Crunchy Thai Peanut Salad (Printable version)

Vibrant, crunchy salad with shredded vegetables and edamame tossed in a creamy, tangy peanut dressing.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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

# How-To Steps:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded green cabbage, purple cabbage, carrots, cooked edamame, sliced bell pepper, scallions, and fresh cilantro.
02 - In a separate bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, maple syrup, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. Gradually add water until the dressing reaches a pourable consistency.
03 - Pour the peanut dressing over the vegetables and toss well to ensure even coating throughout the salad.
04 - Transfer to a serving platter or individual bowls. Top with chopped roasted peanuts, toasted sesame seeds, and additional cilantro if desired.
05 - Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for optional flavor enhancement.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It takes only 20 minutes from start to finish with no cooking required.
  • The peanut dressing is creamy, tangy, and just sweet enough to keep you coming back for more.
  • Every bite delivers a satisfying crunch that makes salad feel exciting instead of boring.
  • It works as a side dish or a light meal on its own.
02 -
  • Add the water to the dressing slowly because peanut butter thickness varies by brand and you don't want it too runny.
  • Toss the salad right before serving to keep the vegetables crunchy and prevent sogginess.
  • If you're making this ahead, store the dressing separately and toss everything together at the last minute.
03 -
  • Toast your sesame seeds in a dry skillet for a few minutes to bring out their nutty flavor before sprinkling them on top.
  • Use a microplane to grate the ginger and garlic for a smoother, more evenly distributed flavor in the dressing.
  • If the dressing seizes up in the fridge, just whisk in a splash of warm water to bring it back to life.
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