Last Updated on January 8, 2024
If you’re looking for something light and delicious to enjoy for lunch or dinner, then the Cheesecake Factory Thai Chicken Salad is the perfect recipe for you. This features a delicious mix of flavors, from the crunchy vegetables to the tangy dressing.
Plus, it’s a great way to get your daily dose of protein and vitamins. In this article, we’ll go over the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, notes, nutrition information, how to store the salad, variations, and other relevant topics so you can enjoy this delicious dish with ease.
What is Cheesecake Factory Thai Chicken Salad?
The Cheesecake Factory Thai Chicken Salad is a delicious and healthy meal option. This salad is a combination of fresh vegetables, chicken, and a flavorful Thai-style dressing.
The crunchy vegetables provide an array of vitamins and minerals, while the chicken adds a lean source of protein. The dressing is a blend of creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, and a hint of sweetness. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
Why You’ll Love this Cheesecake Factory Thai Chicken Salad?
The Cheesecake Factory Thai Chicken Salad is a great option for those looking for a light and healthy meal. It’s packed full of fresh vegetables, lean protein, and a flavorful dressing. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be customized to your liking.
This is also vegan-friendly, and can be made gluten-free with the right ingredients. You’ll love the combination of flavors and the fact that you can enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal in no time.
You will also like the following Side Dish recipes!
- Bob Evans Dinner Roll Copycat Recipe
- How to make Texas Roadhouse Corn
- Best Texas Roadhouse Steak Fries Recipe
The Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 Succulent boneless, skinless chicken breast: The chicken breast serves as the main protein source in the salad, providing a lean and succulent component.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to awaken the flavors: Salt and black pepper are used to season the chicken, enhancing its natural flavors and adding depth to the dish.
- 1/2 tablespoon Light and aromatic vegetable oil: Light and aromatic vegetable oil is used for cooking the chicken, providing a neutral flavor and ensuring the meat cooks evenly.
- 4 Cups of vibrant mixed salad greens: Mixed salad greens form the base of the salad, contributing freshness and a variety of textures to the dish.
- 1/2 Cup of finely shredded ruby-red cabbage: Finely shredded ruby-red cabbage adds color and a crisp texture to the salad, enhancing its visual appeal.
- 1/2 Cup of julienne-cut, sun-kissed carrots: Julienned carrots contribute sweetness and a vibrant orange color, providing a contrast in both flavor and texture.
- 1/2 Red bell pepper, thinly sliced for a burst of color: Thinly sliced red bell pepper adds sweetness and a burst of vibrant color to the salad.
- 1/4 Cup of coarsely chopped fresh cilantro: Coarsely chopped fresh cilantro adds a bright and citrusy flavor, enhancing the overall freshness of the salad.
- 1/4 Cup of fragrant, handpicked mint leaves: Handpicked mint leaves add a refreshing and aromatic element to the salad, complementing the other flavors.
- 1/4 Cup of crunchy roasted peanuts, finely chopped: Chopped roasted peanuts provide crunch and a nutty flavor, adding a delightful texture to the salad.
- 1 Green onion, thinly sliced for a touch of mild oniony goodness: Thinly sliced green onions contribute a mild onion flavor, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the salad.
For the Peanut Dressing:
- 2 Tablespoons of velvety creamy peanut butter: Creamy peanut butter serves as the base for the dressing, contributing richness, nuttiness, and a smooth texture.
- 1.5 Tablespoons of aged rice vinegar: Aged rice vinegar adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor, balancing the richness of the peanut butter.
- 1 Tablespoon of premium soy sauce: Soy sauce provides a savory and umami depth to the dressing.
- 1 Tablespoon of golden honey from local bees: Golden honey adds sweetness and a natural sweetness, enhancing the overall balance of flavors.
- 1/2 Tablespoon of freshly squeezed lime juice: Fresh lime juice contributes acidity and brightness to the dressing.
- 1/2 Clove of garlic, minced for a hint of pungency: Minced garlic adds a subtle pungency and depth of flavor to the dressing.
- 1/4 Teaspoon of grated fresh ginger for a zesty kick: Grated fresh ginger provides a zesty and aromatic kick, adding complexity to the dressing.
- 1 Tablespoon of pure water to achieve the desired dressing consistency: Water is used to adjust the consistency of the dressing, ensuring it coats the salad ingredients evenly.
Step by Step Instructions
For the Salad:
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Season boneless, skinless chicken breast with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring a well-seasoned base for your salad.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a pan, heat light and aromatic vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken breast until it’s fully cooked and has a golden brown exterior. Allow it to cool, then slice it into thin strips for a succulent addition to your salad.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine mixed salad greens, shredded cabbage, julienne-cut carrots, sliced red bell pepper, chopped cilantro, mint leaves, chopped peanuts, and sliced green onion. This diverse mix of ingredients forms the foundation of your Cheesecake Factory-inspired Thai Chicken Salad.
Step 4: Add Chicken
Gently place the sliced and cooked chicken on top of the salad, ensuring a protein-packed element to complement the vibrant veggies.
For the Peanut Dressing:
Step 5: Prepare the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together creamy peanut butter, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger. Adjust the sweetness or acidity according to your taste preferences. Add pure water gradually to achieve the desired dressing consistency.
Step 6: Drizzle Dressing
Drizzle the prepared peanut dressing generously over the assembled salad, infusing it with the distinctive flavors of peanuts, soy, and a hint of sweetness.
Step 7: Toss and Serve
Gently toss the salad to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the luscious peanut dressing, allowing the flavors to meld harmoniously.
Step 8: Serve
Divide the Cheesecake Factory-inspired Thai Chicken Salad onto individual plates, presenting a visually appealing and mouth watering dish.
Notes
• To make this recipe gluten-free, make sure you use gluten-free soy sauce.
• The roasted peanuts can be replaced with cashews, if desired.
• If you don’t have edamame, you can use cooked chickpeas instead.
• To save time, you can use pre-cooked chicken.
• For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
• If you don’t want to use peanut butter, you can use almond butter instead.
Nutrition Information
One serving of the Cheesecake Factory Thai Chicken Salad contains 320 calories, 18 grams of fat, 22 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of fiber, 11 grams of sugar, and 30 grams of protein.
How to store Cheesecake Factory Thai Chicken Salad?
The Cheesecake Factory Thai Chicken Salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To store the salad, place it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply take it out of the refrigerator and serve.
Variations
• Add mango or pineapple for a sweet flavor.
• Add shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
• Add cooked rice or quinoa for a heartier meal.
• Add your favorite greens for a nutritional boost.
• Add diced avocado for added creaminess.
• For a spicy kick, add diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes.
• Swap out the peanuts for almonds or cashews.
• Swap out the edamame for cooked chickpeas.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 1 Succulent boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1/4 Cup of coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
- 4 Cups of vibrant mixed salad greens
- 1/2 Cup of finely shredded ruby-red cabbage
- 1/2 tablespoon Light and aromatic vegetable oil
- 1/4 Cup of fragrant handpicked mint leaves
- 1 Green onion thinly sliced for a touch of mild oniony goodness
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to awaken the flavors
- 1/2 Red bell pepper thinly sliced for a burst of color
- 1/4 Cup of crunchy roasted peanuts finely chopped
- 1/2 Cup of julienne-cut sun-kissed carrots
For the Peanut Dressing:
- 2 Tablespoons of velvety creamy peanut butter
- 1 Tablespoon of premium soy sauce
- 1/4 Teaspoon of grated fresh ginger for a zesty kick
- 1 Tablespoon of golden honey from local bees
- 1 Tablespoon of pure water to achieve the desired dressing consistency
- 1/2 Clove of garlic minced for a hint of pungency
- 1.5 Tablespoons of aged rice vinegar
- 1/2 Tablespoon of freshly squeezed lime juice
Instructions
For the Salad:
Prepare and Season the Chicken:
- Season the boneless, skinless chicken breast with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Cook the Chicken:
- In a pan, heat the light and aromatic vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken breast until it’s fully cooked and has a golden brown exterior. Allow it to cool, then slice it into thin strips.
Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, shredded cabbage, julienne-cut carrots, sliced red bell pepper, chopped cilantro, mint leaves, chopped peanuts, and sliced green onion.
Add Chicken:
- Gently place the sliced and cooked chicken on top of the salad.
For the Peanut Dressing:
Prepare the Dressing:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together creamy peanut butter, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger.
- Add pure water to achieve the desired dressing consistency. Adjust the sweetness or acidity according to your taste.
Drizzle Dressing:
- Drizzle the prepared peanut dressing over the assembled salad.
Toss and Serve:
- Gently toss the salad to coat all ingredients with the peanut dressing.
Serve:
- Divide the Cheesecake Factory-inspired Thai Chicken Salad onto individual plates.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, the Cheesecake Factory Thai Chicken Salad can easily be made vegan. Simply omit the chicken and use edamame, chickpeas, or your favorite vegan protein source instead.
Can I use different vegetables in this recipe?
Yes, you can use different vegetables in this recipe. Feel free to swap out the carrots, cabbage, bell pepper, and scallions for your favorite vegetables.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the Cheesecake Factory Thai Chicken Salad can easily be made gluten-free. Simply make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce.
Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
Yes, you can use almond butter instead of peanut butter if desired.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a light and healthy meal option, then the Cheesecake Factory Thai Chicken Salad is the perfect recipe for you. This salad is a delicious mix of fresh vegetables, lean protein, and a flavorful Thai-style dressing.
Plus, it’s easy to make and customizable to your liking. So, give this recipe a try and enjoy a nutritious and delicious meal in no time.