Crunchy Thai Quinoa Salad with Cashew Butter Sauce

Blog by Callie Birtles, RHN in The Clear Skin Solution + Recipe by Paige Fursman, COO of KSW Inc.

If you’re anything like me, finding the time to whip up a nutritious lunch during a hectic workweek can be tough. That’s why I’m excited to share our Crunchy Thai Quinoa Salad that’s not only bursting with flavour, colour, and skin-loving ingredients but is also perfect for those busy weekdays or working at the office.

One key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and keeping your skin clear is meal prepping. It’s all about making smart, delicious choices ahead of time so you can enjoy more stress-free meals throughout the week. 

And this salad? It’s a meal-prep champion.

You can chop the veggies and cook the quinoa on a day off and keep them fresh and crisp in your fridge. Whip up the sweet, tangy dressing and store it separately in a mason jar until you’re ready to use it. When it’s time to head to work, just pack your salad in a portable container, keep your dressing on the side, and mix when ready to eat to keep everything fresh and crunchy.

This Crunchy Thai Quinoa Salad recipe is convenient and ensures you feed your body (and skin) well without the last-minute hassle. Let’s dive into this rainbow-coloured salad’s vibrant flavours and skin-clearing benefits. 

 Red Cabbage: A Shield Against Inflammation

Starting with red cabbage, this colourful ingredient isn’t just a treat for the eyes—it’s packed with a variety of compounds that can significantly boost your skin health:

Anthocyanins

These powerful antioxidants help reduce inflammation. Since chronic inflammation can lead to acne, incorporating anthocyanin-rich foods like red cabbage into your diet can help maintain clear and radiant skin.

Vitamin C

High levels of this essential vitamin promote collagen synthesis, which strengthens the skin’s barriers and can help prevent acne scarring. Vitamin C also aids in the repair of all body tissues, making it a crucial component for skin health.

Sulphur Compounds

Sulphur is another key element found in red cabbage that benefits the skin by supporting detoxification processes. It plays a role in the synthesis of glutathione, one of the body’s most important antioxidants, which helps combat free radicals and can reduce oxidative stress that contributes to acne formation. 

Each of these components works synergistically to enhance the visual appeal of this Crunchy Thai Quinoa Salad and support the structural and defensive systems of your skin, helping to fend off acne and promote a healthier complexion.

Mango: The Tropical Skin Brightener

Mangoes, with their rich, sweet flavour, bring more than just zest to this salad. They’re loaded with vitamins A and C, both of which are essential for skin repair and maintenance. Vitamin A helps by reducing the production of pore-clogging sebum and encouraging cell turnover, which is crucial for fading acne marks and maintaining an even skin tone. Vitamin C, a natural brightener, helps in healing and can reduce the redness associated with acne breakouts.

Carrots for Vision and Vitality

Carrots are celebrated not just for their eye health benefits but also for their rich content of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. Often dubbed nature’s retinol, vitamin A offers numerous benefits for skin health:

Healing and Rejuvenation

Vitamin A promotes the repair and maintenance of the skin, helping to rejuvenate and restore its natural barrier. It’s essential for the healing process, reducing the appearance of scars and blemishes.

Regulating Skin Cell Production

Vitamin A helps manage the overproduction of skin cells in the outer layer, reducing the accumulation of dead cells that can clog pores and lead to acne.

Supporting Hormonal Balance

Vitamin A is crucial in the synthesis of sex hormones and supports healthy thyroid function, both of which are vital for hormonal balance. This is particularly important for women, as hormonal imbalances can exacerbate skin conditions like acne. Additionally, vitamin A supports liver health, enhancing the body’s ability to metabolize and detoxify hormones, further contributing to hormonal equilibrium and clear skin.

The Power of Quinoa

Quinoa, the foundation of Crunchy Thai Quinoa Salad, is not just a modern culinary trend—it’s a complete protein packed with all nine essential amino acids that the body cannot synthesize on its own. These amino acids are vital for the repair and regeneration of skin cells, aiding in maintaining a healthy, vibrant complexion. This makes quinoa an invaluable ally in your skincare regimen, especially for promoting healing and maintaining smooth, clear skin.

In addition to its protein content, quinoa is rich in riboflavin (vitamin B2), which is crucial in maintaining skin elasticity and resilience. This is essential for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Riboflavin also enhances cell function and growth, helping the skin to repair itself efficiently and combat acne-causing impurities and environmental stressors.

This Crunchy Thai Quinoa Salad is your weekday warrior. It makes mealtime effortless and ensures you’re getting a delicious dose of balanced skin-loving nutrients with every bite. Enjoy this delightful rainbow of a meal and relish the glow it brings to your skin! 

Ready to simplify your week while nourishing your skin? Let’s dive in!

Crunchy Thai Quinoa Salad with Cashew Butter Sauce

This Crunchy Thai Quinoa Salad recipe is packed with flavour, easy to prep and ensures you fuel your body (and skin)

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Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 1 cup uncooked quinoa (cooked according to package instructions)
• 1 cup cucumber (chopped)
• 1 cup red cabbage (thinly sliced)
• 1 cup mango (peeled and cubed)
• 1 red pepper (sliced)
• 1 cup carrot (julienned)
• ½ cup parsley (chopped)
• 1 cup raw cashews (can also use turmeric roasted cashews for an extra anti-inflammatory boost and flavour
• ½ cup green onion (diagonally cut)

For the Sauce:

• ½ cup Cashew butter
• ⅓ cup Water
• 1 tbsp Honey
• 1 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp coconut aminos (sub wheat-free tamari)
• 1 clove garlic
• Half lime juiced lime
• 1 thumb fresh ginger

Instructions

• Prepare the Quinoa: Cook the quinoa according to package instructions. Set aside and let cool.
• Chop and Prepare Vegetables: While the quinoa cools, prepare the vegetables as described. Keeping the pieces uniform in size enhances the salad's texture and ensures each bite is flavoured.
• Blend the Dressing: Combine all dressing ingredients in a high-speed blender until smooth. For convenience, store the dressing in a mason jar or portion it into small containers for a quick, grab-and-go option during busy mornings.
• Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl or individual meal prep containers, lay a base of quinoa, top with the prepared vegetables and mango, and sprinkle over the cashews. When ready to eat, drizzle with the dressing to keep everything crisp and fresh.