Quinoa Salad with Peanut Dressing

This quinoa salad with peanut dressing offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Packed with vibrant red cabbage, crisp snow peas, and sweet carrots, it’s both visually appealing and delicious. The dish is anchored by its unique peanut dressing, which blends roasted peanuts, soy sauce, and a hint of lime for a delightful tang. This salad doesn’t just taste good; it’s nutritious too, providing a great source of protein from quinoa and peanuts. It's perfect for those looking for a hearty yet healthy meal option. Preparing the quinoa according to the package instructions ensures a fluffy texture, while the thinly sliced vegetables add freshness. Drizzling this dish liberally with the homemade peanut dressing ties everything together. Whether served as a main dish or a side, this salad is sure to satisfy. It’s versatile enough to cater to different dietary preferences, making it a hit for any gathering.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

80 g quinoa
80 g red cabbage
70 g snow peas
2 carrots
1 small cucumber
1/4 onion

For the Peanut Dressing:

150 g roasted salted peanuts
140 ml warm water
40 ml olive oil
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 garlic clove
1 tsp freshly grated ginger
Juice of 1/2 lime

Preparation Time

10 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

**Rinse quinoa thoroughly** under cold water. Cook it following the package instructions to ensure it's light and fluffy.
**Prepare the peanut dressing**: In a blender, place roasted peanuts, warm water, olive oil, soy sauce, grated ginger, and lime juice. Blend until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
**Finely slice the red cabbage** into thin strips.
**Slice the onion into thin rounds**.
**Peel and grate the carrots** to add a sweet crunch to your salad.
**Chop the cucumber** into small cubes for a refreshing bite.
**Cut the snow peas** into smaller pieces to distribute them throughout the salad.
In a large bowl, layer the quinoa followed by the prepared vegetables.
**Mix all ingredients well** to evenly distribute the colors and flavors.
**Generously drizzle the prepared peanut dressing** over the salad.
If desired, garnish with additional lime wedges for an extra citrus punch.
**Check the seasoning** by tasting the salad and adjust with more soy sauce if needed.
Give the salad a final toss to ensure the dressing coats all the ingredients.
Transfer the salad to serving bowls or plates.
Serve as a main dish or pair with grilled chicken or fish for added protein.
**Enjoy this nutritious and flavorful salad** as an accompaniment to any meal.
For added texture, sprinkle some sesame seeds or crushed peanuts before serving.
Store any leftover salad and dressing separately in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Shake the dressing well before using again as ingredients may settle over time.
Feel free to adjust ingredient quantities based on personal preference and dietary needs.

Tips

**Use freshly squeezed lime juice** for the best flavor.
Adjust the thickness of the dressing by altering the water quantity.
**Opt for unsalted peanuts** if you prefer controlling the salt level yourself.
Switch out snow peas for sugar snap peas if unavailable.

Nutrition

Calories: Approx. 500 kcal per serving
Protein: 15 g
Fats: 30 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g

Variations

Replace quinoa with bulgur or couscous for a different grain texture.
Add grilled tofu for a vegetarian protein boost.
Use almond butter instead of peanuts for a nutty twist.

Serving Suggestions

The salad pairs wonderfully with a glass of chilled white wine.
Serve alongside a crusty loaf of bread for a complete meal.
Top with avocado slices for an extra creamy addition.

Best Places

The Greenhouse Café - Known for organic quinoa bowls. Location: 123 Green St, London, England.
Salad Masters - Offers a variety of fresh salads daily. Location: 456 Fit Ave, New York City, USA.
Peanut & Pear - Specializes in unique nut-based dressings. Location: 789 Nut Rd, Sydney, Australia.
Fresh & Fabulous - Famous for their creative salad combinations. Location: 101 Delight Ln, San Francisco, USA.
Nutrient Nook - Focuses on health-oriented meals. Location: 202 Vitality St, Toronto, Canada.
Vibrant Bites - Offers a wide range of vegan options. Location: 303 Plant Way, Berlin, Germany.
Crunchy Leaf - Famous for its crisp fresh produce. Location: 404 Crisp Drive, Paris, France.
Veggie Delight - Known for locally sourced ingredients. Location: 505 Harvest Blvd, Melbourne, Australia.
Fit Bowl - Offers customizable salad bowls. Location: 606 Flex St, Dubai, UAE.
Garden's Gift - Features a relaxed outdoor dining space. Location: 707 Blossom Rd, Auckland, New Zealand.