Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a burst of vibrant flavors? Dive into the world of Thai cuisine with this irresistible Thai Chicken and Noodle Salad with Creamy Peanut Dressing! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a refreshing side dish, this salad combines the crunch of fresh vegetables, the heartiness of tender chicken, and a luscious peanut dressing that will leave you craving more. With just 35 minutes from prep to plate, you can whip up a dish that impresses both family and friends. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to savor a delightful culinary adventure!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Thai
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice noodles
- 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Prepare the noodles by cooking rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking, then set aside to cool.
- If using uncooked chicken, season with salt and pepper, then cook in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Allow to cool, then shred using two forks.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled rice noodles, shredded chicken, shredded carrots, sliced red bell pepper, chopped green onions, and chopped cilantro.
- For the creamy peanut dressing, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, and sesame oil in a separate small bowl until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the peanut dressing over the noodle and vegetable mixture, tossing gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together and salad to chill.
- Before serving, give the salad a quick toss and adjust seasoning with additional lime juice or soy sauce if needed.
- Garnish with extra chopped cilantro and serve cold as a refreshing main dish or side salad.
Tips
- Noodle Perfection: Make sure to rinse the cooked rice noodles under cold water after draining. This not only stops the cooking process but also helps prevent them from becoming sticky.
- Chicken Shortcut: If you're short on time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy protein addition. Just shred it and mix it into your salad!
- Veggie Variations: Feel free to customize your salad by adding other colorful vegetables like cucumbers, snap peas, or even avocado for an extra creamy texture.
- Dressing Delight: For an extra kick, add a dash of sriracha or chili flakes to the peanut dressing. This will give your salad a nice spicy twist!
- Chill Time: Allowing the salad to chill in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes not only enhances the flavors but also makes it incredibly refreshing, perfect for warm days.
- Garnish with Flair: Don’t skimp on the garnishes! A sprinkle of extra cilantro or some chopped peanuts on top will add both flavor and a lovely presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 45mg
