Crunchy Thai Peanut Salad Recipe
A vibrant and crunchy Thai peanut salad featuring a creamy, tangy peanut dressing tossed with fresh romaine, purple cabbage, carrots, and fragrant cilantro. This refreshing salad can be enhanced with plant-based protein like edamame for a nutritious and satisfying meal or side dish.
- Author: Rita
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diet: Vegan
Peanut Dressing
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup water
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 2 ½ teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon agave syrup, brown sugar, or maple syrup
Salad
- 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
- 2 cups shredded purple cabbage
- 2 carrots, grated
- ½ cup chopped cilantro
- Chopped peanuts (optional, for garnish)
- Plant-based protein of choice (optional, e.g., edamame)
- Make the dressing: In a standard bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, water, minced garlic, minced ginger, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and your chosen sweetener until the mixture is smooth and thoroughly combined.
- Prepare the salad base: In a large bowl, combine the shredded romaine lettuce, shredded purple cabbage, grated carrots, and chopped cilantro. Toss these fresh ingredients to mix evenly.
- Toss the salad with dressing: Pour the prepared peanut dressing over the salad mixture and toss well to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Add toppings and serve: Sprinkle chopped peanuts over the salad for added crunch, and add plant-based protein such as edamame if desired. Serve immediately for the freshest texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute the soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option.
- The salad is best eaten fresh to maintain the crunch of the vegetables.
- For added protein, tried and tested options include baked tofu or chickpeas as alternatives to edamame.
- If you prefer a thinner dressing, add more water one teaspoon at a time to reach your desired consistency.
- This salad is naturally vegan and can be prepared ahead if the dressing is kept separate and mixed just before serving.
Keywords: Thai peanut salad, vegan salad, crunchy salad, peanut dressing, plant-based protein, healthy salad, no-cook recipe