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Thai Chicken Salad with Rice Noodles

This vibrant Thai chicken salad with rice noodles is a wonderful way to enjoy a high-protein meal that feels light yet satisfying. The dish combines tender shredded chicken with a colourful array of crunchy vegetables, including Chinese cabbage, carrot, and red peppers. A zesty, homemade peanut and lime dressing brings everything together, providing a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and tangy flavours that capture the essence of Thai-inspired cuisine.

Ideal for a quick midweek dinner or a nutritious meal-prep lunch, this recipe is as versatile as it is healthy. The use of shop-bought roasted chicken breasts makes preparation incredibly simple, allowing you to whip up a restaurant-quality salad in a matter of minutes. Serve it as a refreshing main course on a warm evening, garnished with plenty of roasted peanuts for an extra savoury crunch.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Thai Chicken Salad with Rice Noodles

  • 130g rice stick noodles (maifun)*

  • 4 large garlic cloves

  • 60ml soy sauce

  • 80ml fresh lime juice

  • 2 tablespoons sugar

  • 1 tablespoon smooth peanut butter

  • 2 teaspoons chopped peeled fresh ginger

  • 1 1/4 teaspoons hot chilli paste (such as sambal oelek)*

  • 60ml vegetable oil

  • 3 purchased roasted chicken breast halves, boned, skinned, shredded

  • 3 cups shredded Napa cabbage

  • 1 cup coarsely grated carrot

  • 160g red pepper strips

  • 80g thinly sliced red onion

  • 2 medium cucumbers, halved lengthwise, thinly sliced crosswise

  • 50g coarsely chopped roasted salted peanuts

How to make Thai Chicken Salad with Rice Noodles

Cook noodles in small pot of boiling salted water until tender, about 3 minutes. Drain; cut noodles in several places with scissors. Spread out on platter.

Puree next 7 ingredients in blender. With machine running, gradually add oil and blend until dressing is smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Combine chicken, cabbage, carrot, pepper, onion, and cucumbers in large bowl. Toss with enough dressing to coat. Arrange atop noodles, sprinkle with peanuts, and serve, passing remaining dressing alongside.

*Available in the Asian foods section of some supermarkets, at Asian markets, and from amazon.com.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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