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
- 1–2 tbsp water, to thin if needed
- Optional: pinch of chili flakes or sriracha
Instructions
- 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.
- Prepare Veggies: While quinoa cools, slice bell pepper, shred cabbage, grate carrot, and chop cilantro and green onions.
- 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.
- Combine: In a large bowl, mix cooled quinoa, vegetables, edamame, and herbs. Pour over dressing and toss to coat.
- 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