Teriyaki Chicken Peanut Salad

This Asian chicken salad brings together vibrant flavors, crunchy textures and juicy teriyaki chicken for a meal that satisfies all your cravings at once. The homemade peanut dressing takes it to another level with its creamy richness that perfectly complements the fresh vegetables and tender chicken.

I originally made this salad for a summer potluck and it disappeared within minutes. Since then it has become my go to recipe whenever I want to impress friends without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs: the dark meat stays juicier and more flavorful than breast meat especially when grilled
• Teriyaki sauce: provides both flavor and tenderizing benefits for the chicken
• Romaine lettuce: offers the perfect crisp base that stands up to the hearty toppings
• Red cabbage: adds beautiful color vibrant crunch and extra nutrients
• Carrots: provide natural sweetness and a pop of orange color
• Chow mein noodles: create that addictive crunch factor that makes this salad special
• Mandarin oranges: their sweet juicy burst complements the savory elements perfectly
• Roasted cashews: add richness protein and satisfying texture
• Fresh cilantro: brings brightness and authentic Asian flavor notes
• Green onions: offer a mild onion flavor without overpowering the dish
• Peanut butter: creates the creamy base for our irresistible dressing

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Peanut Dressing:

Whisk together peanut butter soy sauce rice vinegar brown sugar garlic and warm water until completely smooth and creamy. The warm water helps the peanut butter blend more easily. Refrigerate until ready to use this allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Marinate the Chicken:

Combine chicken thighs and teriyaki sauce in a ziplock bag or bowl making sure each piece is well coated. Allow to marinate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight in the refrigerator. The longer marinating time allows the teriyaki to penetrate deeply into the meat creating much more flavorful chicken.

Grill the Chicken:

Preheat your grill to medium heat. Remove chicken from marinade and pat slightly dry. Brush with canola oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill for approximately 10 minutes turning occasionally until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The caramelization from the teriyaki marinade creates beautiful grill marks and extra flavor.

Assemble the Salad:

Place chopped romaine in a large serving bowl. Arrange the grilled chicken cabbage carrots chow mein noodles mandarin oranges cashews cilantro and green onions on top. The presentation is stunning with all the vibrant colors layered together.

Dress and Serve:

Pour the peanut dressing over the salad right before serving and gently toss to coat all ingredients. Serve immediately to maintain the perfect texture contrast between crisp vegetables and crunchy toppings.

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The peanut dressing is absolutely the star of this recipe. I sometimes make a double batch to keep in the refrigerator for quick lunches throughout the week. My family has been known to use it as a dip for fresh vegetables or even drizzled over grilled meats.

Make It Ahead

This salad is perfect for meal prep if you keep the components separate. Grill the chicken and make the dressing up to three days ahead and store in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Chop all vegetables except the romaine the day before and store in separate containers. When ready to eat simply assemble all ingredients and toss with the dressing for a fresh tasting meal in minutes.

Customization Options

This recipe welcomes substitutions based on what you have available. Swap chicken thighs for chicken breast or even grilled shrimp for a different protein option. Vegetarians can replace the chicken with crispy tofu or tempeh. Almonds or peanuts work well in place of cashews for those with specific nut preferences. For a lower carb option replace the chow mein noodles with extra cashews or sliced water chestnuts for crunch.

Serving Suggestions

This Asian chicken salad makes a complete meal on its own but pairs wonderfully with a side of miso soup for a restaurant quality Asian inspired dinner. For a party setting serve it alongside spring rolls pot stickers or even a simple steamed rice for guests who prefer a heartier option. The vibrant colors make it especially appealing on a buffet table where guests can serve themselves.

Storage Tips

If you anticipate leftovers keep the dressing separate and only dress individual portions. The undressed salad will keep in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Store the grilled chicken separately from the vegetables for best results. The peanut dressing will thicken when refrigerated simply whisk in a teaspoon of warm water before using on leftovers to restore its creamy consistency.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken breasts can be substituted for thighs. However, be careful not to overcook them as they tend to dry out more quickly. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F and consider reducing the grilling time by 1-2 minutes.

→ How long can I store the peanut dressing?

The peanut dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If it thickens while refrigerated, simply add a tablespoon of warm water and whisk to restore the desired consistency.

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the components ahead of time but assemble just before serving. The chicken can be grilled and refrigerated for up to 2 days. Store the dressing and prepped vegetables separately. Add the chow mein noodles last minute to maintain their crunch.

→ What can I substitute for mandarin oranges?

Fresh orange segments, diced mango, or sliced peaches work well as substitutes for mandarin oranges. Each will provide a similar sweet contrast to the savory elements in the salad.

→ Is there a nut-free alternative to the peanut dressing?

For a nut-free version, substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini (sesame paste). You may need to adjust the sweetness slightly with additional brown sugar to balance the flavors.

→ What can I use instead of chow mein noodles for crunch?

Crispy rice noodles, broken wonton crisps, toasted sliced almonds, or even crispy fried shallots make excellent alternatives for adding crunch to this salad.