Thai Quinoa Salad with Peanut Sauce

Thai Quinoa Salad with Peanut Sauce

10 servings
This tasty vegan Thai Quinoa Salad with Peanut Sauce is crunchy, flavorful, and packed with protein - a great vegan pot luck idea that everyone (including meat eaters!) will love. This salad is quick, plant-based, and great for anyone at your table. 

Ingredients

  • cooked quinoa
    4 c
  • chopped red cabbage
    2 c
  • carrots

    chopped or spiralized

    2
  • green onions

    chopped

    2
  • cilantro

    julienned

    1 c
  • peanuts

    chopped

    ½ c
  • garlic

    minced

    2 cloves
  • extra virgin olive oil
    ½ c
  • rice wine vinegar
    ½ c
  • peanut butter
    2 tbsp
  • pure maple syrup
    2 tbsp
  • soy sauce

    or gluten free tamari, or soy sauce substitute like aminos

    2 tsp
  • lime

    juiced

    1

Directions

  1. 1

    Cook quinoa according to package instructions. Set aside, and allow to cool.

  2. 2

    In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, red cabbage, carrots, and green onions.

  3. 3

    In a medium mixing bowl, make the dressing. Add the minced garlic, rice wine vinegar, olive oil, soy sauce (or tamari), maple syrup, peanut butter, and lime juice.

  4. 4

    Stir the dressing ingredients well to combine. Dressing should be smooth and creamy.

  5. 5

    Pour dressing over the quinoa salad and toss well to combine. Top with fresh chopped cilantro.

  6. 6

    Top with the peanuts, and more green onion for garnish. Enjoy!

Thai Quinoa Salad with Peanut Sauce

Thai Quinoa Salad with Peanut Sauce

5.0(25)15 min10 servings239 cal

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Ratings & Reviews

0.0/ 5
Exceptional

Based on 25 ratings

theherbeevore.com
5.0(25 reviews)
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About this Recipe

Looking for a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s quick to prepare and universally loved? This Thai Quinoa Salad with Peanut Sauce is your answer. It’s a perfect plant-based potluck idea that delivers on taste, texture, and nutrition, pleasing everyone at your table, from vegans to meat-eaters.

Why This Salad Works

What makes this Thai Quinoa Salad truly special is its incredible balance of textures and flavors, all coming together in just 15 minutes. You get the satisfying chew of quinoa perfectly complemented by the crisp, refreshing crunch of red cabbage and carrots, plus the delightful bite of chopped peanuts. The secret to its broad appeal lies in the rich, savory peanut sauce, which coats every ingredient in an irresistible blend of sweet, tangy, and umami notes, creating a cohesive, delicious experience that’s anything but a typical side salad. It’s packed with protein from the quinoa, making it a truly satisfying option.

What to Expect

Prepare for a burst of fresh flavors and satisfying textures in every forkful. You'll encounter the earthiness of quinoa, the vibrant crunch of red cabbage and fresh carrots, and the aromatic lift from cilantro and green onions. The creamy, luscious peanut sauce, made with peanut butter, maple syrup, rice wine vinegar, and lime juice, ties everything together with a sweet and tangy finish. This naturally vegan and plant-based dish feels light yet incredibly fulfilling, making it a fantastic choice for any occasion. It’s also an excellent option for those seeking dairy-free or gluten-free potluck ideas, especially when using tamari or aminos instead of traditional soy sauce.

Customization & Variations

This versatile vegan quinoa salad is easy to adapt to your preferences. For a completely gluten-free version, ensure you use tamari or coconut aminos instead of standard soy sauce. You can choose to chop your carrots finely or use a spiralizer for a different textural experience. Feel free to adjust the amount of cilantro or green onions to your taste, adding more for an extra fresh bite. If you love extra crunch, don't hesitate to toss in more chopped peanuts before serving.

Serving & Context

This Thai Quinoa Salad with Peanut Sauce shines as a centerpiece for any potluck or gathering. Its vibrant colors and robust flavors make it an inviting appetizer, though it’s substantial enough to be enjoyed as a light lunch. Serve it chilled, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully, alongside other fresh, plant-based options.

Frequently Asked Questions