Chopped Thai Chicken Salad

Thai cuisine is celebrated worldwide for its vibrant flavors, bold seasonings, and fresh ingredients. It strikes a perfect balance between sweet, sour, salty, and spicy, creating dishes that tantalize the taste buds and nourish the body. Among the myriad of delightful Thai creations, the Zesty Chopped Thai Chicken Salad stands out as a refreshing and nutritious meal option that embodies the essence of Thai cooking.

Discover the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine with the Zesty Chopped Thai Chicken Salad. This refreshing dish features tender grilled chicken, crisp vegetables, and aromatic herbs, all brought together by a zesty homemade dressing. It's a healthy, nutrient-dense option perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Learn how to craft this delightful salad at home, explore its numerous health benefits, and experience the perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors that Thai cooking is known for.

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Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped into bite-sized pieces

3 cups mixed greens (combination of romaine and baby spinach recommended)

1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded

1 cup carrots, coarsely grated

1 bell pepper (red or yellow for sweetness), diced

1/2 cup cucumber, diced

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped roughly

1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced

1/4 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped for garnish

For the dressing:

3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter

2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice

1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (for sweetness)

1 teaspoon sesame oil (for depth of flavor)

1 clove garlic, minced finely

1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger

Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, add for heat)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: If using leftover chicken, chop it into bite-sized pieces. If cooking fresh chicken, season both sides with salt and pepper. Grill or pan-sear the chicken over medium heat until cooked through (about 6-8 minutes per side), then chop into bite-sized pieces and set aside to cool.

Chop the Veggies: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed greens, shredded red cabbage, grated carrots, diced bell pepper, diced cucumber, chopped cilantro, and sliced green onions. Gently toss the ingredients together to ensure an even mix.

Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey or maple syrup, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. For a smoother consistency, add a tablespoon of warm water to thin the dressing as needed, achieving your desired texture.

Assemble the Salad: Add the chopped chicken to the bowl of mixed vegetables. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is well-combined and evenly coated in the dressing.

Top and Serve: Portion the salad onto individual plates or bowls. Just before serving, sprinkle the salad with roughly chopped roasted peanuts to provide a satisfying crunch. Enjoy your vibrant and refreshing meal!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 15 minutes | 4 servings

Presentation Tips: For an appealing presentation, consider layering the salad in clear bowls, showcasing the colorful ingredients, and adding extra cilantro leaves on top for garnish.