Description
A vibrant and wholesome Crunchy Thai Quinoa Salad bursting with fresh vegetables, protein-rich quinoa, and a creamy, tangy homemade peanut dressing. Perfect for a healthy lunch or light dinner, and excellent for meal prepping!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (200g) quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups (480ml) water
- 1 cup (150g) shredded carrots
- 1 cup (150g) thinly sliced red bell pepper
- 1 cup (150g) thinly sliced cucumber
- 1/2 cup (75g) chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup (75g) chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup (75g) chopped fresh mint
- 1/2 cup (75g) roasted peanuts
For the dressing:
- 1/4 cup (60ml) smooth peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) soy sauce (or tamari for GF)
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) lime juice
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) grated ginger
- 2–3 tablespoons (30-45ml) water to thin
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, shredded carrots, red bell pepper, cucumber, green onions, cilantro, and mint.
- In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger until smooth. Add water as needed to reach desired consistency.
- Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss to combine.
- Garnish with roasted peanuts before serving. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Meal Prep Tip: This salad tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the dressing for a spicy kick.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure to use Tamari instead of regular soy sauce for a completely gluten-free option.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad, Main Dish, Side Dish
- Method: Boiling, Whisking, Tossing
- Cuisine: Thai, Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: N/A
Keywords: Thai quinoa salad, peanut dressing, crunchy salad, healthy salad, vegetarian salad, gluten-free salad, meal prep, plant-based, Asian salad, quinoa recipe, fresh salad, high fiber
