken Salad?

Yes! You can customize by swapping vegetables or using different nuts based on what you have available or your dietary preferences.

How do I adjust spiciness in my Thai Chicken Salad?

To modify spiciness, gradually add chili into your dressing until it reaches your desired heat level.

Is Thai Chicken Salad healthy?

Absolutely! This salad is packed with lean protein from chicken and lots of fresh veggies, making it a nutritious option for any meal.

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare ingredients ahead of time. Just mix everything right before serving for optimal freshness.

Final Thoughts

The Thai Chicken Salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it both appealing and versatile. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins to suit your taste. It’s perfect as a light meal or side dish for gatherings!

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