What is a Thai Chicken Salad?

Thai Chicken Salad is a light, refreshing dish made with shredded or grilled chicken, crisp vegetables, and a bold dressing typically made from lime juice, fish sauce, garlic, and chili. It’s known for balancing sweet, salty, sour, and spicy flavors all signature elements of Thai cuisine. Fresh herbs like mint and cilantro are key, adding a burst of brightness to every bite.

What is Thai salad made of?

A traditional Thai salad, or Yum , usually includes thinly sliced vegetables, protein (like chicken or shrimp), fresh herbs, lime juice, fish sauce, and chili. In a Thai Chicken Salad , common ingredients include cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, green onions, cilantro, mint, and peanuts all tossed in a tangy, spicy dressing that ties everything together.

What can I serve with Thai Chicken Salad?

Thai Chicken Salad pairs well with jasmine rice, spring rolls, Thai iced tea, or a light soup like Tom Yum. For gatherings, serve it alongside sticky rice and grilled skewers for a full Thai-inspired spread. You can also enjoy it solo as a complete meal, thanks to its high protein and fiber content.

What's in a Thai crunch salad?

A Thai crunch salad is a variation of Thai Chicken Salad that adds extra crispness and texture. It usually includes ingredients like Napa cabbage, shredded carrots, edamame, and crunchy toppings such as wonton strips or crispy noodles. The dressing often leans toward a creamy peanut or sesame-ginger base, making it a bit richer but equally flavorful.

Thai Chicken Salad: The Best Zesty and Fresh Recipe You’ll Ever Try

Name: Thai Chicken Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded or sliced; 2 cups shredded green cabbage; 1 cup shredded purple cabbage; 1 large carrot, julienned; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 2 green onions, chopped; ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped; ½ cup fresh mint leaves, torn; ¼ cup crushed roasted peanuts; 3 tbsp fresh lime juice; 2 tbsp fish sauce; 1 tbsp honey or sugar; 1 garlic clove, minced; ½ tsp red pepper flakes or 1 Thai chili, finely minced; 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)

Description

A refreshing and protein-packed Thai Chicken Salad with crunchy vegetables, fresh herbs, and a zesty lime dressing easy to prep, perfect for meal planning.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded or sliced
2 cups shredded green cabbage
1 cup shredded purple cabbage
1 large carrot, julienned
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
2 green onions, chopped
½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
½ cup fresh mint leaves, torn
¼ cup crushed roasted peanuts

For the Dressing:

3 tbsp fresh lime juice
2 tbsp fish sauce
1 tbsp honey or sugar
1 garlic clove, minced
½ tsp red pepper flakes or 1 Thai chili, finely minced
1 tsp sesame oil (optional)

Instructions

Prepare all vegetables and herbs.
Shred or slice the cooked chicken.
Mix chicken and vegetables in a large bowl.
Whisk together all dressing ingredients.
Pour dressing over the salad and toss well.

Top with crushed peanuts and fresh herbs before serving.

Notes

Keep the dressing separate until serving if storing.
Add more lime juice or chili to suit your taste.
Great as a make-ahead lunch or picnic salad.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Tossed / No Cook (for leftovers)
Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
Calories: 360 kcal
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: Thai Chicken Salad, gluten-free Thai salad, healthy chicken salad, meal prep salad, Thai salad dressing, spicy chicken salad, fresh Thai lunch