Name: Peanut Chicken Salad: 5 Flavorful Variations to Try
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1/3 cup natural creamy peanut butter; 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce; 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger; 1 clove garlic, finely minced; Dash of crushed red pepper flakes; 3 tablespoons water; 4 cups shredded chicken; 1 cup edamame; 1 cup chopped cucumber; 1/2 chopped red bell pepper; 1/2 cup shredded carrots; 2 green onions, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro; 1/4 cup chopped mint; 1/4 chopped peanuts; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

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Peanut Chicken Salad is a culinary delight that has transformed my lunch routine. This dish combines shredded chicken with a creamy peanut dressing, vibrant veggies, and fresh herbs, creating a burst of flavors in every bite. Perfect for meal prep or a quick dinner, this salad is both satisfying and nutritious. Whether you’re looking for a healthy option or a flavorful dish, Peanut Chicken Salad checks all the boxes.

Why You’ll Love This Peanut Chicken Salad

This Peanut Chicken Salad is not just delicious; it’s also packed with benefits. First, it’s an easy peanut chicken salad that can be made in just 15 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights. Second, the salad is loaded with protein, boasting about 51g per serving, making it a healthy peanut chicken salad choice. Third, the creamy dressing offers a delightful taste without being overly heavy. You can also customize it to make spicy peanut chicken salad or experiment with a Thai peanut chicken salad twist. Finally, it’s gluten-free and can be served cold, making it perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients for Peanut Chicken Salad

Gather these items:

1/3 cup natural creamy peanut butter
2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
1 clove garlic, finely minced
Dash of crushed red pepper flakes
3 tablespoons water
4 cups shredded chicken
1 cup edamame
1 cup chopped cucumber
1/2 chopped red bell pepper
1/2 cup shredded carrots
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1/4 cup chopped mint
1/4 chopped peanuts
1 tablespoon sesame seeds

How to Make Peanut Chicken Salad Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, red pepper flakes, and water.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the chicken, edamame, cucumber, red pepper, carrots, green onion, cilantro, and mint.
Step 3: Pour the peanut dressing over the salad.
Step 4: Toss until well combined. Sprinkle chopped peanuts and sesame seeds on top. Serve.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Peanut Chicken Salad

Keep these in mind:

Use rotisserie chicken for ease and flavor.
Adjust the dressing thickness by adding more or less water to suit your preference.
For a cold peanut chicken salad, chill in the refrigerator for an hour before serving.
This dish is versatile; feel free to add any seasonal vegetables you have on hand.

Best Ways to Serve Peanut Chicken Salad

This salad can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. It pairs beautifully with whole-grain wraps for lunch or can be served on a bed of leafy greens for a light dinner. For a heartier option, try it alongside brown rice or quinoa. Additionally, peanut chicken salad with vegetables makes a colorful and healthy side dish at barbecues or potlucks.

How to Store and Reheat Peanut Chicken Salad

To store your Peanut Chicken Salad, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, give it a good stir and add a splash of lime juice if needed. This makes it a fantastic meal prep option!

Frequently Asked Questions About Peanut Chicken Salad

What is peanut chicken salad?

This salad is a delightful mix of shredded chicken, vegetables, and a creamy peanut dressing, making it both nutritious and flavorful.

Can I make peanut chicken salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This salad is perfect for meal prep. Just mix it in advance and store it in the fridge for a quick meal.

How do I avoid common mistakes with peanut chicken salad?

Ensure you balance the flavors in the dressing; taste and adjust the sweetness or saltiness as needed. Also, keep the salad fresh by adding herbs last.

Variations of Peanut Chicken Salad You Can Try

Feel free to experiment with these variations:

Add grilled chicken for a smoky flavor.
Incorporate spicy elements like sriracha for a spicy peanut chicken salad.
Swap out the peanuts for sunflower seeds for a nut-free chicken salad alternative.
Mix in fruits like mandarin oranges or apples for a sweet twist.

For more delicious recipes, check out last recipes or try making strawberry poppyseed chicken salad for a refreshing twist. You can also explore creamy potato salad as a great side dish!

Peanut Chicken Salad: 5 Flavorful Variations to Try

Author: basmer
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Peanut Chicken Salad is fresh, flavorful, and tossed in a creamy peanut dressing with lime, ginger, and garlic. Made with shredded chicken, crisp veggies, fresh herbs, and crunchy peanuts, it’s perfect for lunch, meal prep, or an easy dinner.

Instructions

In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, red pepper flakes, and water.
In a large bowl, combine the chicken, edamame, cucumber, red pepper, carrots, green onion, cilantro, and mint.
Pour the peanut dressing over the salad.
Toss until well combined. Sprinkle chopped peanuts and sesame seeds on top. Serve.