Thai Peanut Chicken Salad with Crispy Wonton Strips

Introduction

Experience an explosion of Thai flavors with this vibrant Thai Peanut Chicken Salad – a perfect harmony of crunchy, creamy, sweet, and spicy. Tender chicken mingles with crisp vegetables and crispy wonton strips, all tossed in a luxurious peanut dressing that’s impossible to resist. This isn’t just a salad; it’s a complete meal that’s as satisfying as it is colorful, ready in just 25 minutes!

Why This Salad Will Become Your New Obsession

Restaurant-quality flavors at home
Perfect texture balance – crispy, crunchy, creamy
Meal-prep friendly – stores beautifully for lunches
Customizable heat level – mild to Thai-hot

The magic happens when the rich peanut dressing coats every ingredient, while the crispy wonton strips add that irresistible crunch in every bite.

Ingredients for Authentic Thai Flavors

For the Salad

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
• 4 cups mixed greens (romaine + purple cabbage)
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
• ½ English cucumber (julienned)
• ¼ cup cilantro (chopped)
• ¼ cup green onions (sliced)
• 1 cup crispy wonton strips

For the Peanut Dressing

• ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 garlic clove (minced)
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• 2-3 tbsp water (to thin)

Chef’s Tip: Use rotisserie chicken for easiest prep

Step-by-Step Assembly Guide

1. Prepare the Dressing

1. Whisk all dressing ingredients except water
2. Gradually add water until pourable consistency
3. Taste and adjust seasoning

2. Assemble the Salad

1. In large bowl, combine all salad ingredients except wonton strips
2. Add dressing and toss gently to coat
3. Top with crispy wonton strips

3. Make Crispy Wonton Strips (optional homemade)

1. Cut wonton wrappers into thin strips
2. Fry in 350°F oil 1-2 minutes until golden
3. Drain on paper towels, salt lightly

Professional Tips for Best Results

Cut vegetables uniformly for perfect bites
Use natural peanut butter for best flavor
Adjust spice level with sriracha or chili oil
Warm the chicken slightly if using leftovers

Serving Suggestions

Beautiful Presentations:

• Serve in individual bowls with extra dressing
• Garnish with crushed peanuts and lime wedges
• Add edible flowers for special occasions

Perfect Pairings:

• Thai iced tea
• Summer rolls
• Coconut rice

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overdressing the salad (makes it soggy)
Adding wonton strips too early (loses crispness)
Using thick peanut butter (won’t blend smoothly)
Skipping the acid (lime balances richness)

Creative Variations

For Different Tastes:

• Vegetarian: Use tofu instead of chicken
• Spicy lovers: Add sliced Thai chilies
• Crunchy twist: Include chopped water chestnuts

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Prep components separately, assemble before serving.

Q: How long does dressing keep?
A: 1 week refrigerated – may need thinning.

Q: Can I use store-bought wonton strips?
A: Absolutely! Save time with pre-made.

Q: Is there a nut-free alternative?
A: Use sunflower seed butter instead.

Conclusion

This Thai Peanut Chicken Salad with Crispy Wonton Strips delivers all the vibrant flavors of Thailand in one satisfying bowl. Whether you need a quick lunch or impressive dinner, this salad checks all the boxes for flavor, texture, and visual appeal.

Final Chef’s Tip: For extra freshness, add mango or papaya slices! The combination of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and spicy creates a salad experience that’s anything but ordinary.

Thai Peanut Chicken Salad with Crispy Wonton Strips

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• Author: Lara Smith
• Total Time: 35 mins

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Description

Elevate your salad game with this vibrant and flavorful Thai Peanut Chicken Salad with Crispy Wonton Strips. This dish combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy peanut dressing, topped with crunchy wonton strips for added texture.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil

4 cups mixed greens

1 cup shredded red cabbage

1 cup shredded carrots

1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1/4 cup chopped green onions

1/4 cup chopped peanuts

Peanut Dressing:

1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

2 tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon lime juice

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1 teaspoon grated ginger

2–3 tablespoons warm water (to thin the dressing)

Crispy Wonton Strips:

10 wonton wrappers, cut into thin strips

Vegetable oil (for frying)

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Instructions

Cook the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips.

 

Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, lime juice, sesame oil, and grated ginger. Add warm water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dressing reaches your desired consistency.

 

Fry the wonton strips: In a small pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Once hot, fry the wonton strips in batches until golden and crispy, about 1-2 minutes per batch. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

 

Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, shredded red cabbage, shredded carrots, red bell pepper, cilantro, and green onions. Add the sliced chicken on top.

 

Dress the salad: Drizzle the peanut dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts and top with crispy wonton strips.

 

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Notes

Thai Peanut Chicken Salad with Crispy Wonton Strips is a delightful and nutritious meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. The combination of fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and a creamy peanut dressing is enhanced by the crunchy wonton strips, making this salad a winner.