Thai Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing and Grilled Chicken

Thai Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing and Grilled Chicken: A Burst of Fresh, Zesty Flavors 🥗🍗✨

1. Introduction

Experience the vibrant flavors of Thailand with this refreshing Thai Salad featuring a zesty cilantro lime dressing and perfectly grilled chicken. This dish is a harmonious blend of crisp vegetables, tender chicken, and a tangy, herbaceous dressing that will transport your taste buds straight to the streets of Bangkok. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a healthy dinner, or a crowd-pleasing side dish, this Thai salad is sure to impress.

What makes this the best Thai salad recipe with cilantro lime dressing is its perfect balance of flavors – the freshness of the herbs, the tanginess of lime, and the savory umami from the grilled chicken create a symphony of tastes that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Inspired by traditional Thai flavors but adapted for easy home cooking, this salad brings restaurant-quality taste to your kitchen without complicated techniques.

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2. Ingredients

To make this delicious Thai salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Salad: 4 cups mixed greens (butter lettuce, romaine, or spring mix work well), 1 cup thinly sliced purple cabbage, 1 cup shredded carrots, 1 medium cucumber julienned, 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves, and 2 grilled chicken breasts (about 1 lb total).
For the Cilantro Lime Dressing: 1 cup packed fresh cilantro (stems included), juice of 2 limes (about ¼ cup), ⅓ cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for vegan option), 2 garlic cloves, 1-inch piece fresh ginger peeled, 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free), ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste).
Optional Garnishes: ¼ cup crushed roasted peanuts, lime wedges, extra cilantro leaves, and 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds.

For an authentic Thai touch, consider adding some ingredients recommended by Thai cooking experts like Thai basil or lemongrass to the dressing.

3. Step 1: Prepare the Salad Base

Start by thoroughly washing all your vegetables under cold running water. For the crispiest results, pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or use a salad spinner. Chop the mixed greens into bite-sized pieces if using larger leaves. The purple cabbage should be thinly sliced – a mandoline works great for this but a sharp knife will do. Julienne the carrots and cucumber into matchstick-sized pieces for even distribution throughout the salad. The red bell pepper should be seeded and cut into thin strips.

Combine all the prepared vegetables in a large mixing bowl. The key to a great salad is uniform cutting – this ensures every bite has the perfect mix of textures and flavors. Gently toss the vegetables with your hands to evenly distribute them. Cover with a damp paper towel and refrigerate while you prepare the other components – this keeps everything extra crisp.

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4. Step 2: Make the Cilantro Lime Dressing

The dressing is what truly makes this the best Thai salad recipe with cilantro lime dressing. Start by roughly chopping the cilantro – including the stems which contain lots of flavor. In a blender or food processor, combine the cilantro, freshly squeezed lime juice (never bottled for best results), olive oil, honey, peeled garlic cloves, grated ginger, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes.

Blend on high speed for about 30 seconds until completely smooth and emulsified. The dressing should be a vibrant green color with a pourable consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning – you might want more lime for extra tang, more honey for sweetness, or more red pepper flakes for heat. If the dressing is too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.

According to dressing experts, letting the dressing sit for 15-20 minutes before using allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

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5. Step 3: Grill the Chicken

For perfectly juicy chicken, start with boneless, skinless breasts that are of even thickness (you can pound them slightly if needed). Pat them dry with paper towels – this helps achieve better browning. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides, plus a light drizzle of soy sauce for extra umami flavor.

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer. Resist the urge to constantly flip the chicken – letting it cook undisturbed develops those beautiful grill marks.

Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite stays moist. Slice against the grain into ½-inch thick strips for the salad.

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6. Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Now for the fun part – bringing all these wonderful components together! Remove your chilled vegetables from the refrigerator. Add the sliced grilled chicken on top of the vegetables. Drizzle about half of the cilantro lime dressing over everything – you can always add more but you can’t take it away, so start conservatively.

Using salad tongs or two large spoons, gently toss the salad until all ingredients are evenly distributed and lightly coated with dressing. The goal is to coat everything without crushing the delicate greens. Taste a bite and add more dressing if needed – the flavors should be bright and balanced.

For the final presentation, transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual bowls. Sprinkle with crushed peanuts for crunch, extra cilantro leaves for freshness, and place lime wedges on the side for those who want an extra citrus kick. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds visual appeal and nutty flavor.

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7. Tips for the Best Thai Salad

Use Fresh Ingredients: The fresher the vegetables and herbs, the more vibrant the flavors will be. Visit your local farmer’s market for the crispest produce.
Adjust the Spice Level: Add more or less red pepper flakes depending on your preference for heat. For authentic Thai heat, consider adding a minced Thai chili to the dressing.
Make Ahead: Prepare the dressing (it keeps for 3 days refrigerated) and chop the vegetables (store in separate airtight containers) in advance for quick assembly.
Add Crunch: Toasted peanuts or crispy wonton strips add a delightful texture contrast to the tender vegetables and chicken.
Temperature Matters: Serve the salad chilled but not ice-cold – take it out of the fridge 10 minutes before serving for optimal flavor.

For more salad inspiration, check out these creative salad recipes from professional chefs.

8. Variations

Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add grilled tofu (marinated in the dressing), chickpeas, or edamame for plant-based protein.
Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños, a drizzle of sriracha, or a teaspoon of chili garlic paste to the dressing for extra heat.
Nut-Free: Substitute peanuts with sunflower seeds or omit them entirely for allergy-friendly versions.
Low-Carb: Reduce the honey in the dressing and add more fresh herbs for flavor without the sugar.
Seafood Version: Replace chicken with grilled shrimp or seared scallops for a pescatarian twist.

9. Conclusion

This Thai Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing and Grilled Chicken is more than just a meal – it’s a celebration of fresh, bold flavors that will leave you craving more. Perfect for any occasion from weeknight dinners to summer barbecues, it’s a healthy, delicious, and visually stunning dish that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy.

The combination of crisp vegetables, perfectly grilled chicken, and that vibrant cilantro lime dressing creates a symphony of textures and tastes that truly earns its title as the best Thai salad recipe with cilantro lime dressing. It’s nutritious without sacrificing flavor, light yet satisfying, and endlessly customizable to suit your preferences.

Try it today and bring a taste of Thailand to your table! For more delicious meal ideas, explore our collection of healthy recipes that will inspire your culinary creativity. 🌿🍋🥗