Crunchy thai-style salad
If you’re looking for a refreshing, crunchy, and flavor-packed salad, this Crunchy Thai-Style Salad is just what you need. Bursting with vibrant vegetables, fresh herbs, and a zesty peanut dressing, this dish is perfect for a light lunch, a side dish, or even a satisfying main course.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
- Healthy and Nutritious: Loaded with fresh veggies, this salad is packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.
- Crunchy and Satisfying: The combination of shredded cabbage, carrots, and crispy toppings makes every bite delightful.
- Bold and Tangy Flavor: The peanut dressing brings in a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, salty, and umami flavors.
- Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy days.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 2 cups red cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup roasted peanuts or cashews, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds (optional)
For the Peanut Dressing:
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1-2 tablespoons warm water (to thin the dressing)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Shred the cabbage, julienne the carrots, and slice the bell pepper and cucumber. Chop the herbs and green onions.
- Make the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Add warm water as needed to achieve a smooth consistency.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, cucumber, cilantro, mint, and green onions.
- Toss with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Add Crunch: Sprinkle the chopped peanuts or cashews and sesame seeds on top.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately for maximum crunch or let it sit for 10-15 minutes for the flavors to meld together.
Customization Ideas
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or edamame for a protein-packed meal.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for heat.
- Extra Sweetness: Toss in some sliced mango or mandarin oranges for a hint of natural sweetness.
- Nut-Free Option: Swap the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter and use pumpkin seeds instead of nuts.
Storage Tips
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate and mix just before serving to maintain the crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Crunchy Thai-Style Salad is a delightful mix of textures and flavors that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing summer dish or a quick and nutritious meal, this salad has got you covered. Try it today and enjoy a taste of Thai-inspired goodness!
Recipes you may like