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Thai Peanut Crunch Salad

Thai Peanut Crunch Salad
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The Thai Peanut Crunch Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish bursting with bold flavors and satisfying crunch. Combining fresh, thinly sliced cabbage, shredded carrots, green onions, and cilantro with a creamy, tangy, and savory peanut dressing, this salad is perfect as a quick lunch, snack, or colorful side. Topped with crunchy roasted peanuts and balanced with zesty lime juice, it delivers the perfect harmony of nutty, sweet, spicy, and fresh in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Herbs

  • 2 cups thinly sliced green or purple cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped

Peanut Dressing

  • ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (or maple syrup/agave for vegan)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 clove garlic, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
  • 2–3 tablespoons warm water (to adjust consistency)

Crunch and Garnish

  • ½ cup roasted peanuts, coarsely chopped
  • Extra cilantro leaves for garnish
  • Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: Thinly slice the cabbage and shred the carrots. Slice the green onions and roughly chop the cilantro leaves. This fresh vegetable base is essential for the salad’s crunchy texture and vibrant flavor.
  2. Make the Peanut Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chili flakes if using. Add warm water gradually until the dressing is smooth and pourable.
  3. Combine Salad Ingredients: Place the prepared vegetables in a large mixing bowl. Pour the peanut dressing over and toss thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated.
  4. Add the Crunch: Just before serving, sprinkle the coarsely chopped roasted peanuts over the salad to retain their crunch and add a rich peanut flavor.
  5. Final Touches: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with more lime juice or soy sauce if desired. Garnish with extra cilantro leaves and a sprinkle of chili flakes for a vibrant presentation.

Notes

  • Use fresh, crisp vegetables for the best taste and texture.
  • Lightly toast the peanuts to enhance their flavor and crunch.
  • Adjust dressing ingredients slowly to balance salty, tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors perfectly.
  • Slice vegetables thinly for easier tossing and eating.
  • Serve immediately to enjoy the salad at its freshest and crunchiest.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thai salad, peanut salad, crunchy salad, healthy salad, gluten-free salad, easy salad recipe, peanut dressing, vibrant salad, quick lunch, side dish

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/thai-peanut-crunch-salad/