Thai Chicken Salad

Name: Thai Chicken Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
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 finely sliced; 1/2 cup roasted cashews; 1/4 cup cilantro leaves

Published: July 4, 2025

by Emilia

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Thai Chicken Salad is a vibrant dish that brings the bold flavors of Southeast Asia right to your table. This salad features a delightful combination of fresh ingredients and a zesty Thai chilli lime dressing that creates an unforgettable taste experience. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a side at gatherings, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also packed with nutrition. The balance of tangy, sweet, salty, and spicy notes in the dressing makes this salad truly stand out.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious meal in no time.
Flavor Explosion: The Thai chilli lime dressing adds layers of flavor that will excite your taste buds.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a main dish for two or as a side for four—perfect for any occasion.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh produce and lean chicken, this salad is great for health-conscious eaters.
Customizable: Adjust the spice levels by modifying the amount of chilli used—make it as mild or spicy as you like!

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here are some kitchen essentials you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Knife
Cutting board
Saucepan
Jar with lid (for dressing)
Large bowl

Importance of Each Tool

Knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts, making it easier to slice vegetables and chicken evenly.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients while keeping your countertops clean.
Saucepan: Perfect for poaching chicken quickly without drying it out, ensuring juicy results every time.
Jar with lid: Ideal for mixing dressings; shaking ingredients in a jar combines flavors seamlessly.

Ingredients

This Thai Chicken Salad requires fresh ingredients and a few pantry staples. Below is what you need:

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 to room temperature.
Boil water in a saucepan.
Add the chicken to the boiling water and cover with a lid. Allow it to come back to a simmer before removing from heat.
Let it sit covered for about 20 minutes (up to 45 minutes is fine).
Remove the chicken from water and shred it after cooling.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a jar, combine all dressing ingredients.
Shake well until fully mixed.
Taste-test and adjust seasoning until you achieve a balanced flavor profile.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine all salad ingredients except for the dressing.
Drizzle most of the prepared dressing over the salad mixture.
Toss gently to combine everything well before serving.
Drizzle with remaining dressing before serving immediately.

This Thai Chicken Salad is sure to become a favorite in your household! Enjoy its vibrant flavors and refreshing crunch any day of the week!

How to Serve Thai Chicken Salad

Serving Thai Chicken Salad is a delightful experience as it combines vibrant flavors with fresh ingredients. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your meal.

As a Main Course

Serve the salad in large bowls for a hearty main dish. The poached chicken and crunchy veggies provide sufficient nutrition to satisfy your hunger.

As a Side Dish

Offer smaller portions alongside grilled meats or seafood. The tangy dressing complements rich proteins, making it a refreshing side.

With Rice or Noodles

Pair the salad with jasmine rice or rice noodles for an added carb element. This combination makes for a balanced meal, ideal for dinner.

In Lettuce Wraps

Use large lettuce leaves to create wraps filled with the salad. This fun presentation adds an interactive element to your dining experience.

As Meal Prep

Prepare individual servings in jars for easy grab-and-go lunches. Layer the ingredients and keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat.

How to Perfect Thai Chicken Salad

Perfecting your Thai Chicken Salad can elevate the flavors and textures. Here are some tips to help you create the best version of this dish.

Choose Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs make a big difference in flavor. Opt for crisp lettuce and ripe tomatoes.
Balance Your Dressing: Aim for that perfect tangy-sweet-salty balance in your dressing. Taste as you go, adjusting lime juice, sugar, or fish sauce as needed.
Poach Chicken Properly: Follow the foolproof method of poaching chicken to ensure it’s juicy and tender every time. Avoid overcooking by letting it rest in hot water.
Add Crunch: Incorporate roasted nuts like cashews or peanuts for extra texture. They add crunch while complementing the creamy dressing.
Customize Spice Level: Adjust the heat by modifying the amount of chili used in both the dressing and salad itself. Start small and add more gradually if desired.

Best Side Dishes for Thai Chicken Salad

Pairing side dishes with your Thai Chicken Salad can enhance your meal’s overall experience. Here are some excellent options to consider:

Steamed Jasmine Rice: Fluffy jasmine rice is a classic choice that complements the salad’s bold flavors perfectly.
Spring Rolls: Fresh or fried spring rolls add a crispy texture and work well with sweet chili dipping sauce on the side.
Thai Coconut Soup (Tom Kha): A warm bowl of coconut soup offers a soothing contrast to the cool freshness of the salad.
Grilled Shrimp Skewers: Tender shrimp seasoned with spices provide protein that pairs well with the vibrant salad ingredients.
Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in vinegar enhances the meal’s lightness while adding crunch.
Quinoa Pilaf: Nutty quinoa pilaf with herbs serves as a nutritious side that balances out the flavors of your chicken salad.
Mango Salsa: Sweet mango salsa adds brightness and sweetness, elevating both taste and presentation when served together.
Roasted Vegetable Medley: A mix of seasonal roasted veggies provides warmth and depth, contrasting nicely with the cold salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Thai Chicken Salad, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the taste and texture of your dish.

Using overcooked chicken: Overcooking can lead to dry chicken. Poach the chicken properly for juicy results.
Ignoring ingredient balance: Failing to achieve the right sweet, salty, and spicy balance in the dressing can ruin the flavor. Adjust ingredients gradually until it’s just right.
Not letting flavors meld: Serving the salad immediately after preparation can miss out on flavor development. Allow the dressing to sit for a few minutes before using it.
Skimping on herbs and spices: Fresh cilantro and lime juice are key for authentic taste. Don’t hold back; they enhance the salad’s freshness.
Skipping the chilling step: Not chilling your salad before serving may result in a less refreshing experience. Refrigerate it for at least 15 minutes.

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Thai Chicken Salad in an airtight container.
It will last for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
Keep components separate if possible, especially the dressing, to maintain freshness.

Freezing Thai Chicken Salad

Freezing is not recommended as it affects texture and quality.
If necessary, you can freeze poached chicken separately for up to 3 months.

Reheating Thai Chicken Salad

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place salad components in a baking dish and heat until warm.
Microwave: Place salad in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals until warmed through.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add salad ingredients and stir until heated evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Thai Chicken Salad more spicy?

You can increase spice levels by adding more finely sliced chili or extra Chilli Garlic Sauce to your dressing, adjusting gradually to your taste.

Can I use different proteins in Thai Chicken Salad?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or even grilled beef depending on your preference.

What is unique about Thai Chicken Salad?

The combination of fresh vegetables with a tangy-sweet-salty-spicy dressing makes this salad unique and flavorful compared to traditional salads.

How should I serve Thai Chicken Salad?

Serve it chilled as a main dish or side. It pairs well with rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Thai Chicken Salad is not only delicious but also versatile and healthy. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins. This recipe is perfect for quick weeknight meals or as a refreshing side at gatherings. Try it out today!

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