Thai Quinoa Salad: A Deliciously Easy 30-Min Miracle

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If there’s one thing I know about busy weeknights, it’s this: dinner needs to be fast, filling, and freaking delicious. And that’s exactly why I’m head-over-heels for this Thai Quinoa Salad.

Packed with flavor, crunch, and color, this is not your average sad desk lunch. It’s got the comforting nuttiness of peanut sauce, the zing of fresh ginger, and a rainbow of veggies that actually taste as good as they look. Bonus? This is a high-protein Thai quinoa salad that keeps you full without weighing you down.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, throwing together a last-minute potluck dish, or just craving something vibrant and feel-good, this salad brings the magic every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Thai Quinoa Salad

Let’s be real: quinoa can sometimes feel… boring. But not here. This Thai Quinoa Salad is a total glow-up.

Protein-packed & satisfying – Thanks to quinoa and edamame, it’s filling enough to keep you away from the cookie stash by 3 PM.
So much color – Red cabbage, carrots, bell pepper… it’s basically a salad and a mood booster in one.
That creamy peanut dressing – IYKYK. It’s like liquid gold.
Quick to make – You can whip it up in 30 minutes, and the leftovers are even better the next day.
Vegetarian and easy to make vegan – Just sub maple syrup for honey and boom—plant-powered perfection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this crunchy, creamy, flavor-packed bowl of joy:

For the Salad:

¾ cup quinoa, uncooked (makes ~2+ cups cooked)
1 cup red cabbage, shredded (heaping is totally allowed)
1 red bell pepper, diced
¼ cup red onion, chopped
1 cup carrots, shredded
1 cup edamame, shelled (buy them frozen and toss into boiling water for a minute or two!)
½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 green onions, chopped
½ cup cashews, halved

For the Dressing:

¼ cup creamy peanut butter (crunchy or smooth, live your truth)
2 tsp freshly grated ginger
3 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
1 Tbsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp olive oil
1 tsp Sriracha (or more if you like it hot)
Water to thin as needed

How to Make Thai Quinoa Salad

Step 1: Cook the Quinoa

Follow the directions on your quinoa package. Let it cool—warm quinoa can wilt your veggies, and not in a cute way.

Pro tip: Cook your quinoa in veggie broth instead of water for an extra layer of flavor.

Step 2: Whip Up the Dressing

Microwave the peanut butter and honey for 10–20 seconds so it stirs easily. Add ginger, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, olive oil, and sriracha. Mix until smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, thin it with a splash of water or more olive oil.

Taste test and adjust spice. Add more Sriracha if you’re feeling bold. No judgment.

Step 3: Toss the Quinoa

Pour half the dressing over the cooled quinoa and toss to coat.

Step 4: Mix the Veggies

In a large bowl, combine red pepper, red onion, cabbage, carrots, edamame, and cilantro.

Add in the dressed quinoa and toss again. Use as much of the remaining dressing as you like—it’s your salad, your rules.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Top with cashews and green onions for that final pop of crunch and color.

Serve immediately or chill for later—this salad actually gets better as it sits!

Tips for the Best Thai Quinoa Salad

Let it chill – If you have time, let the salad sit in the fridge for an hour before serving. The flavors deepen, and the crunch stays crisp.
Adjust the spice – Like it spicy? Add extra Sriracha or toss in a diced jalapeño.
Nut-free version? – Sub sunflower seed butter and roasted pumpkin seeds for a safe alternative.
Add greens – Toss in baby spinach or arugula for an extra nutritional boost.
Add chicken – For an extra protein punch, grilled chicken works beautifully with the Thai flavors.

A Quick Story From My Kitchen

This salad became a meal-prep hero in my house the first time I made it for a girls’ brunch. Everyone wanted the recipe—even the friend who usually picks out the cilantro.

Now, it’s a staple for those “I should eat something healthy but I want it to taste good” kind of days. You know the ones.

Also, my kids call it the “rainbow salad” and actually eat it without bribery. That alone makes it a win in my book.

Close-up of Thai Quinoa Salad with cashews, red cabbage, edamame, and bell peppers in a bowl — This vibrant Thai Quinoa Salad features edamame, crunchy veggies, and cashews tossed in a zesty peanut dressing. A power-packed, feel-good meal!

FAQs About High Protein Thai Quinoa Salad

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! It stores well in the fridge for 3–4 days. Just keep the cashews separate until serving so they stay crunchy.

Is this Thai Quinoa Salad vegan?

Yes! Just swap out the honey for maple syrup in the dressing. Everything else is naturally plant-based.

Can I use a different nut or seed?

Sure! Try peanuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds if you’re avoiding tree nuts.

How much protein is in this salad?

Thanks to quinoa and edamame, this salad is packed with plant-based protein—about 15–18 grams per serving, depending on your portion size. Boom!

Your New Favorite Go-To Salad

There’s something so satisfying about a recipe that hits every checkbox: easy, healthy, colorful, and crave-worthy. This Thai Quinoa Salad is all that and more. Whether you’re fueling up after a long day, feeding picky eaters, or trying to sneak in more veggies, this one’s got your back.

Try it once, and I guarantee it’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.

And hey—if you love it, Follow me @ChickenMagicRecipes on Pinterest For Daily recipes .

Let’s keep the kitchen magic going. 💛

Explore More Flavorful & Healthy Ideas

If you loved this vibrant Thai Quinoa Salad, your taste buds are in for a treat with these hand-picked recipes that bring similar vibes of bold flavor, nourishing ingredients, and quick prep—perfect for busy days or meal prep Sundays. Here are a few recipes from Chicken Magic Recipes that complement this dish beautifully:

Try this High Protein Mediterranean Chicken Orzo for another protein-rich, colorful bowl that’s perfect for a satisfying lunch or light dinner.
Looking for more peanut-powered meals? This Cashew Chicken delivers savory-sweet Thai-inspired flavor in a cozy, saucy stir-fry.
Craving a hearty salad with a fun twist? This Club Sandwich Pasta Salad gives you all the crunch, flavor, and satisfaction of your favorite deli sandwich—just in salad form.
Keep the global inspiration going with this Sticky BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats — a low-carb, high-flavor dish that’s surprisingly easy and wildly fun to eat.

Each of these recipes adds a new layer of inspiration to your weeknight dinner rotation. Keep exploring, keep cooking, and keep making magic in your kitchen!