Crunchy Thai Peanut Salad (Printable Version)

Vibrant bowl of shredded vegetables tossed in a creamy, tangy peanut dressing. Quick, fresh, and satisfying.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 cups shredded green cabbage
02 - 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
03 - 1 cup shredded carrots
04 - 1 cup shelled edamame, cooked and cooled
05 - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
06 - 2 scallions, thinly sliced
07 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

→ Peanut Dressing

08 - 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
09 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
10 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
11 - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
12 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
13 - 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
14 - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
15 - 1 clove garlic, minced
16 - 2 to 3 tablespoons water

→ Toppings

17 - 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
18 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
19 - Lime wedges for serving

# Steps:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded green cabbage, purple cabbage, shredded carrots, cooked edamame, sliced red bell pepper, sliced scallions, and fresh cilantro.
02 - In a separate bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, maple syrup, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Gradually add water until the dressing reaches a pourable consistency.
03 - Pour the prepared peanut dressing over the vegetables and toss thoroughly to coat all components evenly.
04 - Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual bowls. Top with roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, and additional cilantro as desired.
05 - Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for extra freshness.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 20 minutes with no cooking required, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • The creamy peanut dressing clings to every shred of vegetable, delivering flavor in every bite.
  • It holds up well for a couple of hours, making it ideal for picnics or packed lunches.
  • The crunch is addictive, and the colors make it look like you tried way harder than you did.
02 -
  • If your peanut butter is thick or natural, you may need more water to thin the dressing, so add it slowly and taste as you go.
  • Don't skip the fresh ginger and lime juice, they're what make the dressing taste vibrant and alive instead of flat.
  • If you're making this ahead, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving to prevent the cabbage from wilting.
03 -
  • Use a microplane to grate the ginger, it breaks down finer and distributes more evenly in the dressing.
  • If your dressing tastes too thick or intense, whisk in a splash of lime juice and water to loosen and brighten it.
  • Toast your sesame seeds in a dry skillet for a minute or two, it brings out a deeper, nuttier flavor that really elevates the dish.
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