Crunchy Thai Quinoa Salad with Peanut
This Crunchy Thai Quinoa Salad with Peanut is vibrant, full of color, and packed with texture. With fluffy quinoa, crisp vegetables, and a creamy peanut dressing, it’s a refreshing yet hearty salad perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan to cook quinoa
- mixing bowls for salad and dressing
- whisk to blend dressing
- grater to shred carrots
- cutting board and knife
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, uncooked (180g)
- 2 bell peppers (red & green), thinly sliced
- 1/2 medium red cabbage, shredded
- 3 medium carrots, grated
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
- 1 bunch cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup raw, unsalted peanuts (40g)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (125g)
- 1 1/2 to 2 tbsp agave syrup
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1 to 2 tsp Sriracha or chili sauce (optional)
- water, as needed to thin
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa under cold water. In a medium pot, combine quinoa with double the amount of water. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook for 15 minutes, then remove from heat and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Fluff quinoa with a fork and allow to cool completely.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled quinoa, sliced bell peppers, shredded cabbage, grated carrots, scallions, and cilantro.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together peanut butter, agave syrup, lime juice, sesame oil, rice vinegar, ginger, and Sriracha. Add water gradually until smooth and pourable.
- Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture. Toss well to coat evenly.
- Top with chopped peanuts and extra cilantro before serving.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Notes
Meal Prep Tip: Cook quinoa and make the dressing ahead for easy assembly during the week.
Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Make It Vegan: This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free.
Nutrition
Calories: 360kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 13gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gSodium: 310mgPotassium: 520mgFiber: 6gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 3800IUVitamin C: 55mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 2.3mg