Get your taste buds dancing with this bright Thai Chicken Salad! The zesty Thai chilli lime dressing with the signature South East Asian balance of sweet-sour-savoury and a little heat from chilli will make any salad exciting!
A THAI CHICKEN SALAD WITH BIG FLAVOURS!
Yowzer! This is about as far as you can get from bland, boring salads. I’m a huge fan of Asian salads because they are typically much lighter and fresher than many Western ones, and the dressings pack a great flavour punch.
And this one is no exception. It’s a chilli-lime Thai dressing that has that South East Asian signature sweet-salty-tangy balance with a little buzz of heat from chilli.
I know it looks really spicy because it’s red. But actually, it’s not that spicy because I make this using a store bought Chilli Garlic Sauce. You won’t find me eating this by the spoonful but actually, it’s not that spicy, it looks more dangerous than it is in reality. Go on, have a taste test! 1 teaspoon of this doesn’t even have the same amount of spiciness as 1 Thai or Birds Eye Chilli.
Chilli Garlic Sauce is a terrific trick for thickening dressings / sauces in the same way mustard does in Western dressings, as well as adding spiciness / garlic + some tang because it’s not just made with garlic and chilli. It’s pretty common nowadays, sold at all the supermarkets here in Australia in the Asian section. But don’t worry if you can’t find it, I’ve provided plenty of alternatives in the recipe (Sriracha, hot sauce (even Frank’s), fresh chillies, chilli paste, sambal oelak – loads of options!).
Ah yes, I almost forgot. The spice-adverse may be alarmed to see yet more chillies in the photo above – the finely sliced red chillies.
But fear not! Firstly, they are large red chillies that actually aren’t that spicy at all. Rule of thumb is: the larger the chilli, the less spicy they are, the smaller they are, the spicier they are.
Secondly, yes the finely julienned red chillies add a touch more heat into this salad and it looks pretty, but it’s not a deal breaker just to leave them out. I often do (mainly because I can’t be bothered with the extra chopping action!)
I honestly would not classify this salad as really spicy. The dressing is warm rather than spicy and I barely notice the fresh chilli tossed through the salad. If this was on a restaurant menu that had a spiciness indicator in the form of chilli icons, with 1 chilli being mild and 3 chillies being “blow your head off” spicy, this would be a 1 chilli dish.
You won’t be wiping sweat beads off your forehead and guzzling ice water / beer, cursing me silently (or out loud). 😉 Promise! – Nagi x
MORE CHICKEN SALADS YOU’LL LOVE
More giant Salads for Meals
WATCH HOW TO MAKE IT
Hungry for more? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for all of the latest updates.
Thai Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 180 – 220 g / 6 -7oz chicken breast
Salad:
- 150 g / 5 oz mixed lettuce leaves (or other of choice)
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes , halved
- 1 small cucumber , sliced
- 1/4 red onion , finely sliced
- 1/2 large red chilli , deseeded and very finely sliced (Note 1)
- 1/2 cup roasted cashews , unsalted preferred
- 1/4 cup coriander / cilantro leaves
Thai Chilli Lime Dressing:
- 1 tbsp finely chopped coriander/cilantro stems (see video)
- 1 1/2 tsp Chilli Garlic Sauce (Note 2)
- 1 small garlic , minced
- 1 1/2 tbsp fresh lime juice (or rice vinegar)
- 2 tsp fish sauce (Note 3)
- 1 tbsp canola oil (or vegetable, grapeseed or other neutral oil)
- 1 1/2 tsp sugar (any, I use white)
Instructions
Chicken:
- Take the chicken out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking.
- Boil water in a saucepan. Add chicken, put the lid on, let the water come back up to a simmer, then remove from stove. Set aside for 20 minutes (even up to 45 min is fine). (Note 4)
- Remove chicken from water and shred, then cool.
Dressing:
- Place ingredients in a jar. Shake well. Taste and adjust as required. It should be a balance of tangy / sweet / salty / hint of spice. (Note 5)
Salad:
- Place Salad ingredients in a large bowl. Drizzle over most of the Dressing, toss. Serve immediately, drizzled with remaining Dressing.
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition Information:
LIFE OF DOZER
He spends a lot of time in this position.
I love that she recognized your dog and not you! Too funny! Love this salad – a little heat never hurts!
I know! It was TOO FUNNY! 😂
Oh, Dozer first! No dog voluntarily bares its belly unless [s]he feels totally safe – what a wonderful photo of peace in a troubled world! And a great ‘catch’! The salad is everything that a summer salad should be ‘here and everywhere’ . . .I’d go for thighs again, but that is me . . . .so inviting!!
Well THAT’s good to hear!!! He certainly is safe in his castle here ….. King Dozer….
Thank you for Laughs early morning, he does look funny! And more popular than Mother, well that’s just icing on cake! Love this salad, you can have many ways, or even by the season. Nagi try with avocado, soft boiled eggs for creaminess. Also try smoked chicken , YUMI! Winter time would make salad warm by adding roast potatoes, you just can’t go wrong with this salad and add semi dry tomatoes, mix olives etc, etc….Have good week!
Ha!! Dozer is FAMOUS!!!! 😂 Mmm, this would be absolutely terrific with smoked chicken, thanks for the tip! N x
Look so nice and great recipe
Thanks Jacques! Hope you get a chance to try it!
Love this recipe Nagi. I love that you’re just heading into summer while we’re heading into winter. You keep me on point with lighter healthier dish!
It’s so hard sometimes to remember that half the world is heading into the dark depths of winter!! 😂
Gorgeous salad, Gorgeous Dozer !
THANK YOU x 2!! N x
Hi Nagi! This dressing sounds awesome! I haven’t been eating many salads latey because it has been so cold, but it has warmed up in the last few days so I’m game!
So cold?? And what is your definition of “so cold”, I ask?? 😉 N x
Hi Nagi! When I said cold I meant cold, as in 30F in the morning and maybe 50F during the day. Is that cold enough for yor? 🙂
Are you wearing fur lined boots with ear muffs, wooden caps and a doona one-piece suit?
Hahaha Dozer is a celebrity just like that! I love reading stories of Dozer though I (used to) fear dogs and only started going close to them because my friend got a puppy – and I couldn’t sacrifice my friendship on the altar of the fear of dogs.
This salad looks so vibrant and fresh. My African tastebuds will love the chili in it. Thank you for sharing your heart, Nagi.
Have a lovely week!
Knowing someone with a puppy is a great way to get accustomed to dogs!!! It’s soooo funny how well known Dozer is around here, cracks me up! N x
Love the recipe and I would frame and hand this picture of Dozer
😂 Dozer’s chest just puffed up with pride
I can so see this on top of a bowl of rice. The dressing sounds great.
Dozer, I always knew you were destined for fame. You’ll be needing to line up security and get some sunglasses..
Ha! He’s interviewing agents as I write this…. 😂
Hi Nagi! Very exciting to have Dozer recognized!! He is after all a Superstar, as are you!! This recipe looks sooo good! Will def be making it soon!! Thanks! Hugs and kisses for you and Dozer!!
Ba ha ha!! It was SO FUNNY!!! Dozer, the superstar! 😉 N x