Creamy Thai Peanut Dressing
This luscious Creamy Thai Peanut Dressing is inspired by the beloved recipe from California Pizza Kitchen's Thai Crunch Salad. It’s a delightful blend of creamy peanut butter, tangy rice vinegar, and a hint of sweetness from honey and sugar, making it a versatile dressing perfect for drizzling over salads or bowls. Perfectly complementing a hearty Chinese Chicken Salad, packed with cabbage, romaine, protein, and crunchy vegetables, this dressing elevates any dish with its rich flavors. Quick to prepare, you can easily double the recipe and store any leftovers in the fridge for up to five days, ensuring you always have a delicious dressing on hand.
N/A
Servings
76
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
creamy peanut butter
2 tablespoons (not 'natural')
rice vinegar
1 tablespoon
honey
1 tablespoon
water
1 1/2 teaspoons
soy sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons
sugar
1 tablespoon
kosher salt
3/4 teaspoon
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (scant)
crushed red pepper flakes
1 pinch
canola oil
1 tablespoon
Instructions
1
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, rice vinegar, honey, water, and soy sauce. Whisk together until well blended.
2
Gradually add the sugar, kosher salt, cayenne pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture, stirring thoroughly.
3
Finally, drizzle in the canola oil and whisk continuously until the dressing reaches a smooth and creamy consistency.
4
Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Use immediately over salads or as a dipping sauce, or refrigerate the dressing in an airtight container for up to five days.
5
Before using refrigerated dressing, allow it to come to room temperature and give it a good whisk to restore its creamy texture.
Nutrition Information
5.2g
Fat
6g
Carbs
2g
Protein
172mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Thai Peanut Dressing?
It is a luscious and tangy dressing made with peanut butter, rice vinegar, and honey, perfect for salads and bowls.
What inspired this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the Thai Crunch Salad from California Pizza Kitchen.
Is this recipe easy to prepare?
Yes, it is a quick and simple recipe that only requires whisking ten ingredients together in a bowl.
What type of peanut butter is recommended?
The recipe recommends using creamy peanut butter that is not the natural variety for the best texture.
Can I use natural peanut butter for this dressing?
It is best to avoid natural peanut butter to ensure the smooth and creamy consistency intended for this recipe.
Is the Creamy Thai Peanut Dressing vegan?
It is tagged as vegan, though strict vegans may want to substitute the honey with agave or maple syrup.
Is this recipe considered gluten-free?
Yes, it is tagged as gluten-free, but you should ensure your soy sauce is a certified gluten-free variety like tamari.
How should the dressing be stored?
You should store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How long does the dressing stay fresh in the fridge?
It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days.
How do I use the dressing after it has been refrigerated?
Allow it to come to room temperature and give it a good whisk to restore its creamy texture before serving.
What is the best way to mix the ingredients?
Whisk the peanut butter, vinegar, honey, water, and soy sauce first, then add spices and slowly drizzle in the oil.
Can I use this dressing as a dipping sauce?
Yes, this dressing works excellently as a dipping sauce for various appetizers or fresh vegetables.
What salads pair well with this dressing?
It is ideal for a Chinese Chicken Salad or any salad featuring cabbage, romaine, and crunchy vegetables.
What are the nutritional highlights of this recipe?
Each serving contains 76 calories, 5.2g of fat, and 2g of protein.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 76 calories per serving of this dressing.
What is the fat content per serving?
The dressing contains 5.2 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein does this dressing provide?
Each serving of the dressing provides 2 grams of protein.
What is the sodium content per serving?
There is approximately 172mg of sodium in each serving.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are 10 ingredients in total required to make this dressing.
Can I adjust the spice level of the dressing?
Yes, you can easily adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and crushed red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference.
What gives the dressing its sweetness?
The sweetness comes from a blend of honey and granulated sugar.
What kind of vinegar is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for rice vinegar to provide a light and tangy flavor profile.
What type of oil is best for this dressing?
Canola oil is recommended because of its neutral flavor and its ability to help create a smooth emulsion.
Why is water added to the dressing?
A small amount of water is used to help thin the dressing to the perfect consistency for drizzling over salads.
Does this dressing contain soy?
Yes, soy sauce is one of the primary ingredients used to add savory depth to the dressing.
Can I double the recipe for meal prep?
Absolutely, you can easily double the recipe and keep the extra in the fridge for up to five days.
What type of salt should I use?
The recipe specifies kosher salt for the best flavor enhancement.
Is there any cholesterol in this dressing?
According to the nutritional data, there is no significant cholesterol in this recipe.
How do I achieve a smooth and creamy consistency?
Continuously whisk while slowly drizzling in the canola oil until the dressing is fully emulsified.
What are the key flavor profiles of this dressing?
The dressing features a balance of creamy peanut, tangy vinegar, sweet honey, and a hint of Asian-inspired spice.