Crunchy Thai Peanut Salad (Print Version)

Vibrant mix of shredded cabbage, carrots, and edamame coated in tangy peanut dressing.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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 chopped fresh cilantro

→ Peanut Dressing

08 - 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
09 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
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 grated fresh ginger
15 - 1 clove garlic, minced
16 - 2 to 3 tablespoons water, as needed

→ Toppings

17 - 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
18 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds, optional
19 - Lime wedges for serving

# How to Make It:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine green cabbage, purple cabbage, carrots, edamame, bell pepper, scallions, and cilantro.
02 - In a separate bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, maple syrup, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. Add water gradually until the dressing reaches a pourable consistency.
03 - Pour the peanut dressing over the vegetables and toss well to coat evenly.
04 - Transfer to a serving platter or individual bowls. Top with roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, and extra cilantro if desired.
05 - Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It stays crunchy even after you dress it, unlike most salads that go limp in minutes.
  • The peanut dressing is so good you will want to drizzle it on everything else in your fridge.
  • You can prep all the vegetables ahead and toss it together right before serving.
  • It works as a side dish or a full meal depending on how hungry you are.
02 -
  • Do not add the dressing until right before serving or the cabbage will lose its crunch and turn soggy.
  • If the peanut butter is too thick, warm it in the microwave for 10 seconds before whisking so it mixes smoothly.
  • Taste the dressing before you pour it, you might want more lime or a pinch of salt depending on your peanut butter.
03 -
  • Use a mandoline to shred the cabbage and carrots super thin, it makes the salad lighter and the dressing coats everything more evenly.
  • Toast your sesame seeds in a dry pan for two minutes before adding them, it brings out a deeper nutty flavor.
  • If the dressing thickens in the fridge, whisk in a teaspoon of warm water to bring it back to life.
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