High Protein Thai Quinoa Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish that packs a punch in both flavor and health benefits. This salad is my go-to for busy weekdays when I need something quick, fresh, and satisfying. Not only is it loaded with protein-rich quinoa and edamame, but it also offers a delightful crunch from vegetables and a creamy peanut dressing that takes it to another level. Whether you’re prepping for lunch or whipping up a side for dinner, this salad is versatile enough to suit any occasion.

Why you’ll love this dish

There are plenty of reasons to make High Protein Thai Quinoa Salad your next culinary adventure. First off, it’s incredibly quick to prepare. With a cooking time of around 15 minutes for the quinoa, plus a few minutes for mixing the ingredients, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time. This salad is also budget-friendly, making it perfect for those frugal weeks. Moreover, it’s packed with nutrition; the combination of quinoa, edamame, and fresh vegetables packs a hearty protein punch that keeps you full and satisfied.

A recent reviewer said, “This salad completely transformed my lunch routine! It’s bursting with flavor and keeps well for days—I can prep it over the weekend and enjoy it all week!”

Step-by-step overview

Making High Protein Thai Quinoa Salad is simpler than you might think! We start with cooking the quinoa, which is the base of our dish. While it cools, we whip up a creamy peanut dressing that brings everything together. Finally, we combine the cool quinoa with edamame and colorful veggies before tossing it all in the dressing. It’s a straightforward process that yields a gorgeous, flavorful salad.

Gather these items

To make this nutritious salad, gather the following items:

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup edamame (cooked and shelled)
• 1 cup shredded red cabbage
• 1/2 cup grated carrots
• 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts or cashews (optional)
• 3 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1–2 tablespoons warm water (to thin if needed)

Feel free to swap out ingredients based on availability or preferences—spinach for cabbage, or tahini for peanut butter work well too!