Crunchy Thai Peanut Salad

Name: Crunchy Thai Peanut Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded cabbage; 1 cup shredded carrots; 1 bell pepper, sliced; 1 cucumber, diced; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro; 1/4 cup green onions, sliced; 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, crushed; 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ginger, minced; Water to thin, as needed

Highlighted under: Seasonal Flavor Journey

This Crunchy Thai Peanut Salad is a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables and a creamy peanut dressing, perfect for a light meal or a side dish.

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2026-01-01T20:50:30.328Z

This salad is a delightful blend of textures and flavors, combining crunchy vegetables with a rich peanut dressing. It's perfect for any occasion!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Fresh, crisp vegetables add a satisfying crunch
Creamy peanut dressing elevates the flavor profile
Quick and easy to prepare for any meal

A Burst of Freshness

This Crunchy Thai Peanut Salad is a celebration of fresh ingredients that not only look beautiful but also deliver a delightful crunch with every bite. The combination of shredded cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and cucumbers creates a colorful medley that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Each ingredient plays a vital role in providing texture and flavor, making this salad a standout dish at any gathering.

Fresh vegetables are not just about flavor; they are also packed with essential nutrients. Cabbage is known for its high vitamin C content, while carrots offer a good dose of beta-carotene. By incorporating a variety of vegetables, this salad ensures you receive a wide range of health benefits, making it a guilt-free addition to your meal.

The Creamy Peanut Dressing

What truly sets this salad apart is the creamy peanut dressing that infuses it with rich, nutty flavors. Made with creamy peanut butter and a blend of savory and sweet ingredients like soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar, this dressing is both simple and indulgent. It enhances the overall taste of the salad, taking it from ordinary to extraordinary with just a few whisked ingredients.

Adjusting the thickness of the dressing is easy; simply add water until it reaches your desired consistency. This versatility allows you to customize the dressing to perfectly suit your taste. Whether you prefer a thicker coating or a lighter drizzle, this dressing can adapt to your preferences, ensuring that your salad is just the way you like it.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This Crunchy Thai Peanut Salad is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. It makes for a delightful light lunch when served on its own or as a side dish at barbecues, picnics, or potlucks. The vibrant colors and fresh flavors make it a crowd-pleaser, sure to impress family and friends alike.

Additionally, this salad is a fantastic option for meal prep. You can prepare all the salad components and store them separately, then mix them together with the dressing just before serving. This way, you can enjoy fresh, crunchy salad portions throughout the week, ensuring that your meals remain exciting and nutritious.

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

2 cups shredded cabbage
1 cup shredded carrots
1 bell pepper, sliced
1 cucumber, diced
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1/4 cup green onions, sliced
1/4 cup roasted peanuts, crushed

Peanut Dressing

1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, minced
Water to thin, as needed

Mix and match your favorite veggies to customize this salad!

Instructions

Prepare the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, cucumber, cilantro, green onions, and roasted peanuts.

Make the Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Add water as needed to achieve desired consistency.

Combine and Serve

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for 30 minutes for enhanced flavor.

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Pro Tips

Feel free to add grilled chicken or tofu for extra protein.

Health Benefits of Ingredients

The ingredients in this salad offer numerous health benefits that contribute to a balanced diet. For instance, cabbage is low in calories but high in fiber, making it an excellent choice for digestive health. Additionally, carrots are known to support eye health thanks to their beta-carotene content, while bell peppers provide a rich source of antioxidants that can help combat inflammation.

Roasted peanuts not only add a delightful crunch but also contribute healthy fats and protein to the mix. This combination of ingredients not only satisfies your taste buds but also nourishes your body, making this salad a wholesome choice for any meal.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, storing this salad properly can help maintain its freshness. It’s best to keep the salad and dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will help retain the crispness of the vegetables, ensuring that each bite remains refreshing.

When it comes to the dressing, it can be stored in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good shake or stir before using, as the ingredients might separate over time. This way, you can enjoy this delightful salad multiple times throughout the week without sacrificing taste or texture.

Customization Ideas

One of the best aspects of this Crunchy Thai Peanut Salad is its adaptability. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins. Adding shredded chicken, tofu, or edamame can turn this salad into a hearty meal, while ingredients like avocado or mango can introduce new flavors and textures.

You can also experiment with different nuts or seeds, such as cashews or sunflower seeds, to add a unique twist. For an extra kick, consider incorporating some sliced jalapeños or a dash of sriracha into the dressing. This recipe is a blank canvas, inviting you to get creative and make it your own!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients and dressing separately and combine them just before serving.

→ What can I substitute for peanut butter?

You can use almond butter or sunflower seed butter if you have nut allergies.

→ Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

→ Can I add protein to this salad?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu would be great additions.