Thai Chicken Salad

Thai Chicken Salad Recipe | Authentic Thai Cuisine

Region / culture: Thailand | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Thai Chicken Salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that combines the flavors of Thailand with the crunch of fresh vegetables and the protein of chicken. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or dinner, and can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences.

History

Thai Chicken Salad is a popular dish in Thailand, where it is often served as a light and healthy meal. The combination of fresh vegetables, herbs, and chicken is a staple in Thai cuisine, and this salad is a great example of the bold flavors and vibrant colors that are characteristic of Thai food.

Ingredients

3 cups cooked rice, cooled
1.5 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 cup torn fresh spinach
1 medium-sized red pepper, julienned
0.5 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
0.25 cup chopped unsalted peanuts
2 green onions, sliced
1 tbsp chopped fresh mint
1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
0.33 cup hot water
3 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tbsp peanut butter
2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
1 tbsp dark sesame oil
1 clove garlic, minced
0.13 to 0.25 tsp ground red pepper
chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
chopped unsalted peanuts for garnish

How to prepare

In a large bowl, combine rice, chicken, spinach, red pepper, mushrooms, peanuts, green onions, mint, and cilantro.
In a small bowl, combine water, rice vinegar, peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ground red pepper.
Just before serving, pour the dressing over the salad and toss.
Garnish with cilantro and peanuts.

Variations

Add diced mango or pineapple for a touch of sweetness.
Use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a different protein option.
Swap out the spinach for arugula or kale for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the rice ahead of time and allow it to cool completely before adding it to the salad. This will prevent the rice from becoming mushy.

- Use a rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to save time when preparing this salad.

- Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite vegetables and herbs, such as cucumber, bell peppers, or basil.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Thai Chicken Salad on a bed of lettuce or with a side of steamed rice for a complete meal. You can also top it with additional chopped peanuts or a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making this Thai Chicken Salad is to ensure that all the ingredients are chopped and prepared ahead of time, so that you can easily assemble the salad just before serving. Be sure to toss the salad with the dressing right before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have rice vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar as a substitute. You can also use almond butter or tahini instead of peanut butter for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dressing and chop the vegetables ahead of time, but wait to assemble the salad until just before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this Thai Chicken Salad in a large bowl or on individual plates, garnished with fresh cilantro and chopped peanuts for a pop of color and texture.

Pairing Recommendations

This Thai Chicken Salad pairs well with a light and refreshing drink, such as iced tea or a cold beer. You can also serve it with a side of spring rolls or dumplings for a complete Thai-inspired meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Thai Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave the salad for a few seconds until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

This Thai Chicken Salad recipe contains approximately 350 calories per serving.

Carbohydrates

This Thai Chicken Salad recipe contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

This Thai Chicken Salad recipe contains approximately 15 grams of fats per serving.

Proteins

This Thai Chicken Salad recipe contains approximately 20 grams of proteins per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

This Thai Chicken Salad recipe is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This Thai Chicken Salad recipe contains peanuts and soy sauce, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Overall, this Thai Chicken Salad recipe is a balanced and nutritious meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Thai Chicken Salad is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. With a mix of fresh vegetables, herbs, and chicken, this salad is a great way to enjoy the bold flavors of Thailand in a simple and satisfying dish.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Thai Chicken Salad. It was many years ago, during a trip to Thailand with my husband. We had always been adventurous eaters, willing to try new cuisines and flavors from around the world. And it was during this trip that we fell in love with Thai food.

One day, while exploring the bustling streets of Bangkok, we stumbled upon a small, family-run restaurant that seemed to be buzzing with locals. Intrigued by the delicious smells wafting from the kitchen, we decided to give it a try. We were greeted warmly by the owner, a sweet older woman who reminded me of my own grandmother.

As we sat down at a rickety wooden table, she brought out a platter of steaming hot Thai Chicken Salad. The colors were vibrant, the aroma was intoxicating, and the flavors were unlike anything we had ever tasted before. It was a perfect blend of sweet, savory, spicy, and tangy.

I couldn't help but ask the owner for the recipe. She smiled warmly and told me that it was a family secret, passed down through generations. But she could see the curiosity in my eyes, and she offered to teach me how to make it.

Over the next few days, I spent hours in the restaurant kitchen, learning the intricate steps and techniques that went into making this delicious dish. I watched as the owner expertly chopped fresh herbs, grilled succulent chicken, and mixed together a medley of exotic spices and sauces.

I took notes furiously, trying to capture every detail and nuance of the recipe. The owner was patient and kind, guiding me through each step with a gentle hand and a warm smile. And slowly but surely, I began to master the art of making Thai Chicken Salad.

When it was time to leave Thailand and return home, I felt a sense of sadness at saying goodbye to the kind owner and her delicious recipe. But I knew that I had been given a precious gift, one that I would carry with me for the rest of my life.

Back in my own kitchen, I recreated the Thai Chicken Salad recipe for my family and friends. They were blown away by the bold flavors and exotic ingredients, and they begged me to make it again and again.

As the years went by, I continued to refine and perfect the recipe, adding my own twist and flair to make it truly my own. I shared it with anyone who would listen, passing on the tradition of this delicious dish to the next generation.

Now, as a grandmother myself, I find joy in teaching my own grandchildren how to make Thai Chicken Salad. I see the same sense of anticipation in their eyes that I once felt, the same eagerness to learn and discover new flavors and cuisines.

And as we gather around the kitchen table, chopping, grilling, and mixing together the ingredients, I am reminded of the kind owner in Thailand who first shared this recipe with me. I am grateful for her generosity and her wisdom, and I am proud to carry on the tradition of making Thai Chicken Salad with love and care.

So, if you ever find yourself in need of a delicious and exotic dish to impress your family and friends, look no further than my recipe for Thai Chicken Salad. It is a true labor of love, a tribute to the flavors and traditions of Thailand, and a dish that will surely become a favorite in your own home. Bon appétit!