Cpk Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad

I love a good copycat recipe! It’s so nice to be able to make your favorite foods at home for a fraction of the cost and know everything that is going into them. This CPK copycat is one of the best and is a super satisfying dinner salad option that is perfect for summer weather. Its layers of textures and flavors are packed with taste and texture from the crispness of the chopped romaine lettuce and red cabbage to the satisfying crunch of wonton strips and roasted peanuts. And the chunks of chicken are the perfect satisfying lean protein. And the Thai peanut dressing blends the savory depth of soy sauce and sesame oil with the bright acidity of lime juice and the subtle heat from red pepper flakes. This combination ensures that each bite is as delicious as it is nutritious! For more juicy chicken salad recipes, check out my Easy Curried Chicken Salad, Chinese Chicken Salad, The Best Recipe For Chicken Salad, Grilled Cajun Chicken Salad with Creamy Cajun Dressing, and BBQ Chicken Cobb Salad!

Why We Love This Recipe

It serves beautifully as a wholesome meal on its own or as a light side dish during larger gatherings. Whether you’re feeding your family or entertaining guests, this salad scales easily to suit any occasion. It’s also perfect for summer potlucks and cookouts. With ingredients like edamame, carrots, and avocados, it offers a wealth of vitamins and minerals. The lean protein from the chicken and the healthy fats from the avocado and peanut dressing contribute to a well-rounded meal that supports a healthy diet. Even with a list of ingredients that might seem extensive, the assembly is straightforward, making it a great recipe for those who are new to Thai cuisine or cooking in general. Sometimes I even scale it down for one when it’s just me at home for lunch and I have leftover chicken.

What You’ll Need

Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.

Creamy Peanut Butter – Serves as the base for the dressing, adding a creamy texture and rich flavor. For a nut-free option, consider sunflower seed butter. Water & Canola Oil – These help thin out the dressing and ensure it coats the salad evenly. Feel free to use any neutral oil, such as vegetable or avocado oil. Seasoned Rice Vinegar & Brown Sugar – These add a sweet and tangy profile to the dressing, balancing the flavors. Rice Vinegar can be substituted with apple cider vinegar for a similar tangy effect. Soy Sauce & Sesame Oil – Provide an umami depth and Asian flavor characteristic of Thai dishes. Tamari or coconut aminos are excellent alternatives for those avoiding gluten or soy. Garlic, Kosher Salt, Ground Ginger, Red Pepper Flakes – These seasonings add heat and complexity to the dressing. Limes – The juice is essential for its zesty tang, brightening up the entire salad. Romaine Lettuce & Napa Cabbage – These form the crunchy, green base of the salad, offering a fresh, crisp texture. Kale or mixed spring greens can be used for varied nutrition and taste, or other crunchy veggies such as chopped bell peppers. Red Cabbage – Adds color and additional crunch, enhancing the visual appeal and fiber content. Cilantro & Green Onions – These herbs contribute freshness and a slight sharpness, pivotal for Thai flavor profiles. Shelled Edamame & Carrots – Provide protein and sweetness, respectively, rounding out the nutritional balance. Red Bell Pepper & English Cucumber – Offer a mild sweet flavor and refreshing crunch. Cooked Chicken Breast – Adds substantial protein, making the salad filling and satisfying. Tofu or shrimp can be excellent substitutes for a different protein source. Avocado – Contributes creamy texture and healthy fats. Roasted Peanuts & Crispy Wonton Strips – These toppings add essential crunch and nuttiness, elevating the texture contrast. Almonds or cashews can be used for a different nutty flavor. For a gluten-free option, use chopped nuts or seeds instead of wonton strips to maintain the crunchy texture.

How to Make Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad

Tips for Success

One of the key aspects of making this Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad shine is balancing the flavors in the dressing. Start with the recipe’s recommended amounts, but don’t hesitate to adjust the sweetness, tanginess, or heat to your taste. A little extra lime juice can brighten the flavors, while a bit more brown sugar will enhance the sweetness if desired. For the best texture and flavor, choose fresh ingredients, crisp vegetables, and properly cooked chicken. When using rotisserie chicken, make sure it’s not overly seasoned or salty as it may overpower the delicate balance of the salad’s dressing. Fresh herbs like cilantro should be vibrant and aromatic to lend an authentic Thai taste to your salad. Chopping all your vegetables and cooking the chicken in advance is a great way to save time, especially if you have a meal prep routine. Keep everything refrigerated in separate containers until you’re ready to assemble the salad. This makes the final preparation quick and easy, especially useful for entertaining or preparing a weeknight dinner after a busy day. The texture of the salad is pivotal, so adding the wonton strips just before serving ensures they retain their crunch. If you prefer your salads with a little less crunch, allow the dressing to sit on the greens for a few minutes before serving to slightly soften them.

Substitutions and Variations

Mix things up by using different greens such as kale, spinach, or mixed field greens as the base of the salad. If you enjoy spicier dishes, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes in the dressing or add a splash of sriracha hot sauce or chili garlic sauce. For additional texture, include chopped nuts like cashews or almonds, or sprinkle in some seeds such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds. For a sweet contrast, add diced mango or pineapple. This will complement the spicy and savory flavors of the salad beautifully.

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