Discover the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine with our Spicy Chicken Salad (Yam Gai) recipe. This refreshing salad features tender shredded chicken, fiery chilies, and tangy lime juice, creating a perfect balance of heat and zest. Ideal for a light lunch or as a flavorful side dish, this easy-to-make salad combines fresh herbs and vegetables for a taste of Thailand right at your table. Learn how to prepare this delicious and spicy Thai salad that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests.

Ingredients:

- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded

- 1 cup thinly sliced red onion

- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

- 1 cucumber, sliced

- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

- 2-3 Thai bird chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)

- 3 tablespoons lime juice

- 2 tablespoons fish sauce

- 1 tablespoon palm sugar or brown sugar

- 1 tablespoon roasted peanuts, chopped (optional)

- Lettuce leaves for serving (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sliced red onion, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and chopped cilantro.

Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, fish sauce, chopped chilies, and sugar until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well combined.

Mix the Salad: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.

Serve: Garnish with roasted peanuts if desired. Serve the salad on a bed of lettuce leaves or on its own.

Enjoy: Your Spicy Chicken Salad (Yam Gai) is ready to enjoy. This dish can be served chilled or at room temperature.

Nutritional Values:

Shredded Chicken:

 - Calories: 140

 - Protein: 26 g

 - Fat: 3 g

 - Carbohydrates: 0 g

Benefits:

 - High in protein, which supports muscle growth and repair.

 - Low in fat, aiding in weight management.

 - Rich in B vitamins, essential for energy and metabolism.

Red Onion:

 - Calories: 30

 - Protein: 1 g

 - Fat: 0 g

 - Carbohydrates: 7 g

 - Fiber: 1 g

Benefits:

 - Rich in antioxidants, including quercetin, which helps reduce inflammation.

 - Supports heart health by potentially lowering blood pressure and cholesterol.

Cherry Tomatoes:

 - Calories: 15

 - Protein: 1 g

 - Fat: 0 g

 - Carbohydrates: 3 g

 - Fiber: 1 g

Benefits:

 - High in vitamins C and A, supporting immune function and skin health.

 - Rich in lycopene, an antioxidant linked to reduced risk of certain cancers.

Cucumber:

 - Calories: 8

 - Protein: 0.3 g

 - Fat: 0 g

 - Carbohydrates: 2 g

 - Fiber: 0.5 g

Benefits:

 - Hydrating due to its high water content, aiding in hydration.

 - Low in calories, beneficial for weight management.

Fresh Cilantro:

 - Calories: 1

 - Protein: 0.1 g

 - Fat: 0 g

 - Carbohydrates: 0.2 g

Benefits:

 - Rich in antioxidants, including compounds that help detoxify the body.

 - Supports digestive health and may reduce bloating.

Thai Bird Chilies:

 - Calories: 5

 - Protein: 0.1 g

 - Fat: 0 g

 - Carbohydrates: 1 g

Benefits:

 - Boosts metabolism thanks to capsaicin.

 - Rich in vitamin C, supporting immune health and skin integrity.

Lime Juice:

 - Calories: 4

 - Protein: 0 g

 - Fat: 0 g

 - Carbohydrates: 1 g

 - Vitamin C: 7 mg (12% DV)

Benefits:

 - High in vitamin C, enhancing immune function and acting as an antioxidant.

 - Promotes hydration by helping maintain fluid balance.

Fish Sauce:

 - Calories: 10

 - Protein: 1 g

 - Fat: 0 g

 - Carbohydrates: 1 g

 - Sodium: 550 mg

Benefits:

 - Adds umami flavor, which can reduce the need for additional salt.

 - Contains essential amino acids that support overall health.

Palm Sugar or Brown Sugar:

 - Calories: 50

 - Protein: 0 g

 - Fat: 0 g

 - Carbohydrates: 13 g

Benefits:

 - A natural sweetener that can be used as a less refined alternative to white sugar.

 - Contains trace minerals like potassium and magnesium (palm sugar).

Roasted Peanuts (optional):

 - Calories: 210

 - Protein: 8 g

 - Fat: 18 g

 - Carbohydrates: 6 g

 - Fiber: 2 g

Benefits:

 - High in protein and healthy fats, supporting muscle health and energy.

 - Rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, magnesium, and antioxidants.

Lettuce Leaves (optional):

 - Calories: 5

 - Protein: 0.5 g

 - Fat: 0 g

 - Carbohydrates: 1 g

 - Fiber: 1 g

Benefits:

 - Low in calories, ideal for weight management.

 - Provides vitamins A, K, and folate.

These ingredients together create a nutritious and flavorful salad with numerous health benefits!