Thai Peanut Salad
This Thai peanut salad is a delightful mix of fresh ingredients and rich flavors. With its crunchy cabbage, savory peanuts, and vibrant veggies tossed in a creamy peanut dressing, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it as a refreshing side or turn it into a filling main dish with chicken, the Thai peanut salad will surely impress your guests and family alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, this salad is quick to whip up, making it ideal for busy days.
- Flavorful: The combination of fresh veggies and a zesty peanut dressing creates a delicious flavor explosion in every bite.
- Versatile: You can serve it as a side dish or add chicken for a hearty meal, making it suitable for various dining occasions.
- Healthy Option: Packed with nutrients and low in carbs, this salad aligns perfectly with clean eating goals.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level to your liking by choosing different types of peppers, ensuring everyone enjoys it.
Tools and Preparation
To make the Thai peanut salad efficiently, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes preparation smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl: Allows you to combine all the salad ingredients easily without spilling.
- Small mixing bowl: Perfect for mixing the dressing without crowding your workspace.
- Whisk or fork: Helps achieve a smooth peanut dressing by thoroughly combining all ingredients.
Ingredients
This Thai peanut salad is so tasty with fresh shredded cabbage, peanuts, chopped veggies, tossed with a tasty peanut dressing. It makes a perfect side salad or you can make it a main dish chicken salad by simply adding chopped cooked chicken.
Vegetables
- 4 cups cabbage (shredded)
- ½ cup cucumber (peeled and chopped)
- ½ cup green onions (sliced)
- ½ cup red bell pepper (if you want spice use ¼ cup hot red pepper, diced)
Nuts & Protein
- ½ cup salted peanuts
- optional: make it a full meal by adding 12 ounces diced cooked chicken
Dressing Ingredients
- ⅓ cup peanut butter (use all natural peanut butter)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar or regular vinegar
- 2 tablespoons coconut aminos (tamari or regular soy sauce)
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar substitute (or regular sugar)
- 1 teaspoon garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon ginger paste (or finely minced ginger)
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Thai Peanut Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
In a large bowl add:
1. 4 cups shredded cabbage
2. ½ cup peeled and chopped cucumber
3. ½ cup sliced green onions
4. ½ cup red bell pepper (or hot red pepper if desired)
5. Optional: add 12 ounces diced cooked chicken, if using.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl mix:
1. ⅓ cup peanut butter
2. 3 tablespoons olive oil
3. 3 tablespoons rice vinegar or regular vinegar
4. 2 tablespoons coconut aminos
5. 1 teaspoon granulated sugar substitute
6. 1 teaspoon minced garlic
7. ½ teaspoon ginger paste
8. Add red pepper flakes to taste.
Step 3: Combine Salad and Dressing
Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture in the large bowl:
1. Toss everything together until well combined.
2. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to taste.
Enjoy your delicious Thai peanut salad!
How to Serve Thai Peanut Salad
Thai peanut salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re serving it as a side or making it the star of your meal, there are plenty of delicious options to enhance your dining experience.
As a Light Lunch
- Pair with grilled shrimp for a satisfying yet light meal.
- Add avocado slices for creaminess and healthy fats.
As a Side Dish
- Serve alongside grilled chicken for a refreshing contrast.
- Complement spicy Asian dishes to balance flavors.
As a Main Course
- Top with diced cooked chicken for a filling lunch or dinner.
- Mix in tofu for a vegetarian option loaded with protein.
For Meal Prep
- Store in individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.
- Keep dressing separate until ready to eat to maintain freshness.
How to Perfect Thai Peanut Salad
Perfecting your Thai peanut salad is all about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some handy tips to elevate your dish.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance the salad’s crunch and flavor, so opt for seasonal produce when possible.
- Adjust Spice Level: Modify the amount of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference, ensuring everyone can enjoy it.
- Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad sit in the fridge for 30 minutes allows flavors to meld beautifully.
- Customize Add-Ins: Feel free to add other veggies like carrots or snap peas for extra color and nutrition.
Best Side Dishes for Thai Peanut Salad
When serving Thai peanut salad, choosing complementary side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: A fragrant side that pairs perfectly with the flavors of the salad.
- Edamame: These protein-packed soybeans add a nice crunch and color.
- Coconut Rice: Sweet coconut rice brings out the nuttiness of the peanut dressing.
- Grilled Veggies: Seasonal grilled vegetables provide a smoky contrast to the fresh salad.
- Spring Rolls: Fresh spring rolls filled with shrimp or veggies make an excellent appetizer.
- Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup offers comfort without overpowering the meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Thai peanut salad, it’s easy to overlook some essential steps. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Ignoring Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh vegetables like cabbage and cucumbers. Fresh ingredients enhance the salad’s flavor and texture.
- Overdressing the Salad: Adding too much dressing can make the salad soggy. Start with a smaller amount and add more as needed.
- Skipping the Seasoning: Neglecting salt and pepper can dull the flavors. Always season to taste for a more vibrant dish.
- Choosing Low-Quality Peanut Butter: Using processed peanut butter can alter the taste. Opt for natural peanut butter for a richer flavor.
- Not Chilling Before Serving: Serving immediately can miss out on flavor development. Chill the salad for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
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- Duration: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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- Containers: Use airtight containers to keep it fresh.
Freezing Thai Peanut Salad
-
- Duration: Best consumed fresh; however, it can be frozen for up to 1 month.
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- Containers: Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
Reheating Thai Peanut Salad
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm it for about 10-15 minutes. This method maintains texture.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds, stirring in between until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Warm in a pan over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Thai peanut salad.
What is Thai Peanut Salad?
Thai peanut salad is a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables, peanuts, and a delicious peanut dressing. It’s perfect as a side or main dish.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken, and you have a delightful vegetarian option that’s still satisfying and tasty.
How do I customize my Thai Peanut Salad?
You can add different vegetables like carrots or bell peppers, or include proteins like shrimp or tofu for variety.
What can I serve with Thai Peanut Salad?
This salad pairs well with grilled meats, rice dishes, or as part of a larger spread at gatherings.
Is Thai Peanut Salad healthy?
Absolutely! It’s packed with fiber from veggies and healthy fats from peanuts, making it a nutritious choice.
Final Thoughts
This Thai peanut salad is not only delicious but incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it as a refreshing side or turn it into a hearty main dish by adding chicken or other proteins. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or toppings! Try this recipe today and experience its delightful flavors!
Thai Peanut Salad
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
Description
Thai Peanut Salad is a vibrant and satisfying dish that beautifully combines fresh vegetables with a rich, creamy peanut dressing. This salad features crunchy cabbage, crisp cucumbers, and colorful bell peppers, all tossed together with savory peanuts for an irresistible flavor experience. Whether enjoyed as a refreshing side or transformed into a hearty main course by adding chicken, this Thai Peanut Salad is sure to impress everyone at your table. Easy to prepare in just 10 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings. Plus, it’s customizable to suit your spice preferences and dietary needs!
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded cabbage
- ½ cup cucumber, peeled and chopped
- ½ cup sliced green onions
- ½ cup red bell pepper (or hot pepper for spice)
- ½ cup salted peanuts
- Optional: 12 ounces diced cooked chicken
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, cucumber, green onions, red bell pepper, and optional chicken.
- In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, olive oil, vinegar, coconut aminos, sugar substitute, garlic, ginger paste, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
