Thai Chicken Peanut Salad (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Salad Base
01 -
1 pound bag of coleslaw mix
02 -
3 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken
03 -
1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
04 -
1 red bell pepper, diced
05 -
1/2 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
06 -
Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (optional but highly recommended)
07 -
Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced (optional)
08 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
→ Creamy Peanut Dressing
09 -
5 tablespoons smooth peanut butter
10 -
3 tablespoons warm water, plus more if needed
11 -
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
12 -
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
13 -
1 tablespoon pure honey
14 -
1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
15 -
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
16 -
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
# Instructions:
01 -
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, warm water, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, sesame oil, grated ginger, and garlic powder. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth, creamy dressing. Give it a taste and adjust the flavors - add more lime for tang, honey for sweetness, or water if it's too thick. Different peanut butter brands vary in consistency, so don't hesitate to add extra water to reach your desired thickness.
02 -
Prepare all your salad ingredients and add them to a large serving bowl. Pour the peanut dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
# Notes:
01 -
This salad is perfect for using up leftover chicken or store-bought rotisserie chicken for a quick meal.
02 -
Avoid using natural peanut butter as it can affect the texture and flavor balance of the dressing.
03 -
Look for sesame oil in the Asian section of your grocery store - it should be dark and aromatic, sometimes labeled as toasted sesame oil.
04 -
Pro tip: Keep fresh ginger in your freezer - it grates much easier when frozen and lasts longer without spoiling.
05 -
The cilantro and basil are optional but really enhance the fresh, authentic Thai flavors.
06 -
Consider halving the recipe if you're serving fewer people or don't want leftovers.