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Thai Quinoa Salad

Delicious Thai Quinoa Salad for Vibrant Meal Prep Bliss

This Thai Quinoa Salad is a flavorful, meal prep-friendly dish that combines vibrant ingredients with a creamy peanut lime dressing.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Thai
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 cup uncooked quinoa Cooked according to package directions
  • 1 red pepper, chopped Substitutes: yellow or orange bell peppers
  • 3 Persian cucumbers, chopped Substitute with 1/2 English cucumber or regular cucumbers
  • 1 handful little tomatoes, halved Substitutes: cherry or grape tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons red onion, chopped Substitute with green onions for a milder taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped Substitute: mint for a different flavor
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped Optional, can be omitted
  • 1/3 cup chopped peanuts Substitute for nut-free options: almonds or sunflower seeds
  • Salt & pepper to taste Essential for seasoning
For the Dressing
  • 3 heaping tablespoons peanut butter Substitute: almond or cashew butter
  • 1/2 juice of lime Substitute: lemon juice
  • 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce Substitute: tamari for gluten-free option
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil Substitute with sesame oil for richer flavor
  • 1 clove garlic, minced Substitute: garlic powder for milder taste
  • 1/4 cup water Adjust as needed for desired dressing consistency

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Fine-mesh strainer
  • Food Processor
  • Large mixing bowl
  • spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Rinse 1 cup of uncooked quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water for about 30 seconds. Combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes or until fluffy. Remove from heat and let cool.
  2. Chop your vegetables and herbs while the quinoa cools. Dice 1 red pepper, chop 3 Persian cucumbers, and halve a handful of little tomatoes. Finely chop 2 tablespoons of red onion, 1 tablespoon of fresh basil, and 2 tablespoons of fresh cilantro. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
  3. In a food processor, combine 3 heaping tablespoons of peanut butter, juice of 1/2 lime, 1/2 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and 1 minced clove of garlic. Blend until smooth, gradually adding 1/4 cup of water to reach a creamy consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  4. Once the quinoa has cooled, transfer it to the bowl with the prepared vegetables and herbs. Use a spatula to gently fold in the quinoa, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.
  5. Drizzle the peanut lime dressing over the quinoa mixture. Toss everything together until well-coated. Taste the salad and adjust with extra salt and pepper if desired.
  6. Serve your Thai quinoa salad right away or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Enjoy it cold or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 12gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 300mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 6gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best flavor, use fresh herbs like cilantro or basil. Consider keeping the dressing separate if storing leftovers for more than a day to maintain crunchiness.

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