Thai Peanut Salad

Name: Thai Peanut Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-486760H18M13S
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 4 cups shredded cabbage; ½ cup cucumber, peeled and chopped; ½ cup green onions, sliced; ½ cup red bell pepper (or ¼ cup hot red pepper, diced); ½ cup salted peanuts; Optional: 12 ounces diced cooked chicken; ⅓ cup all-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; red pepper flakes to taste

Published: July 8, 2025

by eva

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This Thai Peanut Salad is a delightful combination of fresh veggies, crunchy peanuts, and a creamy peanut dressing. Perfect for any occasion, this salad can be served as a light side dish or turned into a hearty main course by adding chicken. Its vibrant flavors and textures make it a crowd-pleaser, suitable for picnics, potlucks, or even just a quick healthy lunch at home.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this salad in no time.
Versatile: Whether as a side or main dish, you can customize it by adding proteins like chicken or tofu.
Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables and healthy fats from peanuts, this salad is both filling and good for you.
Delicious Flavors: The combination of peanut butter, garlic, and ginger creates a uniquely tasty dressing that elevates the salad.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This salad keeps well in the fridge, making it ideal for meal prep throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Thai peanut salad preparation seamless, gather your tools ahead of time. Having the right equipment on hand will ensure everything runs smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Small bowl
Whisk or fork
Knife
Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: A large bowl is essential for combining all the ingredients without making a mess.
Small bowl: Perfect for mixing the dressing separately before adding it to the salad.
Whisk or fork: Helps to thoroughly blend the dressing ingredients for a smooth consistency.

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.

Fresh Veggies

4 cups cabbage (shredded)
½ cup cucumber (peeled and chopped)
½ cup green onions (sliced)
½ cup red bell pepper (for spice use ¼ cup hot red pepper, diced)

Crunchy Additions

½ cup salted peanuts
Optional: make it a full meal by adding 12 ounces diced cooked chicken

Peanut Dressing Ingredients

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 add cabbage, cucumber, green onions, peanuts, red bell pepper, and chicken (if using). Toss gently to combine all the vegetables evenly.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl mix together:
1. Peanut butter
2. Olive oil
3. Rice vinegar
4. Coconut aminos
5. Granulated sugar substitute
6. Minced garlic
7. Ginger paste
8. Red pepper flakes

Whisk until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Combine Salad and Dressing

Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture in the large bowl. Toss everything together until all ingredients are nicely coated with dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Transfer your Thai peanut salad to serving bowls. Enjoy it immediately or refrigerate for later!

How to Serve Thai Peanut Salad

Thai peanut salad is not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve it in a variety of ways to suit your meal or occasion. Here are some creative serving suggestions for this refreshing dish.

As a Side Dish

Perfect accompaniment to grilled meats or seafood.
Adds a crunchy texture and vibrant flavor alongside any main course.

In a Wrap

Use large lettuce leaves to create a fresh wrap.
Fill the leaves with the salad for a light, on-the-go meal option.

As a Main Course

Add diced cooked chicken or tofu for protein.
Makes a filling meal that’s both healthy and satisfying.

In a Bowl

Serve over a bed of quinoa or brown rice.
This creates a hearty bowl that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

As Meal Prep

Prepare in advance for easy lunches throughout the week.
Store in airtight containers to keep ingredients fresh.

How to Perfect Thai Peanut Salad

To make your Thai peanut salad even more delightful, consider these tips that will enhance its flavors and freshness.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and herbs. This makes the salad more vibrant and flavorful.
Adjust Dressing Consistency: If your dressing is too thick, add a splash of vinegar or water to reach your desired consistency.
Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Experiment with Nuts: Try adding different nuts like cashews or almonds for varied texture and taste.
Customize Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference; you can always start low and add more if needed.

Best Side Dishes for Thai Peanut Salad

Pairing side dishes with your Thai peanut salad can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider.

Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken grilled to perfection complements the flavors of the salad well.
Spring Rolls: Light and crispy, these rolls filled with veggies offer an exciting texture contrast.
Coconut Rice: The creamy sweetness of coconut rice balances the savory elements of the peanut salad.
Vegetable Tempura: Crispy tempura vegetables add crunch and richness while maintaining freshness.
Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup provides comfort and pairs nicely with cold salads.
Steamed Edamame: Simple yet nutritious, steamed edamame adds protein without overwhelming other flavors.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness enhances the overall palate experience when enjoyed alongside the salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Thai peanut salad can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for.

Using the wrong type of peanut butter: Always opt for all-natural peanut butter to ensure a smooth and rich dressing.
Forgetting to season: A pinch of salt and pepper goes a long way in enhancing flavors. Don’t skip this step!
Overdressing the salad: Use just enough dressing to coat the ingredients lightly. Too much can make it soggy.
Not chopping veggies uniformly: Ensure all veggies are chopped evenly for a balanced bite in every forkful.
Skipping optional ingredients: Adding protein like chicken can turn this side salad into a satisfying main dish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness.

Freezing Thai Peanut Salad

Not recommended due to vegetables becoming mushy upon thawing.
If you must freeze, consider freezing just the cooked chicken portion separately.

Reheating Thai Peanut Salad

Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10 minutes, covered with foil.
Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds, stirring in between.
Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Thai peanut salad.

What is Thai Peanut Salad?

Thai peanut salad is a fresh, crunchy mix of veggies tossed with a creamy peanut dressing. It’s versatile and can be served as a side or main dish.

Can I make Thai Peanut Salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the salad in advance, but keep the dressing separate until serving for best results.

How can I customize my Thai Peanut Salad?

You can add ingredients like shredded carrots, edamame, or even switch up the nuts based on your preferences!

Is this Thai Peanut Salad healthy?

Absolutely! This salad is loaded with veggies and healthy fats from peanuts and olive oil, making it nutritious and satisfying.

Final Thoughts

This Thai peanut salad is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Whether you enjoy it as a light side dish or a hearty meal by adding chicken, it’s sure to please everyone at your table. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins for an even more personalized touch!

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