Thai Quinoa Salad: The Bright, Bold, Batch-Prep Beauty Your Week Needs and Craves

You know those habits that actually move the needle? Those patterns that (when done concistently), actually help to serve you and your highest self? Well, bulk prepping this Thai Quinoa Salad might not change your life but it will make your life feel significantly more manageable and put together. 

It’s bright, herby, zippy, light and somehow still incredibly satisfying. It’s definitely not boring and as the summer months start to approach (yay), this Thai Quinoa Salad is the fridge MVP you didn’t know you needed. It’s not just a salad – it’s a strategy! So, set yourself up for easy, convenient, delicious success this summer and make a big batch today or on your reset day (whatever day that is for you). Do this and you will suddenly see that lunch (and let’s be real, sometimes dinner, too) become non-issues. Add your favorite protein, scoop it into a bowl between calls, or eat it straight from the container standing over the sink (I’ve been there, so no judgment). It’s your low-lift, high-vibe solution to the midweek “what do I eat?” spiral.

Why batch prep big salads like this?

• Consistency without the decision fatigue: No more midweek lunch scramble.
• Built-in variety: Mix and match protein add-ins, change up the herbs, or toss in what’s leftover in your crisper.
• Easy nourishment: This one’s fiber-rich, flavor-forward, and totally adaptable to your week’s needs.

What You’ll Need & Quick Nutrition Highlights

• Quinoa – 8g protein per cup cooked; a complete plant protein and fiber-rich base
• Bone Broth – adds flavor and collagen; sub with veggie broth if preferred
• Grated Carrots – beta-carotene boost + crunch
• Purple Cabbage – antioxidant-rich and gut-friendly
• Green Onions – gentle bite + prebiotic support
• Fresh Mint – digestive support + cooling flavor
• Fresh Basil – anti-inflammatory and aromatherapeutic
• Jalapeño – a little heat to balance the sweet and sour

For the Dressing

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil – heart-healthy fats, helps absorb fat-soluble vitamins
• Fresh Lime Juice – vitamin C + zink
• Tamari – gluten-free umami depth
• Local Honey – a touch of sweetness to balance the heat
• Fish Sauce – classic Thai flavor; omit or sub with coconut aminos if vegetarian

To Top

• Roasted Peanuts – about 7g protein per ¼ cup + satisfying crunch

Optional Add-In Proteins (per 4 oz serving)

• Grilled Chicken Breast – 26g protein
• Seared Steak Strips – 25g protein
• Baked Tofu – 15g plant protein
• Sautéed Shrimp – 23g protein
• Grilled Salmon – 22g protein + omega-3s

Make It Work for You

Serve it chilled for lunch, warm with added protein for dinner, or wrap it up in lettuce leaves for a handheld snack. However you plate it, this Thai Quinoa Salad delivers flavor, flexibility, and that just-clean-enough feeling we all crave from a good weekday meal. Craving more of these protein-forward, nutrient-dense, batch-friendly recipes? Stick around – I’ve got plenty more coming your way.

Thai Quinoa Salad

By: Molly Hentz

• April 24, 2025
• 6
• 30 min
• 363 Cals/Serving
• Print this

Ingredients

• For the Salad
• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
• 1 ½ cup bone broth, for the quinoa
• 2 cups grated carrots, about 4 medium
• 2 cups purple cabbage, thinly sliced
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 cup packed fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
• 
  For the Dressing
• ¼ cup extra virgin olie oil
• ⅓ cup fresh lime juice
• 2 tbsp tamari
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 
  To Top
• ½ cup roasted peanuts, chopped
• 1 organic lime, sliced for garnish
• Fresh basil and mint leaves

Directions

Step 1

Rinse quinoa well. Add to a saucepan with bone broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Fluff and let cool.

Step 2

While quinoa cooks, prep all veggies and herbs.

Step 3

Mix dressing ingredients in a mason jar or small bowl, then whisk or shake until combined. Adjust to taste.

Step 4

In a large mixing bowl, toss cooled quinoa with veggies, herbs, and dressing.

Step 5

Top with chopped peanuts, fresh herbs, and lime wedges before serving.