Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite summer dish: Thai Quinoa Peanut Salad! I stumbled upon this gem during a trip to a little Thai restaurant, and I’ve been hooked ever since. It’s such a refreshing and nutritious salad, bursting with vibrant veggies and that creamy peanut dressing that just makes everything sing! Trust me, it’s the perfect way to cool down on a hot day or to impress at a picnic. The combination of protein-packed quinoa, crunchy vegetables, and the rich, nutty flavor of peanuts creates a symphony in your mouth. Seriously, once you try this salad, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Ingredients List
To make the best Thai Quinoa Peanut Salad, you’ll need a handful of fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced (any color you love)
- 1 cup cucumber, diced for that refreshing crunch
- 1 cup carrots, grated (I love the color and texture this adds!)
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced for a mild oniony kick
- 1/2 cup peanuts, chopped (feel free to use roasted for more flavor)
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter (the star of the show!)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
- 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced for that aromatic depth
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t skip this part!)
These ingredients come together to create a salad that’s not just delicious but also packed with nutrition!
How to Prepare the Thai Quinoa Peanut Salad
Alright, let’s dive into making this delicious Thai Quinoa Peanut Salad! It’s super simple and comes together in just a few steps. First, you’ll want to cook your quinoa. This is where the magic begins!
Cooking the Quinoa
Start by rinsing 1 cup of quinoa under cold water. This helps remove any bitterness. Then, in a medium pot, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil, and once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover it, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when all the water is absorbed! After that, remove it from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 more minutes. This resting period is key to fluffy quinoa!
Making the Peanut Dressing
While the quinoa is cooking, let’s whip up that creamy peanut dressing! In a bowl, mix together 1/4 cup of creamy peanut butter, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1 teaspoon of minced garlic. Whisk it all together until it’s smooth and combined. If it’s too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of water to get your desired consistency. Yum!
Combining Ingredients
Now comes the fun part! In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked quinoa, diced bell peppers, cucumber, grated carrots, sliced green onions, and chopped peanuts. Pour that luscious peanut dressing over everything and give it a good toss. Make sure everything is well coated in that delicious dressing—this is where all the flavors come together! Season with salt and pepper to taste, and voilà, your Thai Quinoa Peanut Salad is ready to shine!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings!
- Nutritious and filling, packed with protein from quinoa and healthy fats from peanuts.
- Vibrant colors from fresh veggies make it as beautiful as it is delicious.
- The creamy peanut dressing adds a rich, nutty flavor that elevates the whole dish.
- Versatile—feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or add some grilled chicken for extra protein.
- Great for meal prep; it keeps well in the fridge for a few days!
- Perfectly light yet satisfying, making it an ideal dish for warm weather!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Thai Quinoa Peanut Salad is a hit, here are my top tips! First, taste as you go—don’t be shy about adjusting the dressing. If you love it tangy, add more lime juice; if you prefer it sweeter, a bit more honey works wonders. For leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. Just keep the dressing separate if you can, so the veggies stay crisp! And remember, this salad is super versatile, so feel free to toss in any extra veggies or proteins you have on hand!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific brands and types of ingredients you use. However, here’s a general idea of what you can expect per serving of this Thai Quinoa Peanut Salad:
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 5g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sodium: 300mg
This salad is not only delicious but also a wholesome choice for a balanced meal!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making the perfect Thai Quinoa Peanut Salad? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that might pop up:
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad is fantastic for meal prep. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve, so the veggies stay crisp and fresh.
What if I don’t have quinoa?
No worries! You can substitute quinoa with other grains like brown rice or farro. Just adjust the cooking time according to the grain you choose!
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, this Thai Quinoa Peanut Salad is completely gluten-free and vegan!
Can I add more protein to this salad?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu are excellent additions if you want to boost the protein content. Just toss them in with the veggies.
How long does it last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, your Thai Quinoa Peanut Salad will stay fresh for about 3-4 days—perfect for leftovers!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your Thai Quinoa Peanut Salad fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. This salad is best enjoyed cold, so there’s no need to reheat it! Just give it a good toss before serving to redistribute that delicious peanut dressing. If you happen to have extra dressing, keep it separate to maintain the crispness of the veggies. Enjoy it within 3-4 days for the best flavor and texture!
Serving Suggestions
This Thai Quinoa Peanut Salad is delicious on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes! Try serving it alongside grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein-packed meal. It’s also fantastic with a side of spring rolls or crispy tofu for a complete Asian-inspired feast. For a light lunch, enjoy it with a bowl of miso soup or some crunchy vegetable sushi. Trust me, it’s all about those flavor combinations!
For more delicious salad recipes, check out this healthy quinoa chickpea salad or this vegetable stir-fry with peanut sauce!
Print
Thai Quinoa Peanut Salad: 7 Reasons to Love It
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A refreshing and nutritious salad packed with quinoa, vegetables, and a creamy peanut dressing.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup carrots, grated
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup peanuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
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 or until water is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
- In a bowl, mix peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, and garlic to make the dressing.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, bell peppers, cucumber, carrots, green onions, and peanuts.
- Pour dressing over salad and mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Adjust the dressing ingredients to taste.
- Add more vegetables if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing and boiling
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Thai Quinoa Peanut Salad