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Thai Quinoa Crunch Salad

Thai Quinoa Crunch Salad: Quick, Colorful, and So Delicious

Enjoy a refreshing Thai Quinoa Crunch Salad that's colorful, gluten-free, and quick to prepare, perfect for weeknights or gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: Thai
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 cup quinoa Rinse before cooking
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 medium red bell pepper Diced
  • 1 medium cucumber Sliced
  • 2 medium carrots Grated
  • 4 stalks green onions Sliced
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro Chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped peanuts Or sunflower seeds for nut-free option
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
For the Dressing
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce Use gluten-free if needed
  • 1 medium lime Juiced
  • 1 tablespoons honey Adjust to taste
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper

Equipment

  • medium saucepan
  • Fine-Mesh Strainer
  • large mixing bowl
  • small bowl
  • whisk
  • spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Rinse quinoa under cold water for 1-2 minutes, then combine with water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
  2. While quinoa cooks, prepare the vegetables: dice red bell pepper, slice cucumber, grate carrots, slice green onions, and chop cilantro. Set aside.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, lime juice, honey, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Let quinoa cool for 10 minutes after cooking. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, vegetables, peanuts, and sesame seeds, folding gently to combine.
  5. Pour dressing over the salad mixture and toss until everything is well-coated.
  6. Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 1.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 500mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Rinse quinoa thoroughly before cooking and allow the salad to chill for optimal flavor. Custom toppings can be used for variation.

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