How to Make the Perfect Thai Peanut Quinoa Salad
Thai · Easy · 30 min · 4 servings
This Thai peanut quinoa salad bursts with bold Asian-inspired flavors from a rich and creamy peanut dressing with a hint of lime and ginger. It is a satisfying vegan dish loaded with colorful vegetables and complete plant-based protein that is perfect for meal prep.
Why this recipe works
This Thai Peanut Quinoa Salad recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 30 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 390 calories with 14g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 8 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 cup dry quinoa rinsed
- 2 cups purple cabbage shredded
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 3 tablespoons natural peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
- 0.25 cup chopped roasted peanuts
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Quinoa
Rinse quinoa under cold water and cook according to package directions using a 1 to 2 ratio of quinoa to water. Simmer covered for 15 minutes then fluff with a fork and spread on a baking sheet to cool quickly.
Step 2: Prepare the Peanut Dressing
Whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, grated ginger, and 2 to 3 tablespoons of warm water in a bowl until smooth and pourable. Adjust consistency with more water and taste for seasoning.
Step 3: Prep the Vegetables
Shred the purple cabbage finely and grate or julienne the carrots. Place both into a large mixing bowl with the cooled quinoa. The vibrant colors make this salad as beautiful as it is delicious.
Step 4: Toss and Garnish
Pour the peanut dressing over the quinoa and vegetable mixture. Toss everything well to coat evenly. Serve topped with chopped roasted peanuts and optional fresh cilantro or sliced green onions.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- natural peanut butter → almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free or different flavor profile
- soy sauce → coconut aminos for a soy-free and slightly sweeter dressing alternative
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Adding dressing to warm quinoa which causes it to absorb too much and become sticky
- Making the dressing too thick by not adding enough water resulting in uneven coating
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 390 calories, 14g protein, 44g carbs, 19g fat, 6g fiber.
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