Discover the vibrant flavors and satisfying textures of this award-winning Thai Chicken Noodle Salad. This exquisite cold noodle salad is a true culinary delight, featuring perfectly grilled chicken, delicate vermicelli noodles, an abundance of crisp, colorful vegetables, all brought together by a rich and creamy peanut sauce. It’s not just incredibly tasty; it’s also remarkably filling, making it an ideal stand-alone meal. Plus, it’s Weight Watchers friendly, clocking in at just 4 WW points per serving, allowing you to enjoy a flavorful meal without compromising your healthy eating goals.

While often enjoyed during the refreshing transition of the New Year or as a cool, light dish for summer gatherings, this Thai chicken noodle salad is a fantastic healthy meal solution for any time of year. Its versatility and refreshing profile make it a perennial favorite. For those who love pairing their salads with a warm, comforting side, it beautifully complements homemade Bread Machine Italian Breadsticks. Fun fact: this particular recipe holds a special place, as it was the very first recipe ever created by the author, over 30 years ago, standing the test of time as a beloved classic.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Thai Chicken Noodle Salad Recipe

There are countless reasons why this Thai Chicken Noodle Salad is destined to become a staple in your meal rotation. From its incredible flavor to its ease of preparation, it truly checks all the boxes for a perfect dish:

• Healthy and Light. This recipe is the ultimate choice for those seeking a meal that is both healthy and refreshingly light. With only 4 Weight Watchers points per serving, it allows you to indulge in a flavor-packed dish without any guilt. It’s packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and satisfying noodles, making it a balanced option.
• Hearty Enough for a Meal. Don’t let the “salad” in its name fool you; this dish is robust and satisfying enough to serve as a complete stand-alone meal. The combination of grilled chicken, vermicelli noodles, and an array of crunchy vegetables ensures you’ll feel full and completely satisfied, making it perfect for lunch or dinner.
• Effortless and Easy to Make. Preparing this Thai chicken noodle salad is surprisingly quick and straightforward, fitting perfectly into a busy schedule. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or for meal prep, you’ll appreciate how easily it comes together. You can even prepare the entire dish in advance, or simply prep the chicken and dressing ahead of time to save precious minutes later.
• Simple, Accessible Ingredients. You won’t need to hunt for exotic or hard-to-find components to create this delicious salad. All the ingredients are readily available at your local grocery store, and chances are, you already have most of the pantry staples required for the creamy peanut dressing. This makes whipping up this flavorful meal both convenient and cost-effective.
• Incredibly Flavorful. The star of this salad is undoubtedly the rich and tangy peanut lime dressing, which perfectly coats every ingredient, infusing it with authentic Thai-inspired flavors. The grilled chicken, fresh herbs, and crunchy vegetables absorb this delicious dressing, creating a symphony of tastes that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Perfect for Meal Prep. Its ability to be made ahead (components stored separately) makes this salad an excellent choice for meal prepping. Enjoy healthy, delicious lunches or quick dinners throughout the week by simply combining the prepped elements when you’re ready to eat.

🥘 Essential Ingredient Notes for Your Thai Chicken Noodle Salad

To craft this irresistible Thai Noodle Salad with chicken and its signature peanut dressing, you’ll want to pay attention to these key ingredients:

• Bell Peppers. For a beautiful array of color and a sweet, crisp bite, I typically use a combination of red bell pepper, yellow, or orange pepper. The choice between mini or regular bell peppers simply depends on what I have readily available. Green peppers can also be used if preferred, adding a slightly more pungent flavor. Don’t hesitate to mix and match!
• Soy Sauce. This ingredient is crucial for that savory umami depth. If you are mindful of your sodium intake, opting for a low-sodium soya sauce is an excellent way to reduce the overall sodium content of the dish without sacrificing flavor.
• Vermicelli Noodles. These thin, delicate rice noodles are absolutely ideal for this recipe. Their fine texture means they absorb the dressing beautifully without making the salad heavy or clumpy. They contribute to the light and refreshing quality of the dish, making every forkful a delightful experience. Ensure you follow package directions carefully to avoid overcooking.
• Romaine Lettuce. Providing a crisp, fresh base, romaine lettuce holds up well to the dressing and other ingredients. Its mild flavor doesn’t overpower the vibrant Thai notes.
• Chicken Breasts. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a lean protein source that grills beautifully and absorbs seasonings well. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a richer flavor.
• Carrots. Grated carrots add natural sweetness and a lovely crunch. They also bring a vibrant color contrast to the salad.
• Green Onions. Also known as scallions, these add a mild oniony bite and a fresh, herbaceous note.
• Cherry or Grape Tomatoes. These small tomatoes burst with juicy freshness and add a touch of acidity that brightens the salad.

For the Irresistible Peanut Salad Dressing, you’ll need the following ingredients to create that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy:

• Fresh Ginger. This is a non-negotiable ingredient for the dressing. The bright, pungent, and slightly spicy notes of fresh ginger are absolutely critical for achieving the authentic Thai-inspired flavor profile. Do not substitute with dried ginger powder, as the fresh taste is paramount here.
• Lime Juice. While fresh lime juice always offers the brightest flavor, I often use lime juice from concentrate for convenience, as it’s typically what I have on hand. If you opt for fresh lime juice, you’ll need to double the amount to ½ cup and correspondingly reduce the hot water to ⅓ cup to maintain the desired consistency and tartness balance.
• Honey. I prefer using liquid honey for easy blending into the dressing. It provides a natural sweetness that beautifully balances the tartness of the lime and the savoriness of the peanut butter and soy sauce.
• Peanut Butter. This is the heart of the dressing. I use light or low-fat peanut butter (either creamy or crunchy, depending on what’s available), which helps keep the Weight Watchers points low. Its creamy texture and nutty flavor are what make this dressing so rich and satisfying.
• Dry Mustard. Also known as ‘ground mustard,’ this ingredient might seem subtle but it’s a secret weapon. It adds a wonderful depth of flavor, a slight tang, and a gentle kick that elevates the entire dressing without being overtly spicy.
• White Granulated Sugar. A small amount helps to balance the savory and tangy notes, enhancing the overall flavor complexity.
• Olive Oil. Provides a smooth texture and helps emulsify the dressing. You can also experiment with sesame oil for an added Asian flair.
• Hot Water. Essential for thinning the dressing to the perfect pourable consistency, especially when melting the peanut butter.
• Minced Garlic. Fresh garlic brings a sharp, aromatic quality that is indispensable for a truly flavorful dressing.

*See the comprehensive recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and precise quantities.

📖 Creative Variations & Smart Substitutions

This Thai Chicken Noodle Salad recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing for various adaptations to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Feel free to get creative with these delicious variations and smart substitutions:

• Tomatoes – While grape tomatoes are listed, feel free to use cherry tomatoes instead. Both offer a burst of juicy freshness and a touch of sweetness, adding a delightful counterpoint to the savory elements of the salad.
• Oil- For a different aromatic dimension, you could easily substitute olive oil with sesame oil in the dressing. Toasted sesame oil, in particular, will impart a distinct nutty, Asian-inspired flavor that pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients.
• Onions– If green onions aren’t available or you prefer a stronger, sharper flavor, finely sliced red onions can be used as a substitute. Red onions will add a more pungent kick and a beautiful pop of color to the salad.
• Lettuce  – The base of your salad can also be adjusted. Instead of romaine, consider using leaf lettuce for a softer texture, or a firm head lettuce like iceberg for extra crunch. Mixed greens could also work for a less structured salad experience.
• Noodles – If vermicelli noodles aren’t on hand, rice stick noodles are an excellent alternative, offering a similar texture. For a thicker noodle, angel hair pasta can be used in a pinch, though it will change the overall mouthfeel slightly. And if you’re really in a bind, crushed ramen noodles (without the seasoning packet) can provide a similar quick-cooking base.
• Honey– For an even richer, creamier sweetness in the dressing, creamed honey can be used in place of liquid honey. This might require a little more whisking or warming to fully incorporate. Maple syrup or agave nectar are also good vegan alternatives.
• Vegetarian-Friendly Option – To easily transform this into a vegetarian or vegan meal, simply omit the grilled chicken. Instead, boost the protein and texture by adding roasted peanuts, crunchy raw sunflower seeds, pan-fried tofu, or tempeh cubes. Edamame would also make a fantastic addition.
• Spicy Kick – For those who love heat, introduce a dash of sriracha, a pinch of red chili flakes, or finely minced Thai bird’s eye chilies into the peanut dressing. Start with a small amount and adjust to your preferred level of spice.
• Add More Herbs – Fresh cilantro and mint leaves, chopped and tossed into the salad, will enhance the authentic Thai flavors and add a burst of freshness.

Expert Tip: Maximize Efficiency and Flavor!

Preparing delicious meals doesn’t always have to be a lengthy process. Here are some invaluable expert tips to help you save time and enhance your cooking experience:

• Save Time on Veggie Prep: When you’re in a hurry, don’t hesitate to utilize pre-shredded carrots readily available in the produce section of most grocery stores. This simple shortcut can cut down on significant chopping time.
• Quick Chicken Solution: For an even faster assembly, skip cooking chicken breasts from scratch. Instead, opt for a store-bought, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Simply shred or dice the meat, and it’s ready to be incorporated into your salad. This is a game-changer for weeknight meals.
• Chill Your Salad Bowl: For the ultimate cold noodle salad experience, chill your large mixing bowl in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before adding your ingredients. This helps keep everything extra crisp and refreshing.
• Taste and Adjust the Dressing: Always taste your peanut dressing before tossing it with the salad. Adjust sweetness (honey/sugar), tanginess (lime juice), or saltiness (soy sauce) to suit your personal preference. A well-balanced dressing is key to a spectacular salad.

🔪 Step-by-Step: How to Make This Delicious Thai Chicken Noodle Salad

Creating this flavorful Thai Chicken Noodle Salad is a straightforward process, broken down into simple steps for an enjoyable cooking experience. Follow along to bring this award-winning dish to your table:

1. Step 1: Prepare the Vermicelli Noodles. Begin by preparing the vermicelli noodles according to the package directions. Typically, this involves boiling a pot of water, removing it from the heat, and then soaking the dry noodles in the hot water for approximately 5 minutes until they are tender yet still slightly al dente.

2. Step 2: Drain and Cool Noodles. Once the vermicelli noodles are cooked to your desired tenderness, carefully drain them in a colander. Rinse them with cold water to prevent them from sticking together and to stop the cooking process. Set them aside to cool completely while you prepare the other components of the salad.

3. Step 3: Prepare and Season Chicken. Lightly spray your grill (either outdoor or indoor) or a skillet with non-stick spray. Season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts generously with garlic powder and cajun seasoning on both sides. These seasonings will infuse the chicken with a wonderful depth of flavor.

4. Step 4: Grill the Chicken. Cook the seasoned chicken breasts on your prepared grill or in a skillet over medium-high heat until they are thoroughly cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165 degrees F (73 degrees C) to ensure it’s safe to eat. Once cooked, remove the chicken and let it cool slightly before dicing or slicing it. I personally prefer dicing for even distribution in the salad.

5. Step 5: Prepare Vegetables. While the chicken cools, wash all your fresh vegetables thoroughly. Proceed to chop them into bite-sized pieces suitable for a noodle salad. Transfer all the chopped vegetables into a large mixing bowl, which will be used for tossing the entire salad.

6. Step 6: Craft the Peanut Dressing. In a separate microwave-safe bowl, combine all the ingredients specified for the creamy peanut dressing: sugar, olive oil, grated ginger, lime juice, honey, soy sauce, hot water, peanut butter, minced garlic, and dry mustard.

7. Step 7: Microwave and Whisk Dressing. Microwave the dressing ingredients for 1 minute. This warming step helps to soften the peanut butter and allows all the flavors to meld together seamlessly. Remove the bowl from the microwave and thoroughly stir the mixture with a whisk until it’s smooth and well combined. If the dressing is still too thick or not fully incorporated, you may need to return it to the microwave for an additional 30-45 seconds, then whisk again until creamy.

8. Step 8: Assemble and Serve. Add the cooled, diced or sliced chicken, the prepared vermicelli noodles, and the luscious peanut dressing to the large bowl containing your chopped vegetables. Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. For a final touch, garnish with fresh lime wedges and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, if desired, to add extra zest and visual appeal before serving.

🥖 Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Thai Chicken Noodle Salad

This Thai Chicken Noodle Salad is quite substantial on its own, easily serving as a satisfying main course. However, if you’re looking to round out your meal or explore complementary flavors, here are some delightful suggestions:

• Classic Breads: I often enjoy serving this vibrant salad alongside a warm, crusty Baguette Garlic Bread. The comforting carb acts as a perfect counterpoint to the fresh, tangy salad. Alternatively, for a lighter, Weight Watchers-friendly option, this Zero (0) WW point Everything Bagel Cloud Bread is a surprisingly delicious and fluffy accompaniment.
• Soups for a Hearty Combination: If you prefer to serve the salad with a hot dish, a light vegetarian soup pairs beautifully. My Easy Minestrone Soup (as shown in the image below) offers a wonderful balance of warmth and fresh vegetables, creating a well-rounded and nutritious meal. A clear broth-based soup or a simple miso soup would also complement the Thai flavors.
• Appetizers: Before diving into the main event, consider serving light and refreshing appetizers such as spring rolls (fresh or fried), edamame, or cucumber salad.
• Refreshing Beverages: To enhance the exotic flavors of the salad, pair it with a refreshing drink. Iced green tea, coconut water, or a homemade limeade would be excellent choices. For an adult beverage, a light lager or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc could be lovely.
• Desserts: Conclude your meal with a light and palate-cleansing dessert. Fresh fruit, such as mango slices or grilled pineapple, would echo the tropical notes often found in Thai cuisine. A small scoop of coconut sorbet could also provide a refreshing finish.

🌡️ Storage Solutions to Keep Your Salad Fresh

Proper storage is key to enjoying your Thai Chicken Noodle Salad at its best, especially if you plan on making it ahead or savoring leftovers. Here’s how to ensure maximum freshness:

• Short-Term Storage for Leftovers: Store any leftover assembled salad in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. It’s important to consume it within this timeframe, as the noodles can start to get soggy and the vegetables may lose their crispness if left longer than that.
• Make-Ahead Strategy: For optimal freshness and texture when preparing in advance, it’s best to store the components separately. Keep the peanut dressing, the cooked vermicelli noodles, and the chopped salad vegetables (and grilled chicken) in three different airtight containers in the fridge. These can be stored for up to 2 days. Combine all ingredients just prior to serving to ensure the best possible quality and to prevent sogginess.
• Freezing Not Recommended: Unfortunately, the delicate ingredients of this salad – particularly the fresh vegetables and vermicelli noodles – do not stand up well to freezing. The texture will significantly degrade upon thawing, resulting in a less enjoyable dish. It’s best to enjoy this salad fresh or from short-term refrigeration.

Expert Tip: Ingenious Ginger Storage Hack!

Here’s a clever trick that will change the way you use and store fresh ginger, ensuring you always have it on hand for recipes like this one:

Store your fresh ginger in the freezer! Fresh ginger is a fantastic ingredient, but it often poses a storage challenge because it tends to go bad quite quickly. My secret to always having fresh ginger ready is to store it in the freezer. Simply place a whole, unpeeled piece of ginger root in a small freezer bag or an airtight container, and pop it into your freezer.

When a recipe calls for ginger, there’s no need to thaw it! Just pull it out of the freezer, and with a carrot peeler, easily peel off some of the skin. Then, grate the frozen ginger directly into your food using a microplane or fine grater. It grates beautifully when frozen, producing fluffy ginger that melts into your dish. This method allows your ginger to last for several months in the freezer, saving you both time and money by preventing waste. I use this hack for so many recipes, including my delicious Egg Roll in a Bowl.

👪 Adjusting Serving Sizes for Your Needs

This Thai Peanut Chicken Noodle Salad recipe is designed to yield 6 satisfying servings, making it perfect for a family meal or for meal prepping for a few days. However, the beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. You can easily adjust the serving size to fit your specific needs, whether you’re cooking for one, a couple, or a larger gathering.

To half, double, or even triple the recipe, simply locate the serving number in the recipe card below and click on it. A selection option will appear, allowing you to choose your desired number of servings. The ingredient quantities will automatically adjust to ensure you have the correct proportions for your chosen yield, taking the guesswork out of scaling the recipe.

🔢 Weight Watchers Friendly: Enjoy Guilt-Free!

One of the fantastic benefits of this Thai Chicken Noodle Salad is its accessibility for those following the Weight Watchers program. This recipe is impressively Weight Watchers friendly, coming in at only 4 WW points per serving, especially when utilizing light peanut butter as recommended.

But here’s the best part: it’s so incredibly delicious and flavorful that no one, not even the pickiest eaters, will suspect it’s a “diet-friendly” meal! My teenage kids, who are usually quite discerning about healthy options, absolutely adore this recipe. It proves that healthy eating doesn’t have to mean sacrificing taste or satisfaction. You can enjoy a hearty, exotic meal that aligns with your wellness goals.

❔ Frequently Asked Questions About This Recipe

Here are some common questions to help you master this delightful Thai Chicken Noodle Salad:

🥗 More Hearty & Delicious Salad Recipes to Explore

If you loved this Thai Chicken Noodle Salad, you’re in for a treat! Here are more of our favorite hearty and delicious salad recipes that are perfect for a satisfying meal:

📋 Thai Chicken Noodle Salad with Creamy Peanut Dressing Recipe

This award-winning Thai Chicken Noodle Salad is a delightful cold noodle salad, featuring tender grilled chicken, light vermicelli noodles, crisp vegetables, and a rich, spicy-sweet peanut lime dressing. It’s hearty enough for a complete meal and is wonderfully Weight Watchers friendly!

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Course: Main Course, Salad, Lunch, Dinner

Cuisine: Asian, Thai

Special Diet: Healthy, Weight Watchers Friendly

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 388kcal

Author: Terri Gilson

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes minutes

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Equipment

• ▢
  Whisk
• ▢
  Large Mixing Bowl
• ▢
  Microwave-safe Bowl
• ▢
  Grill (Indoor or Outdoor) or Large Skillet

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• ▢ 1 large head of romaine lettuce, chopped
• ▢ ½ cup sliced yellow, orange or red pepper *use regular bell peppers or mini peppers, or a mix
• ▢ 3 medium boneless skinless chicken breasts
• ▢ ¾ cup grated carrot (approximately 3 large carrots)
• ▢ ⅓ cup green onion (approximately 4 green onions, chopped)
• ▢ 1 dry pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• ▢ 1 ½   cups instant vermicelli noodles (about ½ a package, prepared)
• ▢ ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ▢ ½ teaspoon cajun seasoning
• ▢ Optional: Fresh cilantro or mint for garnish
• ▢ Optional: Sesame seeds for garnish

For the Creamy Peanut Dressing:

• ▢ 2 ½ teaspoon white granulated sugar
• ▢ 1 ½ tablespoon olive oil
• ▢ 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• ▢ ¼ cup lime juice
• ▢ 2 tablespoon honey
• ▢ 2 tablespoon soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
• ▢ ⅔ cup hot water
• ▢ 2 tablespoon chunky peanut butter *Light or low-fat peanut butter is recommended for Weight Watchers; creamy also works
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon minced garlic
• ▢ 1 teaspoon dry mustard

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

Salad Preparation

• Prepare the vermicelli noodles according to package directions. Typically, this involves boiling water, then removing it from the heat and soaking the noodles in the hot water for about 5 minutes until tender.
  1 ½   cups instant vermicelli noodles
• Drain the cooked noodles and set them aside to cool completely. Rinsing with cold water can help prevent sticking.
• Spray your grill (indoor or outdoor) or a skillet with non-stick spray. Season the chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder and cajun seasoning on both sides.
  3 medium boneless skinless chicken breasts, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon cajun seasoning
• Grill or cook the chicken until it’s cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (73°C). Allow it to cool, then dice or slice it as preferred (dicing is recommended for easier mixing).
• Wash and chop all the fresh vegetables. Place them into a large mixing bowl, ready for assembly.
  1 large head of romaine lettuce, ½ cup sliced yellow, orange or red pepper, ¾ cup grated carrot, ⅓ cup green onion, 1 dry pint cherry or grape tomatoes

Peanut Lime Dressing

• In a microwave-safe bowl, combine all the dressing ingredients: white granulated sugar, olive oil, grated ginger, lime juice, honey, soy sauce, hot water, chunky peanut butter, minced garlic, and dry mustard.
  2 ½ teaspoon white granulated sugar, 1 ½ tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, ¼ cup lime juice, 2 tablespoon honey, 2 tablespoon soy sauce, ⅔ cup hot water, 2 tablespoon chunky peanut butter, ¼ teaspoon minced garlic, 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• Microwave the dressing for 1 minute to soften the peanut butter and meld flavors.
• Remove the bowl and thoroughly stir the dressing with a whisk until it’s smooth and creamy. If necessary, microwave for another 30-45 seconds and whisk again until fully combined.

Final Assembly

• Add the cooled chicken, vermicelli noodles, and prepared peanut dressing to the large bowl with the chopped vegetables. Toss everything together gently until all ingredients are evenly coated. Serve immediately and garnish with lime wedges, fresh cilantro/mint, or sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

Storage Tips:

To store leftovers of this Thai Chicken Salad with noodles, place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Beyond this, the noodles and vegetables may become soggy.

For making it in advance, store the dressing, the noodles, and the salad/veggies in three separate airtight containers for up to 2 days. Combine them just before serving to maintain optimal texture and freshness.

These ingredients do not hold up well to freezing, as the texture of the noodles and fresh vegetables will be compromised upon thawing.

Weight Watchers Points:

This recipe is incredibly Weight Watchers friendly, calculated at only 4 WW points per serving, especially when using light peanut butter. It’s so delicious and satisfying that you won’t even realize it’s a lighter option! My teenage children are big fans of this recipe.

Expert Tips for Success:

Store your fresh ginger in the freezer! Fresh ginger tends to spoil quickly, but freezing it preserves its freshness for months. Simply store it unpeeled in a freezer bag. When needed, peel a small section with a carrot peeler and grate directly into your dish – it grates beautifully while frozen, saving you time and preventing waste.

Short on time? Use pre-shredded carrots from the grocery store for quick vegetable prep. Additionally, consider purchasing a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and shredding it to drastically reduce cooking time for the chicken breast.

Nutrition

Calories: 388kcal (19%) | Carbohydrates: 63g (21%) | Protein: 17g (34%) | Fat: 7g (11%) | Saturated Fat: 1g (6%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 36mg (12%) | Sodium: 552mg (24%) | Potassium: 406mg (12%) | Fiber: 2g (8%) | Sugar: 10g (11%) | Vitamin A: 3629IU (73%) | Vitamin C: 22mg (27%) | Calcium: 33mg (3%) | Iron: 1mg (6%)

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