Description
Bright, crunchy, and packed with protein, this Thai Quinoa Crunch Salad blends colorful veggies, fresh herbs, and a tangy sesame-lime dressing. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep!
Ingredients
For the Salad:
1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
2 cups water
1 cup red bell pepper, diced
1 cup cucumber, diced
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup green onions, sliced
½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
½ cup peanuts, chopped
¼ cup sesame seeds
For the Dressing:
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Cook Quinoa – In a medium pot, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Let cool.
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Prepare Veggies – Dice bell pepper and cucumber, shred carrots, slice green onions, and chop cilantro and peanuts.
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Make Dressing – Whisk soy sauce, lime juice, honey, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
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Assemble Salad – In a large bowl, combine cooled quinoa, vegetables, and dressing.
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Add Crunch – Sprinkle in sesame seeds and toss until well coated.
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Serve – Enjoy immediately, or refrigerate for 30 minutes for enhanced flavor.
Notes
For a vegetarian protein boost, add roasted chickpeas or tofu.
Keep dressing separate if making ahead to maintain crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Gluten-Free
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Thai quinoa salad, healthy salad, vegetarian salad, protein-packed salad, meal prep salad, sesame lime dressing, quinoa recipes, summer salads, gluten-free salad