Name: Thai Crunch Salad
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Thai-Inspired
Ingredients: 3 cups shredded green cabbage; 2 cups shredded red cabbage; 1 cup shredded carrots; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 cup edamame, shelled and cooked; 1/2 cup chopped green onions; 1/2 cup chopped cilantro; 1/2 cup chopped peanuts; 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan); 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger; 1 clove garlic, minced; 2–3 tablespoons warm water (to thin as needed)

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A Thai Crunch Salad is a vibrant, flavorful dish packed with crunchy vegetables, sweet and savory Asian-inspired dressing, and often topped with peanuts or crispy wontons. This salad is a popular choice for a light lunch or side dish that doesn’t skimp on taste or texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Thai Crunch Salad is a celebration of color, flavor, and crunch. The combination of crisp cabbage, shredded carrots, edamame, and bell peppers provides a nutritious base, while the creamy peanut dressing brings it all together with a bold, slightly spicy kick. It’s easy to prepare, customizable with your favorite proteins, and perfect for meal prep or entertaining.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Green cabbage
Red cabbage
Carrots
Red bell pepper
Edamame (shelled)
Green onions
Cilantro
Chopped peanuts
Wonton strips or crispy noodles (optional)

For the peanut dressing:

Peanut butter
Soy sauce
Rice vinegar
Honey or maple syrup
Fresh lime juice
Garlic
Ginger
Sesame oil
Sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional for spice)
Water (to thin as needed)

directions

In a large bowl, combine shredded green and red cabbage, julienned carrots, sliced red bell pepper, edamame, chopped green onions, and cilantro.
In a separate bowl or blender, mix all dressing ingredients until smooth and creamy. Adjust water to reach your desired consistency.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat everything evenly.
Top with chopped peanuts and wonton strips just before serving for maximum crunch.
Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4–6
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 0 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

Add protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or edamame make great additions to bulk up the salad.
Make it vegan: Use maple syrup instead of honey and ensure the wonton strips are egg-free.
Gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free crispy noodles.
Fruit twist: Add mango or pineapple for a sweet and juicy contrast.
Nut-free version: Substitute sunflower seed butter for peanut butter and skip the peanuts.

storage/reheating

Store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The undressed salad will keep for up to 4 days. The peanut dressing can be stored for up to 1 week. Once dressed, it’s best enjoyed within 24 hours to maintain the crunch. This salad does not require reheating and is best served cold.

FAQs

What makes a Thai Crunch Salad “Thai”?

The flavor profile—featuring ingredients like peanut butter, soy sauce, lime, and sometimes chili—mimics classic Thai flavor combinations, though this is more of a fusion dish than a traditional Thai recipe.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, just store the dressing separately and mix it in just before serving to keep the veggies crisp.

What type of cabbage works best?

A mix of green and red cabbage adds color and texture, but you can use just one type if preferred.

Is this salad spicy?

It can be, depending on how much sriracha or chili sauce you add to the dressing. You can easily adjust the spice level.

Can I use pre-shredded vegetables?

Absolutely. Pre-shredded cabbage and carrots save time and work just as well in this salad.

What if I’m allergic to peanuts?

You can use sunflower seed butter or tahini instead of peanut butter, and roasted sunflower seeds in place of chopped peanuts.

What protein goes best with this salad?

Grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp complement the flavors wonderfully.

How long will the peanut dressing last?

It lasts up to a week in the fridge in an airtight container. Give it a stir or shake before using.

Can I freeze this salad?

Freezing is not recommended as the fresh vegetables will lose their texture when thawed.

How do I keep the salad crunchy?

Add the dressing and crunchy toppings like peanuts and wontons right before serving.

Conclusion

Thai Crunch Salad is a perfect mix of fresh, crunchy, and creamy. With its colorful ingredients and irresistible peanut dressing, it’s a dish that’s easy to love and fun to make. Whether you’re preparing it for a weekday lunch, a dinner side, or a potluck, this salad is sure to impress with both flavor and flair.

Thai Crunch Salad