Go Back
+ servings
Thai Quinoa Crunch Salad

Thai Quinoa Crunch Salad: A Fresh, Flavorful Escape

Enjoy a vibrant Thai Quinoa Crunch Salad that's healthy and quick to make, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Thai
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 cup quinoa Rinse before cooking to remove bitterness.
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 medium red bell pepper Can substitute with yellow or orange peppers for variety.
  • 1 medium cucumber Swap for zucchini if preferred.
  • 1 cup shredded carrots Julienne carrots for a different presentation.
  • 2 medium green onions Chives can be a substitute.
  • 1 handful fresh cilantro If you’re not a fan, parsley works well too.
  • 1/2 cup chopped peanuts Replace with sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds Optional; for richer taste, use toasted sesame seeds.
For the Dressing
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce Choose gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to keep it gluten-free.
  • 1 medium lime juice You can swap it with lemon juice for a different flavor profile.
  • 1 tablespoon honey Use agave syrup for a vegan alternative.
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil Olive oil can be used instead for a lighter touch.
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger Dried ginger may be used in moderation, but fresh is preferable.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic Garlic powder can be an alternative if you're short on fresh garlic.
  • salt Elevates the overall flavor of the salad.
  • pepper Elevates the overall flavor of the salad.

Equipment

  • Medium Saucepan
  • fine-mesh sieve
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • grater or julienne tool

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Thai Quinoa Crunch Salad
  1. Rinse quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh sieve for 2 minutes. Transfer to a medium saucepan, add water, and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes until fluffy. Let cool.
  2. While quinoa cools, dice the red bell pepper and cucumber, shred the carrots, slice the green onions, and chop cilantro.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, lime juice, honey, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  4. In a large bowl, combine cooled quinoa, diced vegetables, chopped peanuts, and sesame seeds. Toss gently until well mixed.
  5. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss again until well coated. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 10gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 600mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 7gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Rinse quinoa properly to eliminate bitterness and allow salad to chill for enhanced flavor.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!