Thai Peanut Salad
This Thai peanut salad is a delicious blend of fresh vegetables, crunchy peanuts, and a creamy peanut dressing. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, a side dish at dinner parties, or even as a main course when you add some chicken. The vibrant colors and bold flavors make this salad both appealing and satisfying—ideal for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This salad can be made in just 10 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize it by adding different vegetables or proteins to suit your taste and dietary needs.
- Rich in Flavor: The combination of fresh veggies with the creamy peanut dressing creates a delightful flavor explosion that everyone will love.
- Healthy Option: With plenty of fresh ingredients and the option to keep it low-carb, this salad is a guilt-free way to enjoy something delicious.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This salad stays fresh in the fridge for days, making it a great option for meal prepping.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare this Thai peanut salad, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Whisk or fork
- Chopping knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: These are essential for combining all your ingredients without spilling them. A large bowl is best for mixing salads.
- Measuring cups: Accurate measurements ensure that your dressing has the right balance of flavors.
- Whisk or fork: These tools help blend the dressing smoothly, ensuring that every bite of the salad is flavorful.
Ingredients
This Thai peanut salad is so tasty with fresh shredded cabbage, peanuts, chopped veggies, tossed with a tasty peanut dressing. It makes a perfect side salad or you can make it a main dish chicken salad by simply adding chopped cooked chicken.
Vegetables
- 4 cups cabbage (shredded)
- ½ cup cucumber (peeled and chopped)
- ½ cup green onions (sliced)
- ½ cup red bell pepper (if you want spice use ¼ cup hot red pepper, diced)
Nuts & Proteins
- ½ cup salted peanuts
- optional: make it a full meal by adding 12 ounces diced cooked chicken
Dressing Ingredients
- ⅓ cup peanut butter (use all natural peanut butter)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar or regular vinegar
- 2 tablespoons coconut aminos (tamari, or regular soy sauce)
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar substitute (or regular sugar)
- 1 teaspoon garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon ginger paste (or finely minced ginger)
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Thai Peanut Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
- In a large bowl add the shredded cabbage, chopped cucumber, sliced green onions, salted peanuts, and diced red bell pepper.
- If you’re using chicken, add the diced cooked chicken to the bowl.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, combine the peanut butter, olive oil, vinegar, coconut aminos, sugar substitute, minced garlic, ginger paste, and red pepper flakes.
- Whisk together until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Combine Salad and Dressing
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture in the large bowl.
- Toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Add salt and pepper to taste before serving. Enjoy!
How to Serve Thai Peanut Salad
This Thai peanut salad is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. Whether you want it as a side dish or a main course, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.
As a Side Dish
- Pair with grilled chicken for a refreshing complement.
- Serve alongside Asian-inspired dishes for a cohesive meal.
- Offer as a light starter before heartier entrees.
As a Main Course
- Add diced cooked chicken to make it filling and protein-rich.
- Top with shrimp for a seafood twist that’s both delicious and satisfying.
- Include tofu for a vegetarian option that still packs flavor.
In Lettuce Wraps
- Use large lettuce leaves to wrap the salad for a fun, handheld meal.
- Drizzle extra dressing inside the wrap for added flavor.
As a Meal Prep Option
- Prepare in advance for an easy lunch throughout the week.
- Keep the dressing separate until serving to maintain freshness.
How to Perfect Thai Peanut Salad
To make your Thai peanut salad even more delightful, consider these tips that enhance taste and texture.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables for crunch and vibrant flavor. The crispness of fresh cabbage and cucumbers makes all the difference.
- Customize Your Dressing: Adjust the sweetness or spice level of your dressing according to your preference. A little more sugar or red pepper can change everything!
- Chill Before Serving: Letting your salad chill in the refrigerator allows flavors to meld beautifully. Aim for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Add Crunch: Incorporate additional nuts or seeds like sesame seeds for an extra layer of texture.
- Mix It Up: Experiment with different vegetables such as shredded carrots or snap peas to add variety and color.
- Garnish Smartly: Top with fresh herbs like cilantro or mint just before serving to elevate flavor and presentation.
Best Side Dishes for Thai Peanut Salad
Serving this Thai peanut salad can be enhanced by pairing it with complementary side dishes. Here are some excellent options:
- Grilled Veggies: Seasonal vegetables grilled with olive oil and herbs add great flavor and balance.
- Rice Noodles: Lightly seasoned rice noodles provide a satisfying base that complements the salad well.
- Spring Rolls: These are refreshing and can be filled with veggies and shrimp, making them perfect alongside the salad.
- Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup adds depth and warmth to your meal, creating a lovely contrast.
- Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad can enhance your meal while keeping it light and healthy.
- Coconut Rice: The subtle sweetness of coconut rice pairs beautifully with the savory elements of the Thai peanut salad.
- Edamame Beans: Steamed edamame offers additional protein and makes for a nutritious, crunchy side dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To make your Thai peanut salad truly delicious, avoid these common mistakes.
- Using the wrong type of peanut butter: Always opt for all-natural peanut butter. Regular brands often contain added sugars and oils that can alter the taste.
- Overdressing the salad: Less is more when it comes to dressing. Start with a small amount and add more as needed to avoid sogginess.
- Neglecting to chop veggies properly: Uniformly chopped vegetables ensure even distribution and make for a better eating experience. Aim for similar sizes.
- Skipping on seasoning: Salt and pepper can elevate your salad. Taste test before serving and adjust accordingly to enhance flavors.
- Not letting it chill: Allowing the salad to sit in the fridge for a bit helps flavors meld together. Serve it cool for the best taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness.
Freezing Thai Peanut Salad
- Freezing is not recommended due to the texture changes in vegetables.
- If you must freeze, only store the salad base without dressing for up to 2 months.
Reheating Thai Peanut Salad
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread salad in a baking dish and warm for about 10 minutes, covered.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid overheating as it may wilt veggies.
- Stovetop: Lightly sauté on low heat just until warmed, being careful not to overcook.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Thai peanut salad.
What can I add to my Thai Peanut Salad?
You can customize your Thai peanut salad by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for protein. Additional veggies like shredded carrots or snap peas also make great additions.
Can I make Thai Peanut Salad ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the salad ingredients in advance and store them separately from the dressing. Combine everything just before serving for maximum freshness.
Is this Thai Peanut Salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This salad keeps well in the refrigerator and is perfect for meal prep lunches throughout the week.
How do I make my Thai Peanut Salad spicy?
To add heat, include diced hot peppers or increase the amount of red pepper flakes in your dressing according to your taste preference.
Final Thoughts
This Thai peanut salad is not only tasty but also versatile! It’s perfect as a refreshing side dish or a hearty main meal by adding chicken or tofu. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins and enjoy a wholesome dish full of flavor!
Thai Peanut Salad
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves about 4
Description
Thai Peanut Salad is a vibrant and satisfying dish that combines fresh vegetables, crunchy peanuts, and a creamy peanut dressing. This easy-to-make salad is perfect for a quick lunch, a side dish during dinner parties, or as a main course by adding protein like chicken or tofu. Bursting with flavor and color, this salad is not only delicious but also versatile, making it an excellent option for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded cabbage
- ½ cup cucumber, peeled and chopped
- ½ cup green onions, sliced
- ½ cup red bell pepper (or diced hot pepper for spice)
- ½ cup salted peanuts
- ⅓ cup natural peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons coconut aminos (or soy sauce)
- Optional: 12 ounces diced cooked chicken
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, chopped cucumber, sliced green onions, salted peanuts, diced red bell pepper, and cooked chicken if using.
- In a separate small bowl, mix together the peanut butter, olive oil, rice vinegar, coconut aminos, sugar substitute, minced garlic, ginger paste, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
