Thai Chicken Fettuccine Salad(Makes 4 Servings)
A vibrant Thai-inspired chicken fettuccine salad blending spicy, sweet, and nutty flavors, perfect for light lunches or summer dinners with fresh herbs and crunchy toppings.
Ingredients
- 1 c. Pace picante sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chunky peanut butter ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. honey ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. orange juice
- 1 tsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 or 1/2 ground ginger ⓘ
- 6 oz. uncooked fettuccine
- 3 chicken breast halves, boned, skinned and cut into 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- lettuce or savory cabbage leaves ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped cilantro ⓘ
- 1/4 c. peanut halves ⓘ
- 1/4 c. thin red pepper strips ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine picante sauce, peanut butter, honey, orange juice, soy sauce, and ginger in a small saucepan.
- Cook and stir over low heat until blended and smooth.
- Reserve 1/4 cup of the picante sauce mixture.
- Place cooked fettuccine in a large bowl.
- Pour the remaining picante sauce mixture over the fettuccine and toss lightly to coat.
- Cook chicken in vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add the reserved picante sauce mixture to the chicken and mix well.
- Arrange the fettuccine over a lettuce-lined platter.
- Top with the chicken mixture.
- Sprinkle chopped cilantro, peanut halves, and red pepper strips over the top.
- Refrigerate to cool to room temperature.
- Serve with additional picante sauce if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of coconut milk to the picante sauce mixture. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh. You can also use whole wheat fettuccine for a healthier twist. To add a bit of crunch, try tossing in some sliced cucumbers or shredded carrots.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Thai Chicken Fettuccine Salad as a light main dish or as a refreshing side. It pairs beautifully with Easy Chicken Marsala for a complete meal. For an added touch, consider garnishing with extra cilantro and lime wedges. You can also serve it alongside a chilled white wine for a delightful dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the salad in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or additional picante sauce to prevent drying out. It can also be enjoyed cold straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Thai Chicken Fettuccine Salad(Makes 4 Servings) contains roughly 242 calories, with 9g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (79% of the Daily Value), iron (40% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 896mg per serving (39% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. Just keep the fettuccine and chicken mixture separate from the lettuce and toppings until you're ready to serve, to maintain freshness and crunch.
What can I substitute for the peanut butter?
If you're allergic to peanuts, try using almond butter or sunflower seed butter as a substitute. Both will provide a similar creamy texture and flavor profile without the nuts.
Is this dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, swap the regular fettuccine for gluten-free pasta. Additionally, ensure that the soy sauce is gluten-free, as some brands contain wheat. This way, you can enjoy the flavors without gluten.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).