Looking for a vibrant and nutritious dish that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied? Look no further than this Thai Peanut Quinoa Salad! Packed with colorful veggies, protein-rich quinoa, and a creamy, irresistible peanut dressing, this salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a perfect balance of flavors. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a dish that serves four, making it an ideal choice for family meals, potlucks, or meal prep for the week ahead. Dive into this recipe and discover how simple ingredients can come together to create a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Thai
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer under cold running water to remove any bitter coating.
- In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- Remove quinoa from heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Then fluff with a fork and transfer to a large mixing bowl to cool slightly.
- While quinoa is cooling, prepare the vegetables: dice red bell pepper into small, uniform cubes, shred carrots using a grater, and finely chop green onions.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and honey until smooth and well combined to create the dressing.
- Add diced bell pepper, shredded carrots, and chopped green onions to the cooled quinoa.
- Pour the peanut dressing over the quinoa and vegetable mixture, stirring gently to ensure even coating and distribution.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if needed, and garnish with additional chopped peanuts or green onions if desired.
Tips
- Rinse the Quinoa: Don't skip rinsing the quinoa! This crucial step removes its natural coating, called saponin, which can impart a bitter taste. A good rinse will ensure your salad is deliciously flavorful.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to get creative with the vegetables! You can add cucumbers, snap peas, or even edamame for extra crunch and nutrition. The more colorful your salad, the more appealing it will be!
- Make the Dressing Ahead: For an even deeper flavor, prepare the peanut dressing ahead of time and let it sit for a while before mixing it into the salad. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Chill for Best Flavor: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the ingredients absorb the dressing, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
- Garnish for Extra Flair: Before serving, consider adding a sprinkle of chopped peanuts or sliced green onions on top for an appealing finish. Not only does it enhance the presentation, but it also adds an extra crunch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
