Name: Crunchy Cashew Thai Quinoa Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: ¾ cup uncooked quinoa; 2 cups shredded red cabbage; 1 red bell pepper, diced; ¼ cup diced red onion; 1 cup shredded carrots; ½ cup chopped cilantro; ¼ cup diced green onions; ½ cup cashew halves or peanuts; Optional: 1 cup edamame or chickpeas; ¼ cup natural peanut butter; 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger; 3 tablespoons gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos; 1 tablespoon agave or pure maple syrup; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; Water to thin, if necessary

Description

Crunchy Cashew Thai Quinoa Salad is a vibrant and wholesome dish that combines protein-packed quinoa with a colorful array of fresh vegetables, all drizzled with a creamy peanut ginger dressing. Perfect for meal prep or as a standout at picnics and gatherings, this salad is easily customizable to suit your taste. Swap in your favorite proteins like chicken or turkey, or keep it plant-based with edamame or chickpeas. Enjoy the delightful crunch of cashews while savoring this satisfying and nutritious meal.

Ingredients

Scale

¾ cup uncooked quinoa
2 cups shredded red cabbage
1 red bell pepper, diced
¼ cup diced red onion
1 cup shredded carrots
½ cup chopped cilantro
¼ cup diced green onions
½ cup cashew halves or peanuts
Optional: 1 cup edamame or chickpeas
¼ cup natural peanut butter
2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
3 tablespoons gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos
1 tablespoon agave or pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Water to thin, if necessary

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, bring 1½ cups of water to a boil. Add quinoa and return to boil. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for about 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let cool.
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine peanut butter and agave; heat for about 20 seconds to soften. Stir in ginger, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil; whisk until smooth. Thin with water if needed.
In a large bowl, mix cooled quinoa with some dressing. Fold in bell pepper, onion, cabbage, carrots, and cilantro.
Top with cashews and green onions before serving. Serve chilled or at room temperature with lime wedges.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Boiling
Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
Calories: 320
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 430mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Fiber: 8g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Rinse the quinoa before cooking to remove bitterness. Customize vegetables based on seasonal availability. Prepare the dressing ahead of time for enhanced flavor.