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Pad Thai Cafe

Pad Thai Cafe Salad: A Quick, Flavor-Packed Delight

Pad Thai Cafe Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish packed with fresh vegetables, rotisserie chicken, and a creamy peanut dressing, perfect for lunch.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Thai
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Salad Ingredients
  • 4 oz Dry Rice Noodles Consider gluten-free noodles for dietary-friendly option.
  • 2 tbsp Oil Any neutral oil will work perfectly.
  • 2 cups Rotisserie Chicken Swap in shrimp or tofu if preferred.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced for flavor.
  • 1 cup Daikon Radish Snow peas can serve as an alternative.
  • 1 cup Shredded Carrots Bell peppers can be a substitute.
  • 2 cups Napa Cabbage Green cabbage works as a replacement.
  • 1/2 cup Cilantro Optional, can use green onions instead.
Dressing Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup Pad Thai Sauce Store-bought or homemade.
  • 1/4 cup Peanuts Cashews can be substituted.
  • 1 tbsp Sriracha Hot Chili Sauce Optional, adjust to taste.
  • 2 wedge Lime For serving, adds acidity.

Equipment

  • large bowl
  • sauté pan
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Soak the dry rice noodles in hot water for 8-10 minutes until soft and pliable, then drain.
  2. Heat oil in a sauté pan over medium-high heat and sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds.
  3. Add rotisserie chicken and cook for 2 minutes until heated through.
  4. Combine soaked rice noodles, daikon radish, shredded carrots, and Napa cabbage in the pan and stir-fry for 1 minute.
  5. In a separate bowl, mix all dressing ingredients to form a creamy peanut dressing.
  6. Drizzle peanut dressing over noodle mixture in the pan and gently stir to coat evenly.
  7. Fold in peanuts and cilantro, mixing well.
  8. Transfer salad to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and chill for at least 2 hours.
  9. Toss the salad lightly and garnish with extra cilantro, crushed peanuts, and lime wedges before serving.

Notes

For meal prep, store the dressing separately from the salad to maintain noodle texture. Add dressing just before serving for the best taste.