Simple Thai Salad Peanut Sauce (Printable)
Crisp cabbage and vegetables meet creamy peanut dressing in this fresh Thai-style salad ready in 15 minutes.
# What You'll Need:
→ Salad Vegetables
01 - 2 cups shredded green cabbage
02 - 1 cup shredded carrots
03 - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
04 - 1 cucumber, julienned
05 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced
06 - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
07 - 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
→ Peanut Sauce
08 - 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
09 - 2 tbsp soy sauce (use gluten-free if needed)
10 - 2 tbsp lime juice (about 1 lime)
11 - 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
12 - 1 tbsp rice vinegar
13 - 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
14 - 1 garlic clove, minced
15 - 1–2 tbsp warm water (to thin, as needed)
16 - 1/2 tsp chili flakes or a dash of sriracha (optional, for heat)
# How-to Steps:
01 - Shred the green cabbage and carrots. Thinly slice the red bell pepper. Julienne the cucumber. Thinly slice the green onions. Roughly chop the roasted peanuts. Place all prepared vegetables in a large salad bowl.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, and chili flakes if using.
03 - Add warm water one tablespoon at a time, whisking continuously until the sauce reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
04 - Drizzle the peanut sauce evenly over the prepared vegetables. Toss gently to coat all ingredients thoroughly with the dressing.
05 - Top the salad with chopped roasted peanuts and fresh cilantro leaves. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
# Expert Pointers:
01 -
- The peanut sauce comes together in minutes but tastes like it simmered for hours
- You can prep all the vegetables ahead and toss it together when hunger strikes
02 -
- The sauce thickens as it sits so add a splash more water right before serving if needed
- This salad tastes better after sitting for 15 minutes as the vegetables slightly marinate
03 -
- Toast your peanuts in a dry pan for 2 minutes before chopping for deeper flavor
- Taste the sauce before adding it sometimes peanut butters are saltier than others