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Crunchy Thai Peanut & Quinoa Salad

Bold & Crunchy Thai Peanut & Quinoa Salad : The Ultimate Flavor Explosion


  • Author: Lyndy
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 46 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

Crunchy Thai Peanut & Quinoa Salad is a bold, flavor-packed dish loaded with crisp veggies, protein-rich quinoa, and a spicy peanut-lime dressing. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, this plant-based salad is vibrant, healthy, and totally satisfying.


Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients:

  • ¾ cup dry quinoa, rinsed and drained
  • 1 ½ cups water (or vegetable broth)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded red cabbage
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 large carrot, grated or julienned
  • ¾ cup edamame, cooked and shelled
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • ½ cup green onions, chopped
  • ¼ cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped (optional)

Spicy Peanut Dressing:

  • ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tbsp)
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • ½ tsp grated fresh ginger
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 12 tbsp water, to thin if needed
  • Optional: pinch of chili flakes or sriracha

Instructions

  1. Cook Quinoa: Rinse quinoa and add to a saucepan with water. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and let cool.
  2. Prepare Veggies: While quinoa cools, slice bell pepper, shred cabbage, grate carrot, and chop cilantro and green onions.
  3. Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, maple syrup, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and rice vinegar. Thin with water as needed.
  4. Combine: In a large bowl, mix cooled quinoa, vegetables, edamame, and herbs. Pour over dressing and toss to coat.
  5. Serve: Top with chopped peanuts. Let sit 10–15 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Notes

  • Let quinoa cool before mixing to preserve crunch.
  • Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
  • Double the dressing for extra flavor or for meal prep portions.
  • Add mango or pineapple for a sweet twist.
  • Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Not freezer friendly.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Tossed
  • Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 370mg
  • Fat: 13g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Crunchy Thai Peanut Quinoa Salad, Thai Quinoa Salad, Vegan Peanut Salad, Healthy Thai Salad, Spicy Peanut Quinoa Salad