Crunchy Salad with Thai-Inspired Peanut Dressing: A Fresh and Flavorful Recipe
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A vibrant, crunchy salad topped with a creamy Thai-inspired peanut dressing. Fresh ingredients and bold flavors make this dish a must-try!
When I first encountered Thai cuisine, I was captivated by its ability to bring so many bold flavors into perfect harmony. This Thai-inspired salad is my interpretation of that balance, blending crisp, colorful vegetables with the creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy notes of my homemade peanut dressing. It’s fresh, vibrant, and satisfying—a dish that feels as good as it looks.
While creating this salad, I leaned into the principles I picked up during a cooking class in Chiang Mai. The instructor emphasized that great Thai dishes don’t just happen; they’re carefully crafted to balance contrasting flavors and textures. Inspired by that lesson, I combined the crunch of romaine lettuce, cabbage, and peanuts with the sweetness of cherry tomatoes and alfalfa sprouts. Topped with my peanut dressing, it’s a recipe that celebrates Thai flavors while offering something uniquely mine.
The Art of Slicing
When it comes to presentation, I believe in precision. For this salad, I used a mandoline to julienne the carrots and cucumber, creating uniform slices that blend beautifully with the other ingredients. If you don’t have a mandoline, no problem—a sharp knife will do the job just fine. The goal is to achieve a balance of textures and an aesthetic that makes you want to dive right in.
What Makes This Salad Special?
- A Symphony of Textures: Crunchy lettuce, cabbage, and peanuts meet the soft, juicy burst of cherry tomatoes.
- Layers of Flavor: The peanut dressing brings richness, while cilantro and alfalfa sprouts add a fresh, herbal finish.
- Customizable Simplicity: It’s quick to make but leaves room for creativity—add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make it a hearty meal.
Serving Ideas to Complete the Meal
This salad is a star on its own but pairs beautifully with grilled dishes or light soups. Serve it alongside lemongrass chicken skewers, or keep things vegetarian with crispy spring rolls.
A Dish You’ll Want to Share
This Thai-inspired salad with Peanut Dressing is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of vibrant ingredients and bold flavors. Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself, this salad will transport you to the bustling streets of Thailand, where every bite tells a story.
I’d love to see how you make it your own—tag me with #FoodieRoam and let’s share the joy of cooking together!
Ingredients
Servings4 people
For the Salad:
- 3 cups romaine lettuce chopped
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded white cabbage
- 1 medium carrot julienne sliced
- 1 garden cucumber julienne sliced
- ½ red bell pepper julienne sliced
- 1 medium pink onion thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes sliced in half
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro
- ¼ cup roasted peanuts roughly chopped
- ¼ cup alfalfa sprouts
For Dressing
- 1 cup Thai-Inspired Peanut Dressing
What will you need?
- Mandoline
- Chef's Kife
- Large Salad Bowl
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Prep time15 minutes
Cook time10 minutes
Total time25 minutes
Instructions
- Wash and dry all vegetables. Chop romaine lettuce, shred red and white cabbage, and julienne the carrots and cucumber. Slice the bell pepper, pink onion, and cherry tomatoes.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the romaine lettuce, cabbages, carrots, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, cherry tomatoes, and alfalfa sprouts.
- Drizzle the pre-made Thai-Inspired Peanut Dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat the vegetables evenly.
- Sprinkle roasted peanuts and fresh cilantro over the top for added crunch and flavor.
- Serve immediately as a light meal or a side dish. Enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors!
Our notes
Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a heartier version of this salad.
A mandoline makes slicing carrots and cucumber quick and uniform, but a sharp knife works just as well if you prefer.