Description
A vibrant and flavorful Thai Chicken Salad featuring grilled chicken, fresh mixed greens, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy, slightly spicy dressing. This quick and healthy salad is perfect for a light lunch or dinner, blending traditional Thai flavors with a refreshing crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salad:
- 2 chicken breasts, grilled and sliced
- 4 cups mixed greens (romaine, spinach, or arugula)
- 1 cucumber, julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 carrot, shredded
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (or to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, julienned cucumber, thinly sliced red bell pepper, shredded carrot, chopped cilantro, and chopped green onions. Toss gently to mix the fresh ingredients evenly.
- Add the chicken: Place the grilled chicken breasts, sliced into strips, on top of the mixed vegetables in the bowl, distributing evenly across the salad.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, fish sauce, lime juice, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, chili flakes, and salt and pepper. Adjust seasoning by tasting and adding more chili flakes or salt if preferred.
- Dress the salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure all ingredients are coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, and fresh mint leaves over the top of the salad for added texture and aroma. Serve immediately for the best freshness and flavor.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the grilled chicken with tofu or tempeh and replace fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari.
- Use freshly squeezed lime juice for best flavor in the dressing.
- Adjust the chili flakes according to your spice tolerance.
- Grilling the chicken adds a smoky flavor, but pan-searing or baking are good alternatives if a grill is not available.
- This salad is best served fresh to maintain crispness of the vegetables.
