If you love the bold flavors of restaurant-style Pad Thai but want a lighter, nutrient-packed alternative, this pad thai salad is for you! Inspired by the traditional dish, this fresh, crunchy, and protein-rich salad delivers all the flavor without the heavy noodles or processed ingredients. Best of all, it comes together in just 25 minutes!
Key Ingredients & Their Benefits – Pad Thai Salad
This pad thai salad is not just delicious—it’s packed with hormone-balancing, metabolism-boosting, and gut-friendly ingredients. Let’s break it down:
- Zucchinni & Carrots – These hydrating, fiber-rich veggies replace traditional noodles while supporting digestion and energy levels. (WebMD)
- Red Cabbage – A powerful source of antioxidants that aid in inflammation control and hormone balance. (ScienceDirect)
- Arugula – A nutrient-dense green with natural detoxifying properties. (Tua Saude)
- Basil – Supports digestion, reduces stress, and adds a burst of freshness.
- Chickpeas, Lentils, or Peas – A great plant-based protein source to keep you feeling full and energized. (MyPlate)
- Toasted Cashews – Rich in healthy fats and magnesium, helping to stabilize mood and support metabolism. (Healthline)
The Magic of the Cashew Dressing – Pad Thai Salad
The creamy cashew dressing ties everything together beautifully. Instead of using processed oils or dairy-based sauces, we’re combining cashew butter, tamari (or coconut aminos), rice vinegar, raw honey, and garlic powder to create a deliciously rich and balanced dressing. The natural sweetness from honey and the umami depth from tamari elevate the flavors without compromising health.
Restaurant Copy Cat – Pad Thai Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Plant Based
Description
This Pad Thai Salad Recipe is quick and easy to assemble, from bowl to your table in 25 minutes!
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 3 zucchini, spiralized
- 2 large carrots, spiralized
- 1 ½ cups thinly sliced red cabbage
- 4 cups arugula
- 1 cup basil leaves, torn
- ½ cup toasted cashews, coarsely chopped
- 2 cups chickpeas, lentils or peas
For the cashew dressing:
- ¼ cup cashew butter
- 2 tablespoons tamari or coconut aminos
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon raw honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 to 4 tablespoons water
Instructions
Salad:
Add all salad ingredients to a large bowl and pour dressing over the top; gently toss until evenly coated.
Dressing:
Whisk all dressing ingredients together, including 2 tablespoons water. Add more water as needed, until the consistency is pourable.
Notes
Tag me at @LoraUlrich if you try this recipe 
Pad Thai Salad – Customization Ideas
Make this dish your own with these simple tweaks:
- Protein Boost – Add grilled tofu, tempeh, shrimp, or chicken for extra protein.
- Spice It Up – Drizzle sriracha or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Extra Crunch – Toss in sesame seeds, almonds, or extra toasted cashews.
How This Pad Thai Salad Recipe Supports Menopause Wellness
This Pad Thai Salad is designed to nourish your body through perimenopause and beyond. Here’s how:
- Balances Hormones: Ingredients like chickpeas, basil, and arugula help support estrogen balance.
- Boosts Metabolism: The protein, healthy fats, and fiber work together to keep blood sugar stable and energy levels high.
- Reduces Inflammation: Antioxidant-rich ingredients like red cabbage ad cashews help reduce inflammation that can lead to joint pain and fatigue.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been looking for a fresh, restaurant-inspired meal that’s packed with flavor, nutrients, and hormone-balancing benefits, this Pad Thai Salad is a must-try!
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FAQs about Pad Thai Salad
Traditional Pad Thai includes rice noodles, tofu or shrimp, eggs, bean sprouts, peanuts, and a tangy-sweet sauce made from tamarind, fish sauce, and lime juice.
The four main types of Thai salads are:
Yum – Spicy and tangy salads with fresh herbs, like Yum Woon Sen (glass noodle salad).
Tam – Salads with pounded ingredients, such as Som Tam (green papaya salad).
Lap (Larb) – Minced meat salads with lime, fish sauce, and herbs.
Phla – Spicy seafood salads, often with lime and lemongrass.
Pad Thai pairs well with fresh Thai salads, miso soup, grilled tofu, edamame, or a side of steamed vegetables.
Som Tam (green papaya salad) is the most famous Thai salad, known for its spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors.
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