Name: Thai Crunch Salad with Spicy Peanut Dressing
Prep time: PT-486232H36M24S
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 4 cups shredded cabbage (green or napa cabbage); 1 large carrot, julienned or shredded; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup sliced cucumber; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro; 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped; 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped (for garnish); 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish); 1/4 cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky); 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free); 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed); 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (for sweetness); 1-2 teaspoons sriracha or chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste); 1-2 teaspoons sesame oil; 1-2 tablespoons water (to thin the dressing as needed)

Description

Thai Crunch Salad with Spicy Peanut Dressing is a vibrant and refreshing dish filled with crisp vegetables, crunchy greens, and a creamy, spicy peanut dressing. Infused with Thai-inspired flavors, this healthy salad is balanced with sweetness, saltiness, tanginess, and a bit of heat. Perfect for meal prep, as a side dish, or a light meal, it’s a delightful combination of textures and bold flavors.

Ingredients

For the salad:

4 cups shredded cabbage (green or napa cabbage)
1 large carrot, julienned or shredded
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1/2 cup sliced cucumber
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped (for garnish)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

For the spicy peanut dressing:

1/4 cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (for sweetness)
1-2 teaspoons sriracha or chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
1-2 teaspoons sesame oil
1–2 tablespoons water (to thin the dressing as needed)

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Instructions

Prepare the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded cabbage, shredded carrot, sliced bell pepper, cucumber, cilantro, and green onions. Toss well to combine.
Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, honey or maple syrup, sriracha, and sesame oil. Add water 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired dressing consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Assemble the salad: Drizzle the spicy peanut dressing over the prepared vegetables and toss everything together until evenly coated.
Garnish and serve: Top the salad with chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, and extra cilantro or green onions. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

Add Protein: To turn this salad into a more filling meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or a hard-boiled egg on top.Add Fruit: Mango or orange slices can add a sweet, tropical flavor to the salad, complementing the spicy peanut dressing beautifully.Add Noodles: Toss in some cooked rice noodles, soba noodles, or glass noodles for added texture.Vegan Option: Use maple syrup instead of honey and check that the soy sauce is vegan or use tamari.Extra Heat: Add fresh chopped chilies or jalapeños to increase the spice level.