The Best Thai Quinoa Salad with Creamy Peanut Dressing Recipe
If you love fresh and colorful meals, you will enjoy this The Best Thai Quinoa Salad with Creamy Peanut Dressing Recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded green cabbage
- 1 large carrot grated
- 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1 cup cucumber chopped
- 3 green onions sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts chopped
For the creamy peanut dressing:
- 1/3 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 small garlic clove minced
- 2 to 3 tablespoons warm water
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes optional
Instructions
Rinse the Quinoa
- Place quinoa in a fine strainer. Rinse under cold water for one minute. This removes bitterness and improves taste.
Cook the Quinoa
- Add quinoa and water to a saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes until fluffy.
Cool the Quinoa
- Turn off heat and let quinoa rest for five minutes. Fluff with a fork and cool completely before mixing.
Prepare the Vegetables
- Shred the cabbage finely. Grate the carrot. Slice bell pepper thinly. Chop cucumber and green onions evenly.
Chop Fresh Herbs
- Wash cilantro well. Pat dry with paper towel. Chop finely to release fresh aroma and flavor.
Make the Peanut Dressing
- In a small bowl, add peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, ginger, and garlic.
Whisk Until Smooth
- Whisk ingredients together slowly. Add warm water little by little. Mix until creamy and smooth texture forms.
Adjust the Flavor
- Taste the dressing carefully. Add more lime for tang. Add honey for sweetness. Add chili flakes for spice.
Combine Salad Ingredients
- In a large bowl, add cooled quinoa, cabbage, carrot, bell pepper, cucumber and green onions.
Add Fresh Herbs and Peanuts
- Sprinkle chopped cilantro and roasted peanuts over the salad mixture for extra flavor and crunch.
Pour the Dressing
- Pour creamy peanut dressing over the salad evenly. Start with half and add more as needed.
Toss Gently
- Use a spoon or spatula to toss everything gently. Make sure dressing coats all ingredients evenly.
Chill Before Serving
- Place salad in the fridge for at least 20 minutes. This helps flavors blend beautifully.
Garnish and Serve
- Before serving, sprinkle extra peanuts and cilantro on top. Add lime wedges for fresh finish.
Notes
- Always cool quinoa completely before mixing. Warm quinoa can make vegetables soft.
- Use crunchy peanut butter for more texture.
- Add grilled chicken for extra protein.
- Add edamame for plant-based protein.
- Replace honey with maple syrup for vegan option.
- Add mango slices for sweet tropical twist.
- Use almond butter if you prefer different nut flavor.
- Add red chili for extra heat.