Thai Inspired Chicken Salad Boats are a vibrant fusion of flavors and textures. This easy-to-make dish features tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy peanut lime dressing that will tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for a healthy lunch or light dinner, these salad boats are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Enjoy a satisfying meal that is low in carbs and high in protein, making it an ideal choice for health-conscious eaters.
Why make this Thai Inspired Chicken Salad Boats recipe
- Protein-Rich: Packed with protein from the chicken and healthy fats from the peanut butter.
- Quick Prep: This dish can be prepared in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Meal-Prep Friendly: Great for storing and enjoying throughout the week, making your meal planning effortless.
- Low-Carb: Utilizing cabbage or lettuce leaves instead of bread lowers the carb count significantly.
- Kid-Approved: Fun to eat and easy to customize, making it a hit with children!
“The Thai Inspired Chicken Salad Boats were a hit at our family dinner! They are delicious and so easy to put together.” – Sarah L.
How to make Thai Inspired Chicken Salad Boats
Making Thai Inspired Chicken Salad Boats is straightforward and requires just a few tools, including mixing bowls and a whisk. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up this nutritious and delicious meal. If you love fast protein breakfasts, try our Cottage Cheese Pancakes to keep your mornings healthy too!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups shredded coleslaw mix (cabbage + carrots)
- 1/2 cup cucumber or bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 avocado, sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts or cashews, chopped
- 4–6 large cabbage or lettuce leaves (red cabbage preferred)
These ingredients come together to create vibrant Thai Inspired Chicken Salad Boats that are filling and nutritious. You can substitute the chicken with tofu or shrimp for a different twist, or use different vegetables like bell peppers or radishes based on your preference.
Directions
- Combine: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, shredded coleslaw mix, diced cucumber or bell pepper, avocado if using, and chopped peanuts or cashews.
- Whisk: In a separate bowl, whisk together the powdered peanut butter or natural peanut butter, lime juice, soy sauce or coconut aminos, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sweetener or honey, grated garlic, and ginger. Add water until the dressing reaches your desired consistency.
- Drizzle: Drizzle the creamy peanut lime dressing over the chicken salad mixture and toss to combine.
- Scoop: To serve, scoop the mixture into the cabbage or lettuce leaves, creating “boats.” Enjoy fresh and crunchy!
How to serve Thai Inspired Chicken Salad Boats
Serve Thai Inspired Chicken Salad Boats as a light meal or appetizer. These salad boats pair well with a side of sliced mango or a light cucumber salad for a refreshing accompaniment. For an exciting twist, try adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for some heat. This dish is not only delightful but also nutrient-dense, offering a wholesome balance of protein and healthy fats.
How to store
Thai Inspired Chicken Salad Boats can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, the components can be prepared separately and mixed just before serving. Note that the salad mixture may soften the leaves, so store them separately if possible.
For safe storage timing, see USDA FoodData Central for recommendations on how long to keep your prepared meals fresh.
Tips to make
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For even quicker prep, buy pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
- Make the Dressing Ahead: Prepare the dressing a day before for deeper flavor.
- Customize Veggies: Feel free to use any veggies you have on hand; carrots and radishes work well too.
Variations
- Vegan Option: Swap chicken for chickpeas or tofu.
- Dressing Twist: Use tahini instead of peanut butter for a different flavor profile.
- Herbs and Spices: Add fresh cilantro or mint for extra flavor.
FAQs
Can I meal prep Thai Inspired Chicken Salad Boats?
Yes, Thai Inspired Chicken Salad Boats keep well for 3–4 days in the fridge; store in an airtight container.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Freeze portions for up to a month; thaw overnight, then reheat gently.
What substitutions work best?
You can substitute chicken with turkey or tofu; adjust seasoning to taste and texture.
How can I make them gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos to ensure the dish remains gluten-free.
Is this dish suitable for kids?
Absolutely! Thai Inspired Chicken Salad Boats are fun and tasty, making them appealing to kids.
For nutrition insights, visit Healthline.
Thai Inspired Chicken Salad Boats are a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy, delicious meal that’s easy to prepare and customize. We hope this recipe inspires you to share your creations or any modifications you make—comment below with your thoughts!
Thai Inspired Chicken Salad Boats
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped Can be substituted with tofu or shrimp.
- 1.5 cups shredded coleslaw mix (cabbage + carrots)
- 0.5 cups cucumber or bell pepper, diced
- 0.5 cups avocado, sliced (optional)
- 0.25 cups roasted peanuts or cashews, chopped
- 4-6 large cabbage or lettuce leaves (red cabbage preferred)
Creamy Peanut Lime Dressing
- 1/4 cups powdered peanut butter or natural peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or coconut aminos Use gluten-free soy sauce for gluten-free option.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sweetener or honey
- 1 clove grated garlic
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- as needed water Add until the dressing reaches desired consistency.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, shredded coleslaw mix, diced cucumber or bell pepper, avocado if using, and chopped peanuts or cashews.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the powdered peanut butter or natural peanut butter, lime juice, soy sauce or coconut aminos, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sweetener or honey, grated garlic, and ginger. Add water until the dressing reaches your desired consistency.
- Drizzle the creamy peanut lime dressing over the chicken salad mixture and toss to combine.
- To serve, scoop the mixture into the cabbage or lettuce leaves, creating 'boats'. Enjoy fresh and crunchy!