Thai Chicken Salad With Noodles

Introduction

Welcome to another delightful recipe on Yum Platter! Today, we’re diving into the vibrant and aromatic world of Thai cuisine with a refreshing Thai Chicken Salad with Noodles. This dish combines tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and al dente noodles, all tossed in a tangy, savory dressing that perfectly balances sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors. It’s not just a salad; it’s an explosion of taste and texture that will transport your taste buds straight to Thailand. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a satisfying dinner, or a dish to impress your guests, this Thai Chicken Salad with Noodles is sure to become a favorite. Let’s get started!

Origin

Thai Chicken Salad with Noodles comes from Thailand, where fresh ingredients and bold flavors are key parts of the food. Thai salads, called “Yam,” often mix proteins, herbs, and spices, balancing sweet, sour, salty, and spicy tastes. Adding noodles shows the influence of different dishes in Thailand, where rice noodles are a staple. This dish has become popular worldwide, keeping its authentic Thai taste while adapting to local flavors.

Why Choose Thai Chicken Salad with Noodles?

1. Burst of Flavors: Thai cuisine is renowned for its ability to balance different flavors, and this salad is no exception. Each bite is an explosion of tastes, from the tangy lime dressing to the savory chicken and fresh vegetables.
2. Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and gluten-free rice noodles, this salad is a wholesome and nutritious choice. It provides essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants while being low in calories and fat.
3. Easy to Prepare: Despite its complex flavors, Thai Chicken Salad with Noodles is surprisingly easy to make. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this delightful dish in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a quick, healthy lunch.
4. Versatile: This salad can be enjoyed as a light main course or a side dish. It’s also easy to customize to suit your preferences—adjust the level of spiciness, swap out vegetables, or use different types of noodles to make it your own.
5. Exotic and Appealing: For those who love exploring new cuisines, Thai Chicken Salad with Noodles offers an exciting and exotic culinary adventure. It’s a great way to introduce Thai flavors to your family and friends, impressing them with your culinary skills.
6. Great for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a meal for your family, or looking for a dish to bring to a potluck, Thai Chicken Salad with Noodles is sure to be a hit. Its vibrant presentation and delicious taste make it a standout choice for any occasion.

Equipment Used

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium saucepan
• Colander
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs or salad tossers
• Whisk or fork (for mixing dressing)
• Serving platter or individual bowls

Health Benefits

• High in Protein: Chicken provides a good source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Rich in Vegetables:  Fresh veggies add vitamins, minerals, and fiber, promoting overall health and digestion.
• Healthy Carbs: Rice noodles offer a gluten-free carbohydrate option, providing energy without gluten.
• Antioxidants:  Herbs like cilantro and mint contain antioxidants that help fight inflammation and support the immune system.
• Balanced Flavors: The combination of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors encourages mindful eating and enjoyment.
• Low in Saturated Fats: This salad is typically low in unhealthy fats, making it a heart-healthy option.
• Hydration: Ingredients like cucumber and lettuce have high water content, helping with hydration.
• Nutrient-Dense: The mix of proteins, veggies, and herbs makes the salad nutrient-dense, supporting overall wellness.

Thai Chicken Salad With Noodles Serving Suggestions

1. As a Standalone Meal: Serve the salad as a satisfying main dish for lunch or dinner. Its balanced mix of protein, noodles, and fresh vegetables makes it a complete meal.
2. With a Side Dish: Complement the salad with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or carrots, for added nutrition and variety.
3. With Soup: Pair the salad with a light soup, such as miso soup or a clear vegetable broth, to create a well-rounded meal.
4. On a Bed of Greens: For a lighter option, serve the salad on a bed of mixed greens or spinach. This adds an extra layer of freshness and crunch.
5. In a Wrap: Use large lettuce leaves or rice paper to make wraps with the salad. This is a fun, hand-held way to enjoy the dish and is great for picnics or casual dining.
6. Garnished with Fresh Herbs: Top the salad with additional fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, or basil to enhance its flavor and presentation.
7. With a Side of Fruit: Serve the salad alongside a fresh fruit like pineapple or mango for a sweet contrast and additional nutrition.
8. In a Bento Box: Include the salad in a bento box with other items like pickled vegetables, a small portion of rice, or a protein-rich snack for a balanced and portable meal.
9. As an Appetizer: Serve smaller portions of the salad as a flavorful appetizer at a dinner party or gathering.
10. With Extra Toppings: Add a sprinkle of chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, or crispy wonton strips for extra crunch and flavor.

Print Recipe

Thai Chicken Salad With Noodles

Author: Yum Platter Cooking Method: Pan frying Cuisine: Cultural Cuisine, Thai Courses: Salad Recipe Keys: High Protein Mixing Non Vegetarian

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 15 mins Total Time 35 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 450 kcal

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Ingredients

Servings

• 1 kg Chicken Breast

• 200 g Dried Pad Thai Rice Noodles

• 2 tsp Sesame Oil

• 100 g Snow Peas (thinly sliced)

• 1 Spring Onion (finely sliced)

• ¹⁄₂ Cucumber (thinly sliced)

• ¹⁄₂ Red Pepper (thinly sliced)

• 1 Carrot (peeled and shredded)

• ¹⁄₄ Mint Leaves (chopped)

• ¹⁄₄ Roasted Peanuts (crushed)

Dressing

• 4 tbsp Soy Sauce

• 2 tbsp Fish Sauce

• 1 tsp Fresh Lime Juice

• 2 tbsp Sweet Chilli Sauce

• 1 tbsp Running Honey or Brown Sugar

• 1 clove Garlic (crushed)

• 1 Ginger (crushed)

Instructions

1. Prepare Chicken Breasts

   Cut the chicken breasts in half from the side, making them thinner so you get six pieces. Sprinkle salt and pepper on them.

   

2. Cook The Chicken

   Heat a pan or BBQ on high. Cook the chicken for 5 minutes on each side, or until it's fully cooked. Let it rest before serving.

   

3. Mix The Dressing Ingredients

   Mix all the dressing ingredients in a small jug and put it in the fridge to chill until you're ready to use it.

   

4. Cook The Noodles & Mix Vegetables with Dressing

   Put the noodles in a big bowl and pour boiling water over them. Let them sit for 8-10 minutes until they're fully cooked. Drain the water, put the noodles back in the bowl, and mix in some sesame oil.

   Put the prepared vegetables, snow peas, spring onion, cucumber, red pepper, carrot, and mint leaves into a bowl. Add half of the dressing and use tongs to mix everything together. Transfer to a serving dish or divide between bowls.

   

5. Slice The Cooked Chicken Add Extra Dressing Before Serving

   Cut the cooked chicken into thin slices and place them on the salad. Sprinkle the roasted peanuts on top.

   Pour some extra dressing over the salad just before serving. Put the rest of the dressing in a jug on the side so everyone can add more to their bowls if they want.

   

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 450kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 15g24%

Saturated Fat 3g15%

Cholesterol 60mg20%

Sodium 800mg34%

Total Carbohydrate 50g17%

Dietary Fiber 5g20%

Sugars 8g

Protein 25g50%

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* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

1. Noodle Preparation: Ensure the noodles are cooked according to package instructions, then rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from becoming mushy.
2. Chopping Vegetables: Cut all vegetables into uniform sizes for even mixing and a more visually appealing salad.
3. Chicken Cooking: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. For the best texture, cook the chicken until it's just done and let it rest before slicing.
4. Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like cilantro and mint add a burst of flavor. Add them just before serving to maintain their freshness.
5. Dressing Balance: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed. The balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy is key to achieving the right flavor profile.
6. Tossing the Salad: Gently toss the salad to combine ingredients evenly without breaking up the noodles or vegetables.
7. Serving: Serve the salad immediately after mixing to keep the noodles and vegetables crisp. If preparing in advance, store the salad and dressing separately and combine just before serving.
8. Allergies and Dietary Restrictions: Be mindful of any allergies or dietary restrictions when selecting ingredients, especially with the dressing, which may contain fish sauce or soy sauce.

Keywords: All Recipes, Thai Chicken Salad With Noodles, Salad, Homemade, Thai, Peanut dressing