Thai Chicken Salad with Crispy Veggies

Light and crispy Thai Chicken Salad brimming with cabbage, bell peppers, carrots, and cilantro, all combined with a tasty ginger-sesame vinaigrette!

This recipe surely demonstrates that salads need NOT be dull! Vibrant, colorful, and bursting with flavor, this Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad is undoubtedly one of my all-time favorites that I enjoy preparing repeatedly. Not only is this salad mouthwatering, but it also pairs wonderfully as a side dish with any Asian cuisine OR tastes fantastic on its own! The ginger-sesame vinaigrette is among my preferred dressings, featured in various recipes like this Asian shrimp salad and my Asian chicken salad. I particularly adore this recipe due to its flavorful blend and, naturally, the satisfying crunch!

Why You’ll Adore This

• Tasty – this Thai chicken salad achieves an ideal harmony of boldness, refreshing crunch, and hearty protein in every mouthful.
• Quick and simple – while this salad has numerous components, it truly comes together effortlessly. I often utilize leftover rotisserie chicken to save time!
• Nourishing – loaded with protein and healthy fats, made with fresh produce that will leave you feeling fulfilled and content. This salad is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and can be easily modified for low-carb or keto diets.
• Adjustable – you can effortlessly personalize this salad by using your favorite mix of vegetables, swapping the chicken for shrimp, tofu, or even noodles, and changing the dressing!

Ingredients You Will Need

• shredded chicken – using rotisserie chicken makes this quick, easy, and extraordinarily flavorful! You can alternatively prepare your own skinless chicken breasts or replace the chicken with shrimp.
• chopped cabbage – I prefer napa cabbage, but regular cabbage, red cabbage, chopped romaine, or iceberg lettuce can also work in this salad.
• grated carrots – I usually purchase pre-cut matchstick carrots for convenience, but feel free to grate your own if available.
• bell pepper slices – I prefer red for its color, but any variety of bell pepper can be used.
• cilantro and green onions – contribute a vibrant pop of color and fresh flavors to the salad. Use whatever fresh herbs you prefer.
• crunchy wonton strips – available in a bag at Target, or you can create your own by baking wonton wrapper strips in the oven. Alternatively, you can replace wonton strips with chopped peanuts or cashews for that delightful crunch!
• ginger-sesame dressing – enhances the flavor of this salad tremendously! Details are provided below in the recipe card. A peanut dressing would also pair wonderfully.

Ingredients for Ginger-Sesame Dressing

• olive oil – I prefer a quality olive oil that doesn’t need to be pricey, just ensure it’s cold-pressed and organic for maximum flavor. Avocado oil or vegetable oil works too.
• sesame oil – lends a delightful nutty taste to the dressing.
• soy sauce – I always opt for low-sodium soy sauce, as regular can make this dressing overly salty. Tamari or coconut aminos can also be substituted for gluten-free or paleo options.
• rice vinegar – imparts a zingy flavor to the salad. Apple cider vinegar or champagne vinegar could also be used.
• honey – adds a touch of sweetness to the dressing without refined sugars.  Maple syrup can substitute if honey is unavailable.
• garlic + ginger – fresh garlic and ginger are definitely recommended!

How to Prepare Thai Chicken Salad

1. Prepare ingredients. Chop and slice the napa cabbage, carrots, red bell pepper, cilantro, green onions. You may also shred or chop the cooked chicken.
2. Make the dressing. In a medium jar with a secure lid, combine all ingredients for the ginger-sesame dressing and shake vigorously until combined. Alternatively, blend the ingredients in a high-powered blender or food processor until smooth. Set it aside.
3. Assemble the salad. Combine all the ingredients in a large serving bowl and drizzle with the ginger-sesame dressing. Garnish with extra cilantro, serve, and enjoy!

Additional Options

• Incorporate more veggies like snap peas, cucumber slices, shredded zucchini, or even asparagus.
• Change the protein to include shrimp, salmon, or ground pork, turkey, or chicken.
• Make it vegetarian with tofu (marinating is highly recommended!) or simply omit the protein.
• Enhance the dish by adding your favorite noodles such as soba, ramen, or lo mein.
• If you enjoy crunch, try exchanging the wonton crisps for chopped peanuts or other nuts for an interesting twist.

Can this Salad Be Prepared Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! I often prepare everything ahead so that it’s easy to whip this salad together for a quick lunch or a delicious side for dinner. To keep the lettuce and cabbage fresh and avoid wilting, I store everything in separate containers until I’m ready to assemble.

• Pre-slice the carrots, red bell pepper, and green onions, and keep them in a sealed bag or container.
• Shred some cooked rotisserie chicken (or any leftover chicken you have) and store it separately in the fridge.
• Mix the ingredients for the ginger-sesame dressing and keep in a sealed mason jar in the fridge. Just before serving, let the dressing sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to liquefy the oil, then give it a good shake or whisk to combine. This dressing is durable for up to a week in the fridge.

Preparation and Storage

This crispy Thai chicken salad will maintain its freshness for up to 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator when stored in a sealed, airtight container. If you plan to store it, I advise not dressing the salad until right before consumption to ensure it remains fresh and crunchy.

More Salads You Will Enjoy

I hope you all relish this Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad, and if you adore this recipe as much as we do, kindly leave me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ below and tag me on Instagram with the hashtag #eatyourselfskinny! I love witnessing all your tasty recreations!

**Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad: A Flavorful and Nutritious Treat**

Thai cuisine is celebrated for its vibrant flavors, aromatic spices, and the ideal balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy elements. Among its numerous delicious offerings, Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad stands out as a refreshing and healthy choice that is both fulfilling and easy to make. This salad blends tender chicken, crispy vegetables, and a tangy dressing, making it an excellent option for a light lunch or dinner.

**Ingredients:**

1. **Chicken:** The highlight of the salad is the chicken, which can be grilled, poached, or roasted. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are the best options. The chicken is usually marinated in a mix of lime juice, fish sauce, garlic, and chili to enhance its flavor before cooking.

2. **Vegetables:** The salad incorporates an array of crunchy vegetables, adding texture and freshness. Common selections include shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, sliced bell peppers, and cucumber. These vegetables not only provide a satisfying crunch but also deliver essential vitamins and minerals.

3. **Herbs:** Fresh herbs play a vital role in Thai salads. Cilantro, mint, and Thai basil are frequently used, giving the dish a fragrant and aromatic quality.

4. **Nuts:** Roasted peanuts or cashews are often included for an additional layer of crunch and a nutty flavor.

5. **Dressing:** The dressing is what unites the salad, delivering a burst of flavor. It usually consists of lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, garlic, and chili, creating a harmonious blend of tangy, salty, sweet, and spicy notes.

**Preparation:**

1. **Marinate and Cook the Chicken:** Begin by marinating the chicken in a mixture of lime juice, fish sauce, minced garlic, and chili. Let it marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes. Then, grill or roast the chicken until fully cooked. Once done, allow it to rest before slicing it into thin strips.

2. **Prepare the Vegetables:** While the chicken cooks, prepare the vegetables. Shred the cabbage, julienne the carrots, and slice the bell peppers and cucumber. Place them in a large mixing bowl.

3. **Make the Dressing:** In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, minced garlic, and chopped chili. Adjust seasoning to taste, ensuring a balance of flavors.

4. **Assemble the Salad:** Add the sliced chicken to the vegetable bowl. Pour the dressing on top and mix everything until well combined.

5. **Garnish:** Top the salad with fresh herbs such as cilantro, mint, and Thai basil. Sprinkle a handful of roasted peanuts or cashews for added crunch.

**Serving Suggestions:**

Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad can be served as a standalone dish or alongside jasmine rice or rice noodles for a heartier meal. It’s perfect for warm days, offering a light yet satisfying alternative that bursts with flavor and nutrients.

**Nutritional Benefits:**

Not only is this salad delightful, but it also packs a nutritional punch. It is rich in protein from the chicken, full of vitamins and antioxidants from the vegetables, and provides healthy fats from the nuts. The inclusion of fresh herbs and lime juice adds additional health benefits, making it a wholesome choice for those aiming to enjoy a balanced diet.

In summary, Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad embodies the essence of Thai cuisine. Its combination of flavors and textures delights food enthusiasts. Whether you are a fan of Thai food or simply eager to experiment with something new, this salad is guaranteed to impress with its vibrant taste and wholesome ingredients.