Thai Salad with Peanut Dressing

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold and Flavorful: The combination of fresh vegetables and a rich, savory-sweet peanut dressing creates an irresistible flavor.

• Customizable: Add your favorite protein like grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp to make this salad a complete meal.

• Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.

• Meal Prep Friendly: The salad components and dressing can be prepped ahead of time, making it easy to assemble when needed.

• Versatile: Adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand, making it perfect for any season.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Salad

• 4 cups chopped Napa cabbage or shredded coleslaw mix

• 1 cup shredded carrots

• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

• 1 small English cucumber, halved lengthwise, seeded, and thinly sliced

• 1 cup cooked and shelled edamame

• 2 medium scallions, thinly sliced

• ½ cup loosely packed chopped fresh cilantro

For the Peanut Dressing

• ¼ cup creamy peanut butter

• 2 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar

• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 2½ tablespoons sugar

• 2 garlic cloves, roughly chopped

• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and roughly chopped

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves

Directions

1. Prepare the Dressing: In a blender, combine all the dressing ingredients except for the cilantro. Blend until completely smooth. Add the cilantro and blend for a few seconds until finely chopped. Refrigerate until ready to use.

2. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chopped cabbage, shredded carrots, red bell pepper, cucumber, edamame, scallions, and chopped cilantro.

3. Dress the Salad: If serving immediately, drizzle the peanut dressing over the salad and toss to combine. If preparing in advance, store the dressing separately and add just before serving to maintain the salad’s crunch.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add Protein: Top the salad with grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp to make it a more substantial meal.

• Nut-Free Option: Use sunflower seed butter in place of peanut butter for a nut-free version.

• Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha to the dressing for extra heat.

• Fruit Addition: Incorporate diced mango or pineapple for a sweet and tangy twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: This salad is best enjoyed cold. If you’ve added protein that requires reheating, warm it separately and add to the salad just before serving.

FAQs

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, the peanut dressing can be prepared up to 5 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

What can I use instead of peanut butter?

Almond butter or sunflower seed butter are great alternatives to peanut butter in this dressing.

Is this salad gluten-free?

To make this salad gluten-free, ensure you use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

Can I use pre-shredded vegetables?

Absolutely, using pre-shredded coleslaw mix and carrots can save time and make preparation even quicker.

How can I add more crunch to the salad?

Top the salad with chopped peanuts, cashews, or crispy wonton strips for added texture.

Can I add noodles to this salad?

Yes, adding cooked rice noodles or soba noodles can turn this salad into a hearty meal.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover salad and dressing separately in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar to make the dressing vegan-friendly.

What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to include other crunchy vegetables like shredded purple cabbage, snap peas, or radishes.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes, prepare the salad components and dressing separately, and combine them just before serving for a fresh and crunchy meal prep option.

Conclusion

This Thai Salad with Peanut Dressing is a delicious and refreshing dish that’s as satisfying as it is healthy. It’s packed with fresh ingredients and bold flavors, and you can easily customize it to fit your preferences. Whether you enjoy it as a light meal or as a side dish, this salad is perfect for any occasion and is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.