Oh my goodness, have you ever tasted a salad that’s as refreshing as it is nutritious? The Crunchy Thai Quinoa Salad with Peanut Dressing is one of my absolute favorites! I stumbled upon this gem during a summer cookout a few years back, and it’s been a staple in my kitchen ever since. The combination of crunchy veggies, fluffy quinoa, and that creamy, dreamy peanut dressing is just to die for! Seriously, it’s like a party in your mouth! It’s packed with protein, fiber, and all those vibrant flavors that make you feel good inside. Whether you need a quick lunch or a colorful side for dinner, this salad has got you covered. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed until the water runs clear
- 2 cups water, for cooking the quinoa
- 1 cup red bell pepper, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cucumber, diced for that refreshing crunch
- 1 cup carrots, shredded to add a sweet touch
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped for a mild onion flavor
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped to brighten things up
- 1/4 cup peanuts, chopped for an extra crunch on top
How to Prepare the Crunchy Thai Quinoa Salad with Peanut Dressing
- First, cook the quinoa. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and let it cook for about 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed. Trust me, the smell of cooking quinoa is so nutty and inviting!
- Once it’s done, take it off the heat and let it sit covered for about 5 minutes. This step is key because it allows the quinoa to steam and fluff up. Afterward, fluff it with a fork and spread it out on a plate to cool to room temperature. Don’t rush this part; you want it nice and cool for the salad!
- While the quinoa cools, grab a large bowl and toss in the diced red bell pepper, cucumber, shredded carrots, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro. These vibrant colors are just so exciting, don’t you think?
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and honey until smooth. This dressing is where all the magic happens! Pour it over the chopped veggies and mix well.
- Finally, add the cooled quinoa to the veggie mixture and gently toss everything together. Top it off with the chopped peanuts for that perfect crunch before serving. Wow, just like that, you’ve got a delicious, nutritious salad ready to be enjoyed!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Nutritious and filling, thanks to the protein-packed quinoa and fresh veggies.
- Vibrant flavors from the creamy peanut dressing that will make your taste buds dance!
- Customizable—feel free to add your favorite veggies or protein for extra heartiness.
- Great for meal prep; it keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days.
- Totally vegan, making it a great option for everyone!
Tips for Success
To make your Crunchy Thai Quinoa Salad with Peanut Dressing absolutely perfect, here are a few of my favorite tips! First, if you want an extra flavor boost, try toasting the quinoa in a dry pan for a few minutes before cooking it—it adds a nutty richness that’s just divine! If you’re not a fan of cilantro, swap it out for parsley or leave it out entirely. Also, feel free to adjust the dressing ingredients to suit your taste; a little more lime juice can brighten it up, while extra peanut butter makes it creamier. Finally, don’t forget to chill the salad for about 30 minutes before serving; it allows all those flavors to meld beautifully!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of this delightful Crunchy Thai Quinoa Salad with Peanut Dressing. Each serving, which is about 1 cup, contains approximately:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g (Saturated Fat: 2g, Unsaturated Fat: 8g)
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 35g (Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 4g)
- Sodium: 200mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and quantities used. Enjoy this healthy salad guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Can I make the Crunchy Thai Quinoa Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad is perfect for meal prep. You can make it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just remember to add the chopped peanuts right before serving for that extra crunch!
Is the Peanut Dressing customizable?
Definitely! If you want a spicier kick, add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to your dressing. You can also swap out the honey for maple syrup if you want a vegan option.
What can I add for extra protein?
Great question! Consider adding chickpeas, edamame, or even grilled tofu to boost the protein content. It makes the salad even more filling and delicious!
Can I use other grains instead of quinoa?
Yes! If quinoa isn’t your thing, feel free to substitute with brown rice, farro, or even millet. Just adjust the cooking times according to the grain you choose.
How long will leftovers last?
The leftovers of your Crunchy Thai Quinoa Salad with Peanut Dressing will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just give it a good stir before digging in again!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Crunchy Thai Quinoa Salad with Peanut Dressing is super easy! Just place any leftovers in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 2 days, but trust me, it’s best enjoyed within the first day or two for optimal crunch and flavor. If you need to reheat it, you can do so in the microwave for about 30 seconds, but I recommend enjoying it cold. The flavors meld beautifully when it’s chilled, and that crunch from the veggies stays intact!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying your Crunchy Thai Quinoa Salad with Peanut Dressing, the possibilities are endless! I love serving it alongside some grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein-packed meal that pairs perfectly with those vibrant flavors. If you’re keeping it plant-based, try it with some crispy tofu or a side of roasted chickpeas. A light vegetable spring roll or even some crunchy rice paper rolls make for a fun, complementary dish! And don’t forget a refreshing iced tea or coconut water to wash it all down—your taste buds will thank you!
For more delicious salad ideas, check out this autumn harvest salad or this healthy cheesecake recipe!
Print
Crunchy Thai Quinoa Salad with Peanut Dressing Delightful Duo
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A refreshing and nutritious salad with a crunchy texture and a creamy peanut dressing.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup peanuts, chopped
Instructions
- Cook quinoa in water according to package instructions.
- Let quinoa cool to room temperature.
- In a large bowl, combine quinoa, bell pepper, cucumber, carrots, green onions, and cilantro.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and honey to make the dressing.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Top with chopped peanuts before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the dressing ingredients to taste.
- This salad can be made ahead of time.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Crunchy Thai Quinoa Salad, Peanut Dressing, Healthy Salad, Vegan Salad