Thai Peanut Salad
This Thai peanut salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings together fresh ingredients, crunchy peanuts, and a creamy dressing. Perfect for various occasions, this salad can be served as a refreshing side or transformed into a hearty main dish by adding chicken. Its unique blend of textures and flavors makes it an irresistible choice for picnics, potlucks, or weeknight dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: In just 10 minutes, you can whip up this delicious salad, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of fresh veggies and the rich peanut dressing creates a delightful taste experience that will impress your family and friends.
- Versatile Meal Option: Enjoy it as a light side or elevate it to a full meal by adding protein like chicken—perfect for customizing to your liking.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutrients from fresh vegetables and healthy fats from peanuts, this salad supports your wellness goals while satisfying your cravings.
Tools and Preparation
To make this Thai peanut salad, having the right tools will streamline your process and enhance your cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl: This allows enough space to combine all the ingredients without creating a mess.
- Whisk or fork: Essential for mixing the dressing thoroughly to ensure every bite is flavorful.
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.
Salad Base
- 4 cups cabbage (shredded)
- ½ cup cucumber (peeled and chopped)
- ½ cup green onions (sliced)
- ½ cup salted peanuts
- ½ cup red bell pepper (if you want spice use ¼ cup hot red pepper, diced)
- 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: Combine Salad Ingredients
- In a large bowl add shredded cabbage, chopped cucumber, sliced green onions, salted peanuts, diced red bell pepper, and cooked chicken if using.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
- In a small bowl mix together the dressing ingredients: peanut butter, olive oil, rice vinegar, coconut aminos, sugar substitute, minced garlic, ginger paste, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
Step 3: Mix It All Together
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture.
- Toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Add salt and pepper to taste before serving. Enjoy!
This easy-to-make Thai peanut salad not only bursts with flavor but also offers flexibility in preparation to suit your needs!
How to Serve Thai Peanut Salad
Thai peanut salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want it as a side or a main course, there are plenty of serving options to explore.
As a Side Dish
- Accompany Grilled Meat: This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or shrimp, enhancing the flavors of your meal.
- Serve at Barbecues: It makes an excellent addition to summer barbecues, providing a refreshing crunch alongside rich meats.
As a Main Course
- Add Protein: Toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to turn this salad into a satisfying main dish.
- Wrap it Up: Use the salad as filling for lettuce wraps for a fun and healthy twist.
Meal Prep Option
- Pack for Lunch: This salad keeps well in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep. Just add the dressing before serving to keep it fresh.
How to Perfect Thai Peanut Salad
To create the best Thai peanut salad, consider these handy tips that will elevate your dish.
- Cabbage Choice: Use fresh, crisp cabbage for the best texture. Napa or green cabbage works great!
- Customize Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or radishes for extra color and crunch.
- Balance Flavors: Adjust the sweetness and spice levels of your dressing to suit your taste preferences.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Adding fresh cilantro or mint can brighten up the salad and enhance its flavor profile.
Best Side Dishes for Thai Peanut Salad
Pairing your Thai peanut salad with complementary side dishes can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:
- Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken skewers add protein and pair nicely with the nutty flavors of the salad.
- Vegetable Spring Rolls: These fresh rolls offer a light complement and can be dipped in extra peanut sauce.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A hearty quinoa pilaf adds fiber and makes for a fulfilling meal when served alongside this salad.
- Steamed Dumplings: Lightly steamed dumplings bring another layer of texture and flavor that harmonizes well with Thai cuisine.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes contrasts beautifully with the savory elements of the peanut salad.
- Coconut Rice: This fragrant rice can balance out the spicy notes in the salad, making each bite enjoyable.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a Thai peanut salad can be easy, but there are some common mistakes that can affect the taste and texture of your dish.
- Ingredients: Using low-quality or non-natural peanut butter can alter the flavor. Always opt for all-natural peanut butter for the best results.
- Chopping Veggies: Not chopping vegetables evenly can lead to inconsistent bites. Make sure to cut all veggies into similar sizes for uniformity.
- Dressing Ratio: Adding too much dressing may overpower the salad. Start with a small amount and add more as needed to achieve your preferred taste.
- Skipping Seasoning: Forgetting salt and pepper can dull flavors. Always season to taste after mixing your ingredients.
- Serving Temperature: Serving the salad too cold can mask its flavors. Allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
-
- Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
-
- Containers: Use an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Freezing Thai Peanut Salad
-
- Duration: Freezing is not recommended for this salad due to the texture loss of fresh veggies.
-
- Containers: If you must freeze, use freezer-safe bags, but plan to consume within 1 month.
Reheating Thai Peanut Salad
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm in an oven-safe dish for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 20-30 seconds until warmed through, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Sauté on medium heat for a few minutes until heated, but be careful not to overcook.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making and enjoying Thai peanut salad.
What is Thai Peanut Salad?
Thai peanut salad is a refreshing mix of cabbage, veggies, peanuts, and a creamy peanut dressing. It’s perfect as a side or main dish.
Can I make Thai Peanut Salad vegan?
Yes! Simply omit any chicken and ensure that your peanut butter and other sauces are vegan-friendly.
How do I customize my Thai Peanut Salad?
You can add other veggies like carrots or snap peas, or incorporate proteins like tofu or shrimp for extra flavor and nutrition.
What is the best way to serve Thai Peanut Salad?
This salad is best served chilled but allow it to sit at room temperature briefly before serving to enhance its flavors.
How long does Thai Peanut Salad last?
In the refrigerator, it lasts up to 3 days if stored properly in an airtight container.
Final Thoughts
This Thai peanut salad is not only delicious but also versatile. You can enjoy it as a light meal or add chicken to make it heartier. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or toppings. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy every crunchy bite!
Thai Peanut Salad
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
Description
Experience the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine with this Thai Peanut Salad. This dish combines crisp cabbage, fresh vegetables, and crunchy peanuts, all tossed in a creamy peanut dressing that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Perfect as a refreshing side or a hearty main course when topped with protein like chicken, this salad is quick to prepare and ideal for any occasion—from summer picnics to weeknight dinners. Enjoy the explosion of textures and tastes that will make your taste buds dance!
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded cabbage
- ½ cup peeled and chopped cucumber
- ½ cup sliced green onions
- ½ cup salted peanuts
- ½ cup diced red bell pepper (or ¼ cup hot red pepper for spice)
- Optional: 12 ounces diced cooked chicken
- ⅓ cup all-natural peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons coconut aminos or soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar substitute or regular sugar
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon ginger paste
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded cabbage, cucumber, green onions, peanuts, red bell pepper, and cooked chicken if desired.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, olive oil, rice vinegar, coconut aminos, sugar substitute, garlic, ginger paste, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1.5 cups (200g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
