High Protein Thai Quinoa Salad
Introduction
The High Protein Thai Quinoa Salad is a colorful and nutritious dish that packs a punch of flavors and textures. It’s a great way to enjoy a healthy meal, and it’s perfect for lunch or dinner. The combination of fresh vegetables, protein-rich quinoa, and a creamy peanut dressing makes this salad both satisfying and delicious.
Why Make This Recipe
You should make this salad because it is not only easy to prepare but also loaded with essential nutrients. Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids. This salad is also rich in vitamins and minerals from the vegetables, making it a nutritious choice. Plus, it’s a great option for meal prep and can be easily customized to fit your taste.
How to Make High Protein Thai Quinoa Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shelled edamame, cooked
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 2 tablespoons chopped roasted peanuts (optional)
- 3 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1-2 tablespoons water (to thin as needed)
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, red cabbage, shredded carrots, bell pepper, edamame, cilantro, and green onions.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients until smooth and creamy. Add water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Pour the peanut dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Top with chopped peanuts just before serving for added crunch.
- Chill for 15–30 minutes or serve immediately.
How to Serve High Protein Thai Quinoa Salad
You can serve this salad chilled or at room temperature. It can be a main dish or a side dish. To make it more filling, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
How to Store High Protein Thai Quinoa Salad
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-5 days. The flavors may even deepen as it sits!
Tips to Make High Protein Thai Quinoa Salad
- Make sure to rinse the quinoa before cooking to remove any bitterness.
- Feel free to adjust the dressing ingredients to match your taste. If you love peanut butter, add a bit more!
- If you want extra crunch, add more peanuts or some seeds.
Variation
You can easily customize this salad. Substitute the vegetables according to what you have on hand. Some great additions are cucumbers, snap peas, or avocado. You can also swap in different nuts or seeds for variety.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use brown rice instead of quinoa?
A1: Yes, you can use brown rice if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook than quinoa.
Q2: Is this salad vegan?
A2: Yes, this salad is vegan as long as you use maple syrup instead of honey.
Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
A3: Absolutely! This salad is perfect for meal prep. Just make the dressing separately and combine it just before serving for the best texture.
