Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this Thai Quinoa Salad! It’s seriously like a party in a bowl! Bursting with vibrant flavors, this dish is not only healthy but also so refreshing. I stumbled upon this recipe while trying to find something light and nutritious, and I’ve been hooked ever since. The combination of crunchy vegetables, nutty quinoa, and that irresistible peanut dressing just works perfectly together. Plus, it’s vegan, which is a bonus if you’re looking for plant-based meals. Whenever I serve this salad, everyone can’t help but ask for seconds! Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it a regular in your kitchen!
Ingredients for Thai Quinoa Salad
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 1 red bell pepper, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
How to Prepare Thai Quinoa Salad
Getting ready to whip up this Thai Quinoa Salad is easier than you might think! Let’s break it down step by step so you can enjoy every vibrant bite. Start by cooking the quinoa, then prepare those colorful veggies, mix up the dressing, and finally, combine everything for that delicious salad you can’t wait to dig into!
Cooking the Quinoa
First things first, rinse your quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer. This step is super important as it helps remove any bitterness. Next, in a medium pot, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it’s bubbling away, reduce the heat to low, cover it, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. After that, turn off the heat and let it rest, covered, for another 5 minutes. This helps the quinoa fluff up! Finally, grab a fork and gently fluff the quinoa before letting it cool completely.
Preparing the Vegetables
While the quinoa is cooking, let’s chop up those fresh veggies! Start with the red bell pepper—just dice it into bite-sized pieces. Next, grab your cucumber, peel it if you prefer, and then dice it too. Shredding the carrots is super easy; you can use a grater or buy pre-shredded if you’re short on time. Lastly, chop the fresh cilantro and green onions. All these colorful veggies will not only add crunch but also a burst of flavor to your salad!
Making the Dressing
Now for the best part—the dressing! In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of peanut butter, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice, and 1 tablespoon of honey (or maple syrup if you want it fully vegan). Then, add in 1 teaspoon of minced garlic and sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes for that perfect kick. Whisk until it’s nice and smooth—this creamy dressing is going to tie the whole salad together!
Combining Ingredients
Once your quinoa has cooled down, it’s time to bring everything together! In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa with the chopped veggies and give them a gentle toss. Then, pour that luscious dressing over the top and mix everything until it’s well coated. You’ll see those vibrant colors come to life, and you’ll be ready to serve this delicious Thai Quinoa Salad!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Packed with nutrients, this salad is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals.
- Perfect for meal prep—make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
- Refreshing and versatile, you can enjoy it on its own or as a side dish.
- Great for summer meals, it’s light yet satisfying, making it a go-to for warm days!
Tips for Success with Thai Quinoa Salad
Here are a few pro tips to make sure your Thai Quinoa Salad turns out absolutely perfect! First, don’t be shy with the spices—if you love heat, feel free to add more crushed red pepper flakes or even a splash of sriracha to the dressing for an extra kick. Also, making this salad a day ahead is a game-changer! It allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making each bite even more delicious. Lastly, if you’re looking to mix things up, try adding some chopped peanuts or sesame seeds for an extra crunch. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and textures!
Nutritional Information for Thai Quinoa Salad
Alright, let’s talk numbers! This Thai Quinoa Salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a healthy choice for your body. Each serving, which is about 1 cup, contains approximately 220 calories. You’ll be pleased to know it has 10g of fat, with just 2g of that being saturated fat. It’s also packed with 8g of protein and 28g of carbohydrates, giving you a nice energy boost! Plus, it boasts 5g of fiber, which is fantastic for digestion. Keep in mind, these values are estimates, but they show just how nutritious this salad can be. Enjoy every bite guilt-free!
FAQ About Thai Quinoa Salad
I love that you’re curious about this Thai Quinoa Salad! Here are some common questions I often get, along with my answers to help you out.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I recommend making it a day in advance. This gives the flavors a chance to mingle and develop even more, making each bite taste that much better. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
What can I substitute for peanut butter?
If you’re allergic to peanuts or just not a fan, no worries! You can use almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option. Each will give a slightly different flavor but will still be delicious!
How long does this salad keep in the fridge?
This salad can last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge when stored properly in an airtight container. Just give it a good stir before serving, and it’ll still be fresh and tasty!
If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out. I’m here to help you enjoy this vibrant dish!
Serving Suggestions
This Thai Quinoa Salad is super versatile and can be paired with so many delicious options! For a complete meal, I love serving it alongside some grilled tofu or marinated tempeh for that extra protein boost. You could also whip up some spring rolls filled with fresh veggies and herbs—talk about a flavor explosion! If you’re in the mood for something heartier, a side of coconut curry works beautifully to complement the salad’s bright flavors. And don’t forget, a refreshing glass of iced green tea makes for a perfect drink to wash it all down. Enjoy the delightful combinations!
For more healthy salad ideas, check out this quinoa salad recipe or this healthy cheesecake recipe for a sweet treat!
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Thai Quinoa Salad: 5 Vibrant Flavors to Savor
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A fresh and healthy Thai quinoa salad packed with vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa under cold water.
- In a pot, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Fluff quinoa with a fork and let it cool.
- In a large bowl, combine bell pepper, cucumber, carrots, cilantro, and green onions.
- In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
- Add cooled quinoa to the vegetable mixture.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
- This salad can be made a day ahead for better flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Thai Quinoa Salad, Healthy Salad, Vegan Recipe, Quinoa Recipes