Name: Thai Peanut Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-486531H7S
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 4 cups shredded cabbage; ½ cup cucumber, peeled and chopped; ½ cup green onions, sliced; ½ cup salted peanuts; ½ cup red bell pepper (or ¼ cup hot red pepper for spice); Optional: 12 ounces diced cooked chicken; ⅓ cup natural peanut butter; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons coconut aminos; 1 teaspoon granulated sugar substitute; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; ½ teaspoon ginger paste; ¼ to ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes; Salt and pepper to taste

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This Thai peanut salad is a delightful blend of fresh veggies and crunchy peanuts, all brought together with a creamy peanut dressing. Perfect for summer picnics, BBQs, or as a light lunch, this dish is not only simple to prepare but also bursting with flavor. Whether you enjoy it as a side or add chicken for a fulfilling main course, this salad will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavorful and Fresh: The combination of fresh cabbage, crunchy peanuts, and zesty dressing creates a vibrant taste experience.

Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a refreshing side dish or transform it into a hearty meal by adding cooked chicken.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and healthy fats from peanuts, this salad is both nutritious and satisfying.
Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the spice by choosing between red bell peppers or hot red peppers according to your preference.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing the Thai peanut salad requires minimal tools, making it accessible for anyone in the kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Small bowl for dressing

Whisk or fork
Cutting board
Knife

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows ample space to toss all the ingredients without making a mess.
Small bowl for dressing: Keeping the dressing separate until serving ensures that the salad stays crisp.
Whisk or fork: These tools are essential for blending the dressing ingredients smoothly.

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.

For the Salad

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

For the Dressing

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 Veggies

In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, chopped cucumber, sliced green onions, salted peanuts, and diced red bell pepper.
If using chicken, add the diced cooked chicken to the vegetable mixture.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, mix together the peanut butter, olive oil, rice vinegar, coconut aminos, sugar substitute, minced garlic, ginger paste, and red pepper flakes.
Whisk until smooth and fully combined.

Step 3: Combine and Serve

Pour the dressing over the salad mixture in the large bowl.

Toss everything together until well coated.
Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Thai peanut salad!

How to Serve Thai Peanut Salad

Thai peanut salad is versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you serve it as a refreshing side or a hearty main dish, its crunchy texture and rich flavors will delight your palate.

As a Side Dish

Pair with grilled chicken for a light yet satisfying meal.
Serve alongside Asian-inspired BBQ dishes to complement the flavors.

Use as a topping for tacos or wraps for an extra crunch.

As a Main Dish

Add grilled shrimp to enhance the protein content and flavor.
Mix in sliced tofu for a vegetarian option that’s just as filling.

Top with avocado slices for creaminess and additional nutrients.

In Meal Prep

Make ahead of time and store in the fridge for quick lunches.
Portion into containers for easy grab-and-go meals during the week.

Serve with whole grain crackers for added texture.

How to Perfect Thai Peanut Salad

To ensure your Thai peanut salad turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:

Choose fresh ingredients: Use the freshest cabbage, cucumbers, and peppers for maximum crunch and flavor.

Customize the dressing: Adjust the sweetness or spiciness of the dressing according to your taste preferences.
Let it chill: Allow the salad to sit in the refrigerator before serving. This helps meld the flavors together beautifully.
Add protein wisely: If adding chicken or tofu, ensure they are well-seasoned to enhance overall taste.

Mix it well: Toss all ingredients thoroughly so every bite is coated in delicious peanut dressing.

Best Side Dishes for Thai Peanut Salad

Complement your Thai peanut salad with these delightful side dishes that enhance your meal:

Grilled Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn brings a burst of flavor that pairs beautifully with the salad’s crunch.

Edamame Hummus – A creamy dip that adds an extra layer of nutrition and is perfect for scooping with veggies.
Coconut Rice – Fluffy rice infused with coconut milk adds a tropical touch to your meal.
Spring Rolls – Fresh spring rolls filled with veggies are light and refreshing alongside your salad.

Miso Soup – A warm bowl of miso soup acts as a soothing contrast to the coolness of the salad.
Sesame Noodles – Cold sesame noodles provide an excellent balance of flavors, making them a great pairing option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

This section highlights common mistakes when preparing Thai peanut salad, ensuring your dish is always delightful.

Skipping Fresh Ingredients: Using wilted or old vegetables can ruin the flavor. Always choose fresh, crisp produce for the best results.
Overdressing the Salad: Too much dressing can make the salad soggy. Start with a small amount and add more as needed to maintain a perfect balance.
Neglecting Seasoning: Forgetting salt and pepper can dull the flavors. Always season to taste for maximum flavor enhancement.

Choosing Low-Quality Peanut Butter: Cheap peanut butter can alter the taste. Opt for natural, high-quality peanut butter for a rich, nutty flavor.
Not Tossing Properly: Failing to toss the ingredients well can lead to uneven distribution of flavors. Make sure everything is mixed thoroughly before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Keep dressing separate until ready to serve for best freshness.

Freezing Thai Peanut Salad

It is not recommended to freeze this salad as it may compromise texture and taste.
If necessary, freeze only cooked chicken separately.

Reheating Thai Peanut Salad

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat gently in an oven-safe dish for about 10 minutes.
Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds until warmed through, being careful not to overcook.
Stovetop: Warm on low heat while stirring frequently until heated completely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Thai peanut salad.

What ingredients are in Thai Peanut Salad?

Thai peanut salad typically includes shredded cabbage, cucumbers, green onions, peanuts, bell peppers, and a delicious peanut dressing.

Can I make Thai Peanut Salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it a few hours in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve.

How do I customize my Thai Peanut Salad?

Add ingredients like shredded carrots or edamame for extra crunch and nutrition. You can also switch out veggies based on what you have on hand!

Is Thai Peanut Salad healthy?

Absolutely! This salad is packed with nutrients from fresh veggies and healthy fats from peanuts. It’s perfect for a nutritious meal or side dish.

How do I make this salad vegan?

Simply omit the chicken or replace it with tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based protein source.

Final Thoughts

This Thai peanut salad is not only tasty but also incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it as a refreshing side dish or transform it into a hearty meal by adding chicken or other proteins. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or toppings! Try this recipe today and experience its wonderful flavors!