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A vibrant Thai Quinoa Crunch Salad in a white bowl, featuring quinoa, red cabbage, shredded carrots, edamame, and fresh herbs.
Layla

Thai Quinoa Crunch Salad

This vibrant and refreshing Thai Quinoa Crunch Salad is packed with protein-rich quinoa, crispy air-fried chickpeas, a medley of crunchy vegetables, and a zesty peanut-lime dressing. It's a healthy, flavorful, and satisfying meal perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: Asian, Thai
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Quinoa
  • 1 cup quinoa rinsed
  • 2 cups water or vegetable broth
For the Crispy Chickpeas
  • 15 oz can chickpeas drained, rinsed, and thoroughly patted dry
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp curry powder
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
For the Vegetables & Herbs
  • 2 cups red cabbage thinly sliced
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 large red bell pepper julienned
  • 1/2 cup shelled edamame cooked (fresh or frozen)
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint chopped
  • 1/4 cup chopped peanuts for garnish
  • 2 tbsp sesame seeds for garnish
For the Peanut-Lime Dressing
  • 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2 tbsp lime juice fresh
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
  • 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1-2 tbsp water to thin, as needed
  • 1/2 tsp sriracha optional, for heat

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Medium saucepan
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife

Method
 

Prepare the Quinoa
  1. Combine rinsed quinoa and water/broth in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and spread on a plate to cool completely.
Make Crispy Chickpeas (Air Fryer)
  1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, toss the drained, rinsed, and thoroughly patted dry chickpeas with olive oil, curry powder, garlic powder, and salt until evenly coated.
  2. Place the seasoned chickpeas in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Set aside to cool.
Prepare the Vegetables
  1. While quinoa and chickpeas are cooking/cooling, prepare all the vegetables and herbs: thinly slice red cabbage, shred carrots, julienne red bell pepper, cook edamame if not pre-cooked, and chop cilantro and mint.
Make the Peanut-Lime Dressing
  1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, lime juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sriracha (if using).
  2. Add 1-2 tablespoons of water, one tablespoon at a time, whisking until the dressing reaches your desired pourable consistency.
Assemble the Thai Quinoa Crunch Salad
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, red cabbage, shredded carrots, red bell pepper, and edamame.
  2. Pour the peanut-lime dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently until everything is well coated.
  3. Fold in the chopped fresh cilantro and mint.
  4. Divide the salad among serving bowls. Top each serving generously with the crispy chickpeas, chopped peanuts, and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Notes

Storage: Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best crunch, add chickpeas and nuts just before serving.
Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like cucumber, green onions, or shredded radish. For extra protein, grilled chicken or tofu would be a great addition.
Nut-Free Option: Substitute sunflower seed butter for peanut butter and omit peanuts, or use toasted seeds (like pumpkin or sunflower) for crunch.