Description
This Thai Quinoa Salad is bursting with bold flavors, crunchy veggies, and plant-based protein. Tossed in a creamy peanut dressing, it’s perfect for lunch, meal prep, or a colorful dinner that’s both satisfying and nourishing.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
¾ cup quinoa, uncooked
1 heaping cup red cabbage, shredded
1 red bell pepper, diced
¼ cup red onion, chopped
1 cup carrots, shredded
1 cup edamame, shelled
½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 green onions, chopped
½ cup cashews, halves
For the Dressing:
¼ cup creamy peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Sriracha hot sauce (adjust to taste)
Water to thin, if necessary
Instructions
Cook the Quinoa: Cook quinoa according to package instructions. Once cooked, let it cool completely.
Make the Dressing: In a microwave-safe bowl, warm the peanut butter and honey for 10–20 seconds. Stir until smooth. Add in grated ginger, soy sauce, red wine vinegar, sesame oil, olive oil, and Sriracha. Mix until creamy. Thin with water or more oil if needed. Taste and adjust spice.
Toss the Quinoa: Drizzle half of the dressing over the cooled quinoa. Toss to coat evenly.
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine cabbage, bell pepper, red onion, carrots, edamame, and cilantro. Add in the dressed quinoa and toss well.
Finish & Serve: Add in the cashews and green onions. Drizzle remaining dressing to taste. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Notes
Make it vegan by swapping honey for maple syrup.
For extra crunch, toast the cashews before adding.
Tastes even better the next day—perfect for meal prep!
Add grilled chicken or tofu for extra protein if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad, Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Stovetop , Tossed
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 460 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg