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thai salad with peanut dressing

Chopped Thai Salad with Peanut Dressing

10 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups  green cabbage
  • 2 cups  purple cabbage
  • 1 large  carrot julienned or shredded
  • 1 red  bell pepper
  • 1 cup  sugar snap peas
  • 1/2 cup  fresh cilantro
  • 1/2 cup  fresh mint
  • 1/4 cup  green onions
  • 1/2 cup  roasted peanuts
  • 1/2 cup  edamame

For the Peanut Dressing:

  • 1/4 cup  creamy peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons  soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tablespoon  maple syrup or agave nectar
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon  sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon  fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 clove  garlic
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 2–3 tablespoons  warm water

Method
 

  1. Start by making the dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, maple syrup, lime juice, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Add water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach a pourable consistency. Taste and adjust flavors by adding more lime juice for acidity or maple syrup for sweetness.
  2. Finely chop the green and red cabbage for a light yet crunchy texture. Dice the bell peppers and cucumbers into small, uniform pieces. Shred the carrots using a box grater or a food processor. Thinly slice green onions and chop fresh cilantro.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the chopped cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, cucumbers, edamame, green onions, and cilantro. Sprinkle roasted peanuts, cashews, and toasted sesame seeds over the top.
  4. Drizzle the peanut dressing over the salad. Toss everything together until the dressing coats all the vegetables evenly.
  5. Transfer the salad to a serving bowl. For an extra burst of flavor, garnish with more chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro. Enjoy immediately, or let it sit for 10–15 minutes for the flavors to meld.

Notes

  • Crunchier Texture: If you prefer an even crunchier salad, add chopped roasted cashews or toasted sesame seeds.
  • Spicy Kick: Mix in a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes into the dressing for heat.
  • Nut-Free Alternative: Substitute sunflower seed butter for peanut butter and toasted sunflower seeds for peanuts.
  • More Protein: Add cooked quinoa, chickpeas, or tempeh for extra plant-based protein.