This Thai Crunch Salad is a colorful mix of crunchy veggies, fresh herbs, and nuts, all tossed together to create a refreshing dish. The spicy peanut dressing adds a tasty kick!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cabbage: This recipe uses both green and red cabbage for colors and textures. If you can’t find red cabbage, you could simply double the green cabbage or use napa cabbage for a sweeter flavor.
Peppers: Red bell peppers add sweetness and color. If you prefer less sweetness, you can substitute them with yellow or orange peppers, or even use jicama for a crunchy texture.
Crunchy Ramen Noodles: I love using crunchy ramen noodles to add a fun texture. If you don’t have ramen, crispy chow mein noodles or even toasted nuts can work for that extra crunch!
Peanut Butter: Natural peanut butter is the best for the dressing since it blends well. If allergies are a concern, try sunflower seed butter or almond butter for a different flavor.
How Can I Make Sure My Dressing Has the Right Consistency?
Getting the dressing just right is essential. If it’s too thick, it won’t coat the salad well. Here’s how to adjust it:
- Start with your peanut butter, soy sauce, and other ingredients in a bowl.
- Once mixed, add water one tablespoon at a time, whisking in between each addition until smooth.
- Consistency matters: aim for a pourable dress, thick enough to stick but not clumpy!
Don’t forget to taste and adjust the sriracha for the level of spice you enjoy. A little kick never harms a salad!
How to Make Thai Crunch Salad With Spicy Peanut Dressing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 2 cups red cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 1 cup cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup snap peas or sugar snap peas
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
- 1 cup crunchy ramen noodles, crushed (discard seasoning packet)
- 1/2 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
For the Spicy Peanut Dressing:
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1-2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
- Water as needed to thin the dressing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This lovely salad comes together in about 20 minutes! You’ll spend roughly 10 minutes prepping and chopping the veggies, and another 10 minutes mixing everything together and whipping up the spicy peanut dressing. Perfect for a quick and nutritious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Base:
In a large mixing bowl, start by combining the shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, red bell pepper, and snap peas. Use your hands or a large spoon to toss everything together until it’s well mixed. This colorful mix is the crunchy base of your salad!
2. Add Fresh Herbs:
Next, sprinkle in the chopped cilantro, fresh basil leaves, and sliced green onions. Gently toss again to incorporate these bright green herbs into the salad. They’ll add an amazing flavor and freshness!
3. Make the Spicy Peanut Dressing:
In a separate bowl, it’s time to make your dressing! Whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, lime juice, sesame oil, and sriracha. Mix until everything is smooth and well combined. This dressing is where the magic happens!
4. Adjust the Dressing Consistency:
If your dressing seems too thick to drizzle over the salad, no worries! Add a little water, one tablespoon at a time, until you get a consistency that you love. It should be creamy but pourable.
5. Combine Salad and Dressing:
Pour the spicy peanut dressing over your salad mixture. Toss everything well to make sure every bit of veggie is coated in that delicious dressing. Take a moment to admire how vibrant and tasty it looks!
6. Add Crunchy Toppings:
Just before you serve the salad, sprinkle the crushed ramen noodles and chopped roasted peanuts on top. This adds a wonderful crunch that complements the salad perfectly. Serve immediately and enjoy your fresh, flavorful Thai Crunch Salad!
Can I Substitute Other Vegetables in This Salad?
Absolutely! This salad is very versatile. You can use vegetables like bell peppers, shredded zucchini, or even radishes based on what you have. Just keep the proportions similar to maintain the crunchiness and flavor balance.
How Can I Make This Gluten-Free?
To make this salad gluten-free, substitute the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Additionally, ensure that the ramen noodles you use are gluten-free, or swap them out for a gluten-free crunchy topping like toasted sunflower seeds.
What is the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge. Keep the ramen noodles and peanuts separate until you’re ready to eat, as they’ll stay crunchy longer that way. The salad is best eaten within 2 days for optimal freshness.
Can I Prepare the Dressing in Advance?
Yes, you can make the spicy peanut dressing ahead of time! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. If it thickens while in the fridge, just whisk in a little water to reach your desired consistency before serving.
