Crunchy Thai Peanut Salad (Print Version)

Vibrant, crunchy salad with shredded vegetables and creamy peanut dressing. Ready in 20 minutes.

# 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

# Cooking Directions:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded green cabbage, purple cabbage, shredded carrots, cooled edamame, sliced bell pepper, sliced scallions, and chopped cilantro.
02 - In a separate bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, maple syrup, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Gradually add water until the dressing reaches a pourable consistency.
03 - Pour the prepared peanut dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
04 - Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual bowls. Top with chopped roasted peanuts, toasted sesame seeds, and additional fresh cilantro as desired.
05 - Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for added brightness and flavor.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It comes together in less time than it takes to order takeout, and tastes just as vibrant.
  • The crunch from the cabbage and the creaminess of the peanut dressing create the perfect contrast in every bite.
  • You can prep the vegetables ahead and toss everything together right before serving.
  • It works as a side dish or a full lunch, and leftovers actually hold up surprisingly well.
02 -
  • If your peanut butter is too thick, the dressing will be impossible to toss evenly, so add water slowly until it flows like heavy cream.
  • Toss the salad right before serving, because the cabbage will start to soften and lose its crunch if it sits in the dressing too long.
  • Taste the dressing before you pour it over the salad, you might want more lime, more sweetness, or a pinch of salt depending on your peanut butter.
03 -
  • Toast your sesame seeds in a dry skillet for a minute or two before sprinkling them on top, it makes them taste richer and more fragrant.
  • If you want the dressing to be spicier, whisk in a bit of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes before tossing.
  • Shred your cabbage as thin as you can manage, the finer it is, the better it absorbs the dressing and the more delicate the texture becomes.
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