This Thai crunch salad is fresh, colorful, and bursting with bold flavors and texture. With crisp vegetables, herbs, and a creamy peanut-style dressing, it’s a vibrant, chop-style salad that keeps showing up in popular Asian-inspired salad bowls thanks to its crunch, balance, and make-ahead appeal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Loaded with crunch and fresh texture
- Bold Thai-inspired flavors without heaviness
- Perfect for salad bowls and meal prep
- Naturally colorful and visually appealing
- Easy to customize with noodles or protein
Ingredients Overview
This crunchy Asian salad combines shredded cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and herbs for maximum texture. Crunchy toppings like peanuts or almonds add bite, while a tangy peanut dressing ties everything together.
You can turn it into a Thai glass noodle salad or Thai spaghetti salad by adding rice noodles, or keep it light and slaw-style.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the vegetables
Thinly slice cabbage and chop all vegetables evenly for a clean, chopped salad texture.
2. Make the dressing
Whisk peanut butter, lime juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and sesame oil until smooth.
3. Toss the salad
Combine vegetables, herbs, and dressing. Toss gently until everything is well coated.
4. Add crunch
Top with peanuts, sesame seeds, or crispy noodles just before serving.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Keep toppings separate until serving for maximum crunch
- Slice vegetables thinly for a restaurant-style texture
- Balance sweet, salty, and acidic flavors in the dressing
- Chill briefly before serving for better flavor
Variations & Add-Ins
- Crunchy Thai peanut salad: Add extra peanut dressing and roasted peanuts
- Thai slaw: Skip noodles and keep it veggie-forward
- Protein add-ins: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu
- Vegan: Use maple syrup instead of honey
- Vietnamese-style: Add fresh mint, basil, and lime-forward dressing
Storage, Freezing & Reheating Tips
Store Thai chopped salad components separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Do not freeze.
Toss with dressing just before serving for best crunch.
FAQ – Thai Crunch Salad
Is Thai crunch salad served cold?
Yes, it’s best served chilled or at room temperature.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, prep ingredients ahead and mix before serving.
What makes it crunchy?
Fresh vegetables, nuts, and optional crispy noodles.
Is this similar to California Pizza Kitchen Thai salad?
Yes, it’s inspired by that flavor profile with a homemade twist.
Can I add noodles?
Yes, rice noodles or glass noodles work well.
Printable Recipe Card
Thai Crunch Salad
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- ¼ cup roasted peanuts
Dressing
- ¼ cup peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Combine cabbage, carrots, pepper, cilantro, and green onions in a large bowl.
- Whisk all dressing ingredients until smooth.
- Toss salad with dressing until evenly coated.
- Top with peanuts and serve chilled.
Conclusion
This Thai crunch salad is the perfect balance of fresh, crunchy, and bold. Serve it as a main dish, side salad, or vibrant bowl base, and pair it with grilled protein for a complete meal. Save this recipe and come back to it whenever you want something crisp, colorful, and satisfying.