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Crunchy Thai Quinoa Salad

Crunchy Thai Quinoa Salad: A Fresh Twist on Healthy Eating

This Crunchy Thai Quinoa Salad blends fluffy quinoa, crisp vegetables, and a zesty peanut dressing for a nutritious and customizable meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Thai
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 cup Quinoa Rinse before cooking to remove bitterness
  • 1 Red Bell Pepper Can swap for any colored bell pepper
  • 1 medium Cucumber Zucchini works as a great alternative
  • 2 Carrots Shredded or grated for convenience
  • 2 Green Onions Chives can be a substitute
  • 1 bunch Fresh Cilantro Can omit or replace with parsley
  • 1 cup Peanuts Chopped roasted peanuts work best
For the Dressing
  • 3 tablespoons Creamy Peanut Butter Almond butter or tahini can replace
  • 2 tablespoons Low-Sodium Soy Sauce Tamari is a gluten-free alternative
  • 1 tablespoon Lime Juice Lemon juice can be used in a pinch
  • 1 tablespoon Honey or Maple Syrup Use maple syrup for a vegan option

Equipment

  • Medium Pot
  • large mixing bowl
  • Separate bowl for dressing
  • grater
  • Whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by rinsing 1 cup of quinoa under cold water. In a medium pot, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Let cool slightly before fluffing with a fork.
  2. While the quinoa is cooking, wash and chop the red bell pepper, cucumber, and carrots into bite-sized pieces. Toss the chopped vegetables with sliced green onions and fresh cilantro in a large mixing bowl.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter, 2 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce, the juice of 1 lime, and 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup until smooth and creamy.
  4. Once the quinoa has cooled, add it to the vegetable mixture. Pour the dressing over the quinoa and veggies, gently mixing to coat.
  5. Carefully toss all ingredients together to ensure they're evenly coated in the dressing.
  6. Spoon the salad into serving bowls and garnish with extra chopped peanuts or cilantro. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 400mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For maximum freshness, store salad and dressing separately until serving. Rinse quinoa well to remove bitterness and cool before mixing to maintain crispiness.

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