Chopped Thai Chicken Salad recipe

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A Fresh, Flavor-Packed Salad You Will Make Again and Again

If you love salads with bold flavors, crunchy texture, and a vibrant dressing that wakes up your taste buds, this Chopped Thai Chicken Salad is exactly what you need. Juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, tender greens, and a zingy peanut lime dressing come together in every forkful. It’s refreshing, satisfying, and easy to make any night of the week.

Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner, meal prepping for lunches, or serving guests at a summer gathering, this salad delivers restaurant-style flavor without the fuss.

What Is Chopped Thai Chicken Salad

Chopped Thai Chicken Salad is a hearty salad inspired by Thai flavors bright citrus, savory soy, rich peanut, and fresh herbs. Unlike simple green salads, this one has layers of texture: crisp cabbage, crunchy peanuts, tender chicken, and juicy shredded carrots.

This dish is perfect when you want something healthy but not boring. The dressing is the star tangy, rich, slightly sweet, and perfectly balanced.

Why You Will Love Chopped Thai Chicken Salad

Easy and Quick

You can have this salad on the table in under 30 minutes, including making the dressing from scratch.

Meal Prep Friendly

Store components separately and assemble when ready the dressing stays fresh, and the vegetables stay crisp.

High in Protein

The chicken and peanuts add satisfying protein to keep you full longer.

Big Flavor Without Heavy Sauce

The Thai-inspired dressing brings intense taste with fresh citrus and peanut notes not heavy oils.

Ingredients for Chopped Thai Chicken Salad

For the Salad

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
• 4 cups shredded green cabbage
• 1 cup shredded red cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cucumber, seeded and sliced
• 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
• Optional: 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds

For the Thai Dressing

• 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (fresh)
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1–2 tablespoons water (to thin, as needed)

How to Make Chopped Thai Chicken Salad

Step 1 Prepare the Chicken

If your chicken is not cooked yet, quickly poach, roast, or grill it. Season with a little salt and pepper. Once cooked, let it cool slightly and chop or shred into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2 Chop the Vegetables

Add green and red cabbage, shredded carrots, diced bell pepper, cucumber, green onions, and chopped cilantro to a large mixing bowl. Toss to combine.

Step 3 Make the Thai Dressing

In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Add water a little at a time until you reach a smooth, pourable consistency.

Step 4 Assemble the Salad

Add the chicken to the bowl of vegetables. Pour the dressing over the top and toss until everything is well coated.

Step 5 Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped peanuts and toasted sesame seeds (if using) over the top. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Pro Tips for the Best Chopped Thai Chicken Salad

Use Fresh Lime Juice
Fresh lime juice adds brightness that bottled juice can’t match.

Cut Everything Small and Even
Chopping vegetables into small, uniform pieces makes every bite balanced and satisfying.

Don’t Overdressing
Add just enough dressing to coat you can always serve extra on the side.

Make Ahead
Store the chopped vegetables and chicken separately from the dressing if you’re prepping for later.

Storage

Keep leftover Chopped Thai Chicken Salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Store the dressing separately if possible to keep vegetables crisp. Before serving again, toss everything together with extra lime juice if needed.

Final Thoughts

Chopped Thai Chicken Salad is a celebration of color, crunch, and bold flavor. It proves that healthy eating doesn’t need to be boring. With fresh vegetables, juicy chicken, vibrant herbs, and a creamy Thai-inspired dressing, every bite is satisfying and delicious.

Make this salad when you want a meal that feels light yet substantial and watch it become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.