Thai Quinoa Salad 🥗
This Thai Quinoa Salad is EVERYTHING!
Fresh, crunchy, and tossed in the most addictive peanut dressing—it’s perfect for lunch, meal prep, or a light dinner!
✨ You’ll crave this one on repeat—it’s healthy and delicious!
What You Need:
✔️ 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
✔️ 2 tsp grated ginger
✔️ 3 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
✔️ 1 Tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
✔️ 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
✔️ 1 tsp sesame oil
✔️ 1 tsp olive oil
✔️ 1 tsp Sriracha
✔️ Water to thin, if needed
How To Make It:
1. Cook quinoa per package directions (yields ~2+ cups). Let cool.
2. Make dressing: Microwave peanut butter & honey for 10–20 sec. Stir, then add remaining dressing ingredients until smooth.
3. Toss half the dressing with quinoa.
4. In a large bowl, combine cabbage, bell pepper, onion, carrots, edamame, and cilantro.
5. Add quinoa and more dressing to taste.
6. Top with cashews and green onions. Enjoy!
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Find the full recipe at Tastes Better From Scratch (link in bio!)
Quinoa is a highly nutritious seed often considered a superfood; it is rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making this Thai Quinoa Salad a nutrient-dense option for a healthy diet. The inclusion of red cabbage adds a crunchy texture and provides antioxidants and vitamin C, boosting immune health. Edamame contributes plant-based protein and essential amino acids, complementing the quinoa to make the salad a complete protein source. The peanut dressing is a highlight of this recipe, combining creamy peanut butter, grated ginger, low-sodium soy sauce, honey, and red wine vinegar, which together offer a balance of savory, sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. Sesame and olive oils add healthy fats that support heart health. This dressing not only enhances flavor but also helps in better absorption of fat-soluble vitamins from the vegetables. This salad fits perfectly into meal prep ideas due to its ease of assembly and ingredients that hold well over time, making it convenient for quick lunches or light dinners. It also caters to various dietary preferences, being vegetarian and easily adaptable for vegan diets by substituting honey with maple syrup. Adding cashews and green onions as toppings introduces a delightful crunch and additional nutrients like healthy fats, vitamins, and antioxidants. The combination of fresh vegetables like bell pepper, carrots, and onion further enriches the salad with vitamins A, K, and fiber, supporting digestion and eye health. The recipe encourages creativity; for example, incorporating JUINA high THAL SALAD ingredients such as shredded cabbage aligns well with the fresh and crunchy profile of this dish. This makes the Thai Quinoa Salad not only tasty but also a balanced, colorful, and visually appealing meal option that promotes wellness and sustained energy throughout the day. For those interested in exploring variations, adding grilled chicken or tofu can increase protein content for those needing a heartier meal. Serving suggestions include pairing this salad with a side of steamed jasmine rice or a light soup for a complete Thai-inspired meal experience.