Thai Quinoa Salad
Quinoa with shredded carrot, cucumber, herbs, peanut-lime dressing.
For 1 serving
Cook and cool the quinoa
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold running water
- Combine quinoa and water in a medium saucepan
- Bring to a boil, then simmer for 12 minutes until water is absorbed
- Spread quinoa on a baking sheet to cool quickly
TIPRinsing quinoa removes the natural coating called saponin, which can make it taste bitter or soapy.Whisk the peanut-lime dressing
In a small mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, lime juice, low-sodium soy sauce, and freshly grated ginger. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and emulsified; if too thick, add a teaspoon of warm water to reach a pourable consistency.
TIPMicrowave the peanut butter for 10 seconds if it is too stiff to whisk easily.Toss the salad with dressing and herbs
- Place the cooled quinoa in a large mixing bowl
- Add the shredded carrot, diced cucumber, cilantro, and mint
- Pour the dressing over the ingredients and toss thoroughly
- Top with crushed peanuts just before serving for maximum crunch
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Toast the dry quinoa in the pot for 2 minutes before adding water to enhance its nutty profile.
- 2Use a julienne peeler for the carrots to create long, thin strands that better absorb the dressing.
- 3Wait until the quinoa is completely cool before adding the herbs to prevent them from wilting and turning black.
- 4Double the dressing recipe and keep the extra in a jar for a quick dip for raw vegetables.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicier
Add a teaspoon of sriracha or finely chopped Thai bird's eye chilies to the dressing.
low sodiumLow sodium
Replace soy sauce with coconut aminos and increase the lime juice and ginger for flavor.
veganVegan
This recipe is naturally vegan as long as your soy sauce and peanut butter contain no animal-derived additives.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Complete Plant Protein
Quinoa provides all nine essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair.
High Fiber Content
Carrots, cucumber, and quinoa support healthy digestion and blood sugar stability.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Peanuts and peanut butter provide monounsaturated fats that support cardiovascular health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is a nutrient-dense meal providing complete plant-based protein, healthy fats, and a wide range of vitamins from fresh vegetables.
