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- 1 cup shredded carrots - 1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded - 1 medium bell pepper (red or yellow), julienned - 1 medium cucumber, peeled and diced - 1 cup cooked quinoa (or rice noodles for a delightful twist) - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 8 small lettuce leaves (such as butter lettuce or romaine) - 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup (or honey) - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - Juice of 1 lime - 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, crushed (plus extra for garnish) - Salt and pepper to taste The fresh ingredients make this salad bright and crunchy. You will love the mix of flavors and colors. Shredded carrots add a sweet touch. Red cabbage brings a nice crunch. The bell pepper adds a pop of color and sweetness too. Cucumber keeps things cool and refreshing. Quinoa or rice noodles give it a filling base. Finally, cilantro adds a fresh kick. The dressing is where the magic happens. You need creamy peanut butter, which gives a rich taste. Soy sauce adds saltiness. Pure maple syrup or honey brings sweetness. Sesame oil gives a nutty flavor. Lime juice adds a zesty hit. Crushed roasted peanuts on top add crunch and flavor. Salt and pepper balance everything out. Gather these ingredients, and you are ready to create a colorful, tasty dish. Enjoy the fresh taste in every bite! Begin by preparing your fresh ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine: - 1 cup shredded carrots - 1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded - 1 medium bell pepper, julienned - 1 medium cucumber, peeled and diced - 1 cup cooked quinoa - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped Gently toss these ingredients together. You want them mixed well. This mix adds color and crunch. Next, we will make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together: - Juice of 1 lime - 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup - 1 tablespoon sesame oil Whisk until smooth and creamy. If the dressing is too thick, add a teaspoon of water. Keep adding until it’s just right. Now, pour this dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently to coat every ingredient. Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Take a lettuce leaf, and in the center, spoon a generous mound of the salad mix. To finish, sprinkle crushed roasted peanuts on top for extra crunch. Carefully fold the sides of the lettuce over the filling. This creates a neat cup shape. Serve these salad cups right away for the best taste! To make the dressing just right, you may need to adjust its thickness. If it seems too thick, add water slowly. Start with a teaspoon at a time. Mix well until you reach a smooth texture. The right consistency will help the dressing coat your salad perfectly. For the best salad cups, choose butter or romaine lettuce. Butter lettuce is soft and easy to fold. Romaine holds its shape well and adds a nice crunch. Both types create a great base for your crunchy salad. Make your salad cups look amazing on a platter. Arrange them neatly in rows. For extra flair, sprinkle crushed peanuts and fresh cilantro on top. This not only adds color but also enhances the flavors. Serve lime wedges on the side for an added zing. Your guests will love the vibrant display! {{image_4}} You can easily boost the protein in your Thai Peanut Crunch Salad Cups. Here are some great options: - Grilled Chicken: Cooked and chopped, adds great flavor. - Shrimp: Sautéed or grilled shrimp brings a nice touch. - Tofu: Firm or extra firm tofu works well when cubed and sautéed. Adding these proteins will make your salad more filling and satisfying. Feel free to change up the veggies in your salad for new tastes. Consider these swaps: - Broccoli Slaw: Adds a nice crunch and flavor. - Radishes: Sliced radishes give a fresh, peppery bite. - Snow Peas: Sweet and crisp, they add a delightful texture. Experimenting with different veggies can lead to exciting flavors and textures. Making this salad fit specific diets is simple. Here are some easy swaps: - Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option. - Vegetarian Dressing: Swap maple syrup for agave for a vegan touch. These adjustments ensure everyone can enjoy this fresh delight! After enjoying your Thai Peanut Crunch Salad Cups, you may have some leftovers. Store any leftover salad mix in a sealed container. Keep the dressing separate to avoid sogginess. Place the dressing in a small jar or bowl with a lid. This method helps keep your salad fresh and crisp. If you used quinoa or rice noodles, you might wonder how to reheat them. For quinoa, add a splash of water in a pan. Heat it on low, stirring gently until warm. This keeps it fluffy. For rice noodles, soak them in hot water for a few minutes. This method helps them regain their texture without getting mushy. Your salad can stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. The veggies will still be crunchy, but the dressing should stay separate until serving. If stored properly, enjoy the vibrant flavors for a quick meal or snack later in the week. Yes, you can prepare the salad mixture in advance. Store it in a sealed container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to two days. Wait to fill the lettuce cups until you are ready to serve. This keeps the lettuce crisp. You can also make the dressing ahead. Just keep it in the fridge for up to a week. If you have a peanut allergy, use sunflower seed butter or almond butter. Both provide a similar creamy texture. You can also try tahini, which is made from sesame seeds. This option adds a nutty flavor while being safe for those allergic to peanuts. To make this recipe vegan, use maple syrup instead of honey. Check that your soy sauce is vegan, as some brands may add fish products. All other ingredients are already plant-based. Feel free to add extra veggies or plant-based protein for a more filling meal. This blog post covered a fresh Thai Peanut Crunch Salad with step-by-step guidance. We explored ingredients, making the dressing, and tossing the salad. I shared tips for perfecting your dish and discussed tasty variations. You can mix in proteins or swap veggies to suit your taste. For storage, knowing how to keep leftovers fresh is crucial. Enjoy experimenting with this healthy recipe. Trust me, you’ll impress friends and family with these delicious salad cups!

Thai Peanut Crunch Salad Cups

Enjoy a burst of flavor with these Thai Peanut Crunch Salad Cups! This refreshing recipe combines vibrant veggies, creamy peanut dressing, and crunchy peanuts in delightful lettuce cups. Perfect for a light lunch or a party appetizer, these healthy bites are both satisfying and easy to make. Click through to explore the full recipe and discover how to create this colorful dish that will impress your guests!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup shredded carrots

1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded

1 medium bell pepper (red or yellow), julienned

1 medium cucumber, peeled and diced

1 cup cooked quinoa (or rice noodles for a delightful twist)

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1/4 cup roasted peanuts, crushed (plus extra for garnish)

Juice of 1 lime

2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon pure maple syrup (or honey for a sweeter touch)

1 tablespoon sesame oil

Salt and pepper to taste

8 small lettuce leaves (such as butter lettuce or romaine)

Instructions
 

Begin by preparing your fresh ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded carrots, finely shredded red cabbage, julienned bell pepper, diced cucumber, cooked quinoa (or rice noodles), and chopped cilantro. Gently toss these ingredients together until they are evenly mixed.

    In a separate small bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together the lime juice, creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, maple syrup, and sesame oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If the dressing appears too thick, add a teaspoon of water at a time until you achieve your desired consistency.

      Pour the freshly made dressing over the vibrant vegetable mixture in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together, ensuring every colorful ingredient is well coated with the dressing.

        Taste the salad and season with salt and pepper according to your preference, adjusting for a balanced flavor.

          Take a lettuce leaf, and in the center, spoon a generous mound of the salad mixture.

            To enhance the flavor and texture, sprinkle crushed roasted peanuts on top of each filled salad cup for an added crunch.

              Carefully fold the sides of the lettuce over the filling, creating a neat cup shape, and serve immediately to enjoy the freshest flavors.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Arrange the delightful filled salad cups artfully on a serving platter. For an extra touch, sprinkle additional crushed peanuts and fresh cilantro on top. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an invigorating burst of freshness that guests can add to their salad cups.