SUPER EXCITING NEWS! We are hosting an #AKSaladChallenge beginning 4/23. More details will be announced this Sunday on the blog, so be sure to check back in!

This Thai quinoa salad recipe was originally posted in 2013, the year I met my now-husband. I don’t want to change this post too much because frankly, I want to keep the written memories here about our first date. It’s so sweet.

What I did change about this recipe was the photography and made some tweaks to the existing recipe so that it was friendly for those of you who are vegan and/or gluten free. Whoo hoo!

For those of you who don’t know, this recipe is one of the most popular recipes on Ambitious Kitchen!

So without further ado, here’s the story about how we first met:

I just got back from vacation in Arizona. I had so many fun nights I can’t even begin to tell you. The food, the margs, riding around in a red convertible, soaking up the sunshine, swimming at night, baseball games, Mexican food, Froyo, plus a trip to Sprinkles cupcakes!

I want to be on vacation for the rest of my life.

Funny enough, I also went on a date during my trip! (The most random things happen to me, I swear.) I met him through a friend and we hit it off. On our date we went to the zoo, ate really good Italian food, and laughed hysterically. I don’t think he reads my blog, so in my opinion it’s perfectly okay to talk about how sweet he was.

FYI: I told him about the life-changing cookies and I think he was sold.

Seriously you guys, I have to stop telling people about the flavor profile of brown butter and those freaking cookies; it’s just too nerdy. Especially on dates.

But but but! What I really need to do is to come to grips with reality and accept that there are no more margs or FroYo in my near future. All I need in my life now is a gorgeous healthy salad.

You in?

I made this salad a few weeks back and can’t wait to try it again! I love that it can easily be vegan and gluten-free, and is incredibly crunch-tastic (not a word, but should be). There’s loads of goodness here: carrots, cabbage, quinoa, cilantro, cashews, red pepper, onion and more. There is definitely an Asian flavor profile to this vegetarian meal and the creamy peanut butter dressing with a hint of ginger is absolutely TO DIE FOR.

I named it Thai Salad, but is it actually that? I’m not sure. In the end, the ingredients all meld together perfectly and somehow the salad just works fantastically — plus it’s filling too! If you want to make this a complete meal or you’re craving more, I suggest adding edamame or chickpeas.

Oh and like pretty much everything else on this blog, I love it from the bottom of my heart. Duh.

So yes, my husband and I met while I was on vacation. A week later, he asked me to send him the life-changing cookies, and now nearly 5 years later, we’re married. Cute story, huh?

Here’s a video on how to make this amazing thai quinoa salad:

If you make this recipe, be sure to leave a comment below and rate the recipe! You can also snap and picture and post it on Instagram using the hashtag #ambitiouskitchen. And of course be sure to follow Ambitious Kitchen on Instagram. xo!

More healthy salad recipes you’ll love:

Fiesta Mango Black Bean Quinoa Salad

Kale, Edamame & Quinoa Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

One Pot Moroccan Chickpea Quinoa Salad

Chopped Thai Chickpea Salad with Curry Peanut Dressing

Roasted Veggie, Chickpea & Pesto Quinoa Salad