Peanut Chicken Salad
Published on January 07, 2026
Quick Summary
This Peanut Chicken Salad is fresh, flavorful, and tossed in a creamy peanut dressing that’s perfectly balanced with lime, ginger, and a touch of sweetness. Made with shredded chicken, crunchy vegetables, fresh herbs, and a savory-sweet peanut sauce, this salad is easy to make, protein-packed, and great for meal prep, lunches, or serving alongside dinner. It’s a reader‑favorite style recipe: simple ingredients, bold flavor, and endlessly versatile.
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I’ve shared quite a few chicken salad recipes over the years, including a roundup of 8 chicken salad recipes and this Peanut Chicken Salad is a new favorite! It’s fresh, flavorful, and a deserves a spot in your rotation.
The creamy peanut dressing is what sets this salad apart. It’s rich and nutty from peanut butter, brightened with fresh lime juice, and balanced with ginger, garlic, and a touch of sweetness. When tossed with shredded chicken, crisp vegetables, and plenty of fresh herbs, the result is a salad that’s satisfying without feeling heavy.
This is one of those recipes that feels effortless but delivers big flavor. I use rotisserie chicken to keep things easy, then add edamame, cucumber, bell pepper, carrots, cilantro, and mint for crunch and freshness. A generous sprinkle of chopped peanuts and sesame seeds on top finishes it off perfectly.
This is the kind of recipe that makes eating at home exciting. It feels fresh and nourishing, but still comforting and satisfying. It’s packed with protein and perfect for meal prep!
If you’re looking for a chicken salad that’s a little different (and a lot delicious), I can’t wait for you to try this one.
Ingredients (with Helpful Notes)
Peanut Dressing
- Peanut Butter: Use natural creamy peanut butter for the best flavor and texture. Stir well before using so the oils are fully incorporated.
- Soy Sauce or Coconut Aminos: Low‑sodium soy sauce keeps the dressing balanced. Coconut aminos are a great gluten‑free alternative.
- Fresh Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds brightness and keeps the dressing from tasting heavy.
- Honey: Adds just enough sweetness to balance the savory and tangy flavors.
- Rice Vinegar: Mild and slightly sweet, it complements the peanut butter without overpowering the dressing.
- Fresh Ginger: Grated fresh ginger gives the dressing warmth and depth. I always keep ginger in the freezer!
- Garlic: Finely minced garlic blends smoothly into the dressing.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Just a dash adds subtle heat.
- Water: Used to thin the dressing to a creamy, pourable consistency.
Salad
- Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is quick and flavorful, but any cooked, shredded chicken works well.
- Edamame: Adds extra protein and a slightly nutty flavor. Use shelled, cooked edamame.
- Cucumber: Adds crunch and freshness. English or Persian cucumbers work especially well.
- Red Bell Pepper: Brings sweetness, color, and crisp texture.
- Shredded Carrots: Add color and a subtle natural sweetness.
- Green Onions: Provide mild onion flavor without overpowering the salad.
- Fresh Herbs: Cilantro adds fresh, citrusy notes that pair well with the peanut dressing and mint brightens the salad!
- Peanuts: Chopped peanuts add crunch and reinforce the peanut flavor.
- Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle on top for a light, toasty finish.
Tips for Making the Best Peanut Chicken Salad
- Make sure you stir the natural peanut butter before using so it is nice and creamy!
- Taste and adjust! Add more lime for brightness or a splash of water if the dressing is too thick.
- Chop the vegetables into similar‑sized pieces for the best texture.
- For extra heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like snap peas, shredded cabbage, or small broccoli florets for extra crunch and color.
- If preparing ahead, store the dressing separately and toss right before serving to keep the salad crisp.
How to Store
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving, as the dressing may thicken slightly as it sits. If needed, add a small splash of water or lime juice to freshen it up.
Peanut Chicken Salad
Ingredients
For the peanut dressing:
- 1/3 cup natural creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce, can use coconut aminos
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- Dash of crushed red pepper flakes
- 3 tablespoons water, to thin dressing
For the salad:
- 4 cups shredded chicken, we use rotisserie
- 1 cup edamame
- 1 cup chopped cucumber
- 1/2 chopped red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped mint
- 1/4 chopped peanuts
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, red pepper flakes, and water.
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken, edamame, cucumber, red pepper, carrots, green onion, cilantro, and mint.
- Pour the peanut dressing over the salad.
- Toss until well combined. Sprinkle chopped peanuts and sesame seeds on top. Serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Have you tried this recipe?
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