Name: Crunchy Thai Peanut & Quinoa Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Thai-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked quinoa (cooled); 2 cups shredded red cabbage; 1 cup julienned carrots; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 4 green onions, sliced; 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 1/3 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped; 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter; 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari; 2 tbsp fresh lime juice; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey; 1 tsp sesame oil; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 tsp grated fresh ginger; 1–2 tbsp water (to thin dressing, as needed)

Why You’ll Love Crunchy Thai Peanut & Quinoa Salad Recipe

This salad is a delicious way to eat the rainbow while staying energized and satisfied. The quinoa offers a plant-based protein boost, making it great for vegetarians or anyone looking to cut back on meat. The creamy peanut dressing is incredibly flavorful and ties everything together beautifully. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead, travels well, and can be served cold—ideal for meal prep or potlucks.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cooked quinoa (cooled)
Shredded red cabbage
Julienned carrots
Sliced red bell pepper
Sliced green onions
Chopped fresh cilantro
Roasted peanuts (roughly chopped)
Creamy peanut butter
Soy sauce or tamari
Fresh lime juice
Rice vinegar
Maple syrup or honey
Sesame oil
Minced garlic
Grated fresh ginger
Water (to thin the dressing, if needed)

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled quinoa, red cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro.
In a separate small bowl or jar, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, rice vinegar, maple syrup, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger until smooth. Add water a little at a time if the dressing is too thick.
Pour the dressing over the quinoa and vegetables and toss until everything is well coated.
Top with chopped peanuts before serving.
Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for 30 minutes for enhanced flavor.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings as a main dish or 6-8 servings as a side.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time (for quinoa): 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Add protein: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
Use different grains: Substitute quinoa with brown rice or farro.
Add heat: Mix in a bit of sriracha or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Nut-free: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter and omit the chopped peanuts.
More veggies: Add edamame, cucumber, or snap peas for extra crunch and nutrition.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is necessary. If the salad becomes a bit dry after storage, refresh it with a small drizzle of lime juice or additional dressing.

FAQs

How far in advance can I make this salad?

You can prepare this salad up to 3 days in advance. Just store it in the fridge and add the peanuts right before serving to maintain their crunch.

Can I freeze this salad?

Freezing is not recommended, as the fresh vegetables will lose their crisp texture once thawed.

What type of quinoa should I use?

Any variety of quinoa (white, red, black, or tri-color) will work. Just make sure it’s cooked and cooled before assembling the salad.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, if you use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce, this salad is completely gluten-free.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Absolutely. The peanut dressing can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in a sealed container in the fridge.

How can I make this salad spicier?

Add sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing for extra heat.

What can I use instead of peanut butter?

Almond butter or sunflower seed butter are great alternatives if you’re avoiding peanuts.

Is this salad vegan?

Yes, as long as you use maple syrup instead of honey, this recipe is entirely vegan.

Can I use pre-shredded veggies?

Yes, using pre-shredded cabbage or carrots is a great way to save time without sacrificing flavor or texture.

What should I serve with this salad?

It pairs well with grilled meats, tofu skewers, or can be enjoyed as a standalone meal.

Conclusion

This Crunchy Thai Peanut & Quinoa Salad is a refreshing, wholesome dish bursting with bold flavors and satisfying textures. With its easy prep and versatile ingredients, it’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Whether you’re prepping lunches for the week or looking for a crowd-pleasing side, this salad checks all the boxes.