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spoonful of thai quinoa salad
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Crunchy Thai Quinoa Salad

Thai Quinoa Salad is a delicious, easy and protein rich with a delicious Thai peanut sauce.  Lots of color and crunch!

Course Salad
Cuisine Mediterranean, Thai
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 416kcal
Author Leigh Anne Wilkes

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 cup uncooked quinoa
  • 1 cup shredded red cabbage
  • ½ red bell pepper diced
  • ½ red onion diced
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • ¼ cup green onions diced
  • ½ cup cashews or peanuts
  • parsley or other fresh herbs, chopped for garnish

Dressing

  • ¼ cup natural peanut butter creamy
  • 1 tsp fresh minced ginger
  • 3 Tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 Tbsp honey
  • 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp olive oil

Instructions

  • Rinse quinoa by placing in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold water.
  • Cook quinoa in a medium pan. Bring 2 cups of water to a boil, add quinoa, stir and cover. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Cool.

Dressing

  • Place peanut butter and honey in a microwavable bowl and heat for about 25 seconds.
  • Add in ginger, soy sauce, vinegar, and oils. Stir until smooth.
  • In a large bowl, combine quinoa and dressing to taste.
  • Add in remaining ingredients.
  • Garnish with nuts, and chopped fresh herbs if desired.
  • Chill or serve at room temperature

Notes

  1. Quinoa cooks just like rice. I use a ratio of two cups of water to one cup of quinoa on the stove top and a 1:1 ratio in the Instant Pot. 
  2. Feel free to add in any other of your favorite veggies such as cucumbers, tomatoes or spinach.
  3. Substitute pine nuts, pistachios, almonds or your favorite nut for the cashews and peanuts.
  4. If you wanted a little heartier fare you could add some shredded chicken to the dish too. Customize with what you have This salad is very forgiving.
  5. Use broth instead of water to cook your quinoa. Cooking quinoa in chicken or vegetable broth adds depth and richness to the flavor, giving your salad a more savory base.
  6. Make it ahead for better flavor. Quinoa salad is a great make-ahead dish. Prepare it a few hours early so the dressing has time to soak in and the flavors can meld together.

Nutrition

Calories: 416kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 509mg | Potassium: 697mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 6210IU | Vitamin C: 36.1mg | Calcium: 61mg | Iron: 4mg