Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the bold and refreshing flavors of Thailand! Our Cashew Thai Quinoa Salad recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to spice up their meal prep routine. With its perfect balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, this salad is not only delicious but also nutritious. And the best part? It's incredibly easy to make and can be customized to your liking! So, what are you waiting for? Dive into this recipe and discover the perfect blend of Thai-inspired flavors and wholesome ingredients.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Thai
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup carrots, grated
- 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup cashews, chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitter coating.
- In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- Remove quinoa from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Then fluff with a fork and transfer to a large mixing bowl to cool to room temperature.
- While quinoa is cooling, prepare vegetables: grate carrots, dice red bell peppers, and slice green onions into thin rings.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, lime juice, and sesame oil to create the dressing, ensuring ingredients are well combined.
- Add grated carrots, diced bell peppers, and green onions to the cooled quinoa.
- Pour prepared dressing over the quinoa and vegetable mixture, tossing gently to coat evenly.
- Chop cashews and cilantro, then sprinkle over the salad and fold in gently.
- Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnishing with additional cilantro and cashews if desired.
Tips
- To ensure the fluffiest quinoa, make sure to rinse it thoroughly before cooking and let it rest for 5 minutes after cooking. For an extra crunch, toast the cashews in a dry pan for a few minutes before chopping them. If you want to take this salad to the next level, add some diced chicken or tofu for an extra boost of protein. Finally, don't be afraid to experiment with different vegetables and herbs to make this recipe your own!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 340kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
