Craving a vibrant, flavorful salad that's both healthy and satisfying? Look no further than this Crunchy Thai Salad with a creamy peanut butter dressing! This recipe delivers a delightful explosion of textures and tastes, combining the freshness of crisp vegetables with the satisfying crunch of roasted peanuts and the irresistible tang of a homemade peanut sauce. Forget bland salads – this one is bursting with authentic Thai flavors that will awaken your taste buds. The combination of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy elements creates a truly unforgettable culinary experience, perfect for a light lunch, a refreshing side dish, or a vibrant addition to any meal.
This simple yet impressive salad is surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks. We'll guide you through each step, from preparing the vegetables to crafting the perfect peanut butter dressing. Ready to embark on a culinary journey to Thailand? Let's dive into the detailed, step-by-step instructions!
Tools Needed
- Knife
- Slicer (optional)
Ingredients
- Cucumbers: 2 small or 1 medium
- Red bell pepper: 1 medium
- Red cabbage: fresh part of 1
- Carrots: 2 medium
- Spring onion (white and green parts): 1
- Lettuce (Iceberg): 1 small
- Peanuts: 3 tablespoons
- Peanut butter
- Maple syrup or honey: 1 tablespoon
- Soy sauce: 2 teaspoons
- Lemon juice: 4 tablespoons
- Red chili flakes: a pinch (optional)
- Salt: ½ teaspoon (or to taste)
- Ginger: ½ inch, grated
- Garlic: 1 clove, grated
- Cashew nuts
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Vegetables
- Finely slice two small (or one medium) cucumbers.
- Cut one medium red bell pepper into julienne strips.
- Slice the red cabbage thinly.
- Cut two medium carrots into fine pieces (you can use a slicer or do it by hand).
- Chop the white and green parts of a spring onion.
- Roughly chop a small iceberg lettuce.
- Combine all the vegetables in a bowl.
Step 2. Make the Peanut Butter Dressing
- For the peanut butter dressing, combine 3 tablespoons of peanuts, peanut butter, 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or honey), 2 teaspoons soy sauce, 4 tablespoons lemon juice, a pinch of red chili flakes (optional), ½ teaspoon salt, grated ginger (½ inch), and grated garlic (1 clove).
- Mix the dressing well.
Step 3. Combine Salad and Dressing
- Pour the dressing over the salad and mix well.
Step 4. Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with cashew nuts (or any nuts you prefer).
Read more: Authentic Thai Bean Sprout Salad (Kerabu Tauge) Recipe
Tips
- Adjust the amount of salt to your liking.
- You can prepare the dressing in advance.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 500-600
- Fat: 35-45g
- Carbs: 40-50g
- Protein: 15-20g
FAQs
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
It's best to assemble the salad just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp. The dressing can be made ahead and stored separately.
2. What can I substitute for the peanuts?
Cashews, almonds, or even sunflower seeds can be used as substitutes for peanuts, offering a slightly different flavor profile.
This Crunchy Thai Salad with Peanut Butter Dressing is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a refreshing and flavorful meal or side dish. Its ease of preparation makes it perfect for busy weeknights, while its vibrant flavors will transport your taste buds to Thailand. Enjoy this delicious and healthy salad – you'll be making it again and again!