Vibrant Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing
A delightful blend of flavors, colors, and textures, this vibrant chicken salad features protein-rich chicken, crisp vegetables, and a creamy peanut dressing, making it an ideal choice for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced Grilled or roasted until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C)
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (such as spinach, arugula, or romaine) Freshly washed and dried
- 1 cup bell peppers, thinly sliced Use a mix of colors
- 1 cup shredded carrots Freshly shredded
- 1 small cucumber, diced Freshly diced
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped Freshly chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped Freshly chopped
- 1/4 cup peanuts, roughly chopped Unsalted for a healthier option
- to taste salt and pepper For seasoning
Peanut Dressing
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter Smooth and creamy for best results
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce Or tamari for gluten-free option
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup For sweetness
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons lime juice
- 1-2 tablespoons water To thin the dressing if necessary
Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
- Grill or roast chicken breasts until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Allow to cool before shredding or dicing.
Preparing the Salad
- Wash and dry the mixed salad greens. Place them in a large bowl as the base of your salad.
- Thinly slice the bell peppers, shred the carrots, and dice the cucumber. Add these vegetables to the bowl with the greens.
- Chop the green onions and cilantro, then mix them into the salad.
Making the Dressing
- In a small bowl, combine the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), sesame oil, rice vinegar, lime juice, and water. Whisk together until smooth, adjusting the consistency with more water if needed.
Combining the Salad
- Pour the peanut dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Sprinkle the chopped peanuts on top and serve immediately.
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Notes
For added visual appeal, you can drizzle some extra peanut dressing over the top before serving and garnish with extra cilantro or crushed peanuts. This salad can be made ahead of time, but store the dressing separately to keep the greens fresh.