Loaded Thai Quinoa Salad

A simple Thai inspired quinoa salad that is loaded with veggies and plant based protein. This dish can easily be customized to include your favorite veggie combinations.

Begin by cooking 3/4 cup quinoa. I use 1 1/2 cups water and simmer on low until there is hardly any steam escaping.

While the quinoa is cooking, grate the fresh ginger root and mince the garlic.

Remove from quinoa from heat, fluff with a fork and set aside.

While the quinoa is cooling, begin making the dressing by adding the peanut butter and raw honey to a small pot and warm on low heat for a minute or two. Add in the remaining ingredients for the dressing, thinning with water 1 TBL at a time while stirring.

Pour dressing over quinoa and gently mix to combine. Set aside.

Chop your veggies! You can use some of the suggested veggies below, or try your own twist. I do recommend keeping the cilantro for that fresh Thai flavor.

Add your veggies to the dressed quinoa and mix thoroughly.

Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Makes approximately 6 servings.

Grain

3/4 cup uncooked white or mixed quinoa

Thai Peanut Dressing

1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter

1 TBL raw honey

2 TBL tamari

1 1/2 TBL lime juice

1 TBL virgin olive oil

2-3 tsp fresh ginger root, grated

2 cloves fresh garlic, minced

1-3 TBL water to thin.

Veggies - try for approximately 5-6 cups of veggies in total. These are just some ideas to choose from, have fun with your combinations! If you don't have time to think about it, I've highlighted my favorite combo.

2 cups red or green cabbage (or) purple kale, chopped

1 cup fresh sugar snap peas, halved

1 cup edamame

1 red bell pepper, diced

1-2 medium carrots, grated

1/2 cup cilantro, chopped

1/2 cup cucumber, quartered

1/4 cup celery stalk, chopped

1/4 cup green onions, chopped

1/4 cup red onion, chopped

Optional

Add a small amount of fresh Thai chilis for some heat.

Unsalted peanuts make a nice topping, especially if you use smooth peanut butter.

Marinated tofu is a good addition if you would like to increase your protein even more.