Thai Quinoa Salad

If you’re looking for a dish that bursts with flavor and color, then this Thai Quinoa Salad is just what you need! This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it combines wholesome ingredients with the delightful crunch of fresh veggies and a creamy peanut sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something nutritious but don’t have much time to cook, and it shines at family gatherings where everyone can enjoy a vibrant, tasty salad.

The best part? This Thai Quinoa Salad is not only easy to whip up, but it’s also packed with nutrients to keep you feeling great. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving up something special for guests, this salad always impresses!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in about 35 minutes, making it perfect for any meal.
• Packed with Flavor: The combination of fresh vegetables and creamy peanut sauce creates an explosion of taste.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the crunchy textures and bright colors, plus it’s healthy!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge for quick lunches throughout the week.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main course or a side dish—it’s delicious either way!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Thai Quinoa Salad uses simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. You’ll love how fresh everything tastes!

For the Salad

• ¾ cup quinoa (uncooked)
• 1 heaping cup red cabbage (shredded)
• 1 red bell pepper (diced)
• ¼ cup red onion (chopped)
• 1 cup carrots (shredded)
• 1 cup edamame (shelled)
• ½ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
• 2 green onions (chopped)
• ½ cup cashews (halves)

For the Dressing

• ¼ cup creamy peanut butter (crunchy or smooth)
• 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
• 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey (or sub maple syrup)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Sriracha hot sauce
• water to thin (if necessary)

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily adjust ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.

• Add More Veggies: Feel free to throw in any of your favorite vegetables like cucumbers or snap peas for extra crunch.
• Swap the Protein: Add grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas if you want some added protein.
• Make It Spicy: Increase the Sriracha if you love heat or add sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.
• Go Nut-Free: Omit the cashews and use sunflower seeds instead for a nut-free option.

How to Make Thai Quinoa Salad

Step 1: Cook the Quinoa

Start by cooking the quinoa according to package directions. This step is important because perfectly fluffy quinoa forms the base of our salad. Once cooked, let it cool slightly while you prepare the rest of your ingredients.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine peanut butter and honey. Heat them in the microwave for 10-20 seconds until just warm. This helps create a smooth consistency when you stir them together. Next, add ginger, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, olive oil, and Sriracha. Stir until it’s all creamy and well-mixed—this dressing is going to be delicious on everything!

Step 3: Combine Your Veggies

In a large bowl, combine all those colorful veggies: red pepper, onion, cabbage, carrots, edamame, and cilantro. Mixing these vibrant ingredients gives your salad its wonderful crunch and freshness.

Step 4: Assemble Your Salad

Now it’s time to bring everything together! Add your cooled quinoa into the bowl with veggies. Drizzle half of your dressing over it and toss gently until everything is coated beautifully. Taste your salad; if you’d like more flavor, add more dressing! Finally, sprinkle on those cashews and garnish with green onions before serving.

Enjoy every bite of this flavorful Thai Quinoa Salad! It’s sure to become a favorite in your home just like it has in mine.

Pro Tips for Making Thai Quinoa Salad

Creating the perfect Thai Quinoa Salad is all about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips to ensure your salad turns out delicious every time!

• Cook quinoa perfectly: Rinse the quinoa before cooking to remove its natural bitterness. Make sure to use a 2:1 water-to-quinoa ratio for fluffy results.

• Customize your veggies: Feel free to swap in any seasonal vegetables you have on hand! This salad is versatile, and using what’s fresh can enhance both flavor and nutrition.

• Adjust the spiciness: If you’re sensitive to heat, start with less Sriracha in the dressing. You can always add more later if you want that extra kick!

• Chill before serving: Allowing your salad to chill for at least 30 minutes helps meld the flavors together, making every bite taste even better.

• Meal prep friendly: This salad holds up well in the fridge for a few days, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Thai Quinoa Salad

Serving your Thai Quinoa Salad beautifully can make it even more enjoyable! Here are some ideas on how to present this vibrant dish.

Garnishes

• Chopped peanuts: Sprinkle some extra chopped peanuts on top for added crunch and nutty flavor.
• Fresh lime wedges: Serve with lime wedges on the side so everyone can squeeze fresh juice over their salads for a zesty touch.

Side Dishes

• Thai Spring Rolls: Fresh or fried spring rolls filled with vegetables and served with a sweet chili sauce complement the salad’s flavors wonderfully.
• Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar adds a refreshing contrast that balances out the richer elements of the quinoa salad.
• Grilled Tofu Skewers: These skewers pack a protein punch and provide a satisfying chew, making them an excellent pairing.
• Mango Salsa: A sweet mango salsa brings a tropical twist that harmonizes beautifully with the spicy and savory notes of the salad.

Enjoy your colorful and nutritious Thai Quinoa Salad as a delightful main course or a vibrant side dish!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Thai Quinoa Salad is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch ahead of time and store it for quick, healthy meals throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will keep fresh for up to 3-5 days.
• If the salad becomes too soggy, you can add a little more fresh veggies or nuts to revive it.

Freezing

• While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the quinoa separately from the vegetables and dressing.
• Place cooled quinoa in a freezer-safe container, and it can last up to 2 months.
• Vegetables should be stored in separate containers as they do not freeze well.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen quinoa overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Heat quinoa in a microwave-safe bowl with a splash of water to add moisture.
• Since this salad is best served cold, consider enjoying it as is after reheating or serve with fresh toppings.

FAQs

Have some questions about making this Thai Quinoa Salad? Here are some common inquiries!

Can I customize my Thai Quinoa Salad?

Absolutely! This recipe is versatile. Feel free to swap out vegetables based on your preference or what’s in season. Adding ingredients like cucumber or snap peas can give it an extra crunch!

What makes this Thai Quinoa Salad so special?

The combination of crunchy vegetables and creamy peanut sauce makes this salad irresistibly delicious while being nutritious. It balances flavors beautifully and is great as a main dish or side.

How long does Thai Quinoa Salad last in the fridge?

When stored properly, your Thai Quinoa Salad will stay fresh for about 3-5 days. Just remember to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat!

Is this Thai Quinoa Salad gluten-free?

Yes! By using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce, you can enjoy this dish without gluten concerns.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited about this Thai Quinoa Salad as I am! It’s such a delightful blend of flavors and textures that’s sure to please everyone at your table. Perfect for meal prep or a quick dinner, it’s both healthy and satisfying. Enjoy making this recipe, and don’t hesitate to share your own twists on it! Happy cooking!