Thai Chicken Fettucine Salad
A vibrant Thai-inspired pasta salad combining spicy, sweet, and nutty flavors with tender chicken, perfect for a quick, flavorful meal or summer gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 cup picante sauce
- 1/4 cup chunky style peanut butter ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons orange juice ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 6 ounces dry fettucine
- 3 chicken breast halves ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1/4 cup coarsely chopped cilantro ⓘ
- 1/4 cup peanut halves ⓘ
- 1/4 cup thin red bell pepper strips ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine picante sauce, peanut butter, honey, orange juice, soy sauce, and ground ginger in a small saucepan.
- Cook and stir over low heat until blended and smooth.
- Reserve 1/4 cup of the sauce mixture.
- Toss the remaining sauce mixture with the cooked fettucine.
- Cook chicken in vegetable oil until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
- Add the reserved picante sauce mixture to the chicken and pasta, and mix well.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro, peanut halves, and red bell pepper strips before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of coconut milk to the picante sauce mixture. If you don't have chunky peanut butter, smooth peanut butter works fine, though the texture will change. You can also substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version or use shrimp for a seafood twist.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature. Pair it with a light cucumber salad or serve it alongside grilled vegetables for a complete meal. It also goes well with Almond Wild Rice for a hearty side dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent sticking. Avoid microwaving as it can make the chicken tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Thai Chicken Fettucine Salad contains roughly 520 calories, with 7g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (79% of the Daily Value) and iron (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1649mg per serving (72% 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 in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce a day ahead, storing them separately. Cook the fettucine just before serving to keep it fresh. Combine everything right before serving for optimal flavor and texture.
What can I use instead of fettucine?
If you don’t have fettucine, any pasta shape will work. Penne or fusilli can add a fun twist. For a lighter option, consider zoodles (zucchini noodles) or whole wheat pasta for added nutrition.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian by substituting chicken with a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh. Just sauté it until golden brown and proceed with the recipe as usual.
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).