Easy To Make Spicy Peanut Salad Dressing || Just Like Thai Restaurants Make

That spicy peanut salad dressing that they put on your starter salads at Thai restaurants is crazy easy to make. AND it’s so darn good!

spicy peanut salad dressing on a salad with a fork

It’s one of those recipes that you make at least 3 times the first week you learn how to do it because you simply can’t get enough.

In my house it’s still served at least a few times a month. If you’ve never made it before, give it a try. I’ll bet it will be served pretty regularly in your house too.

BONUS: Spicy Peanut Salad Dressing Doubles As A Sauce

You can even add an extra 1/3 cup of water to the recipe to turn this amazing dressing into a sauce. All the water does is change the consistency a bit.

It changes it just enough to make it the perfect topping for your favorite rice noodles. And if you’ve never had spicy peanut sauce over rice noodles at a Thai restaurant before, you’re going to be so glad you gave them a try at home. They’re fabulous!

If you have had them … then you already know what I mean! And I’m sure you’ll appreciate having a recipe to make them, any time you like, in your own kitchen.

salad dressing ingredients on a table

Ingredients For Spicy Peanut Salad Dressing

PEANUT BUTTER: The only ingredients you want to be in the peanut butter you use for this dressing are peanuts and salt. It’s okay if the only ingredient is peanuts. The salt is not necessary. But you don’t want to use a peanut butter that contains other ingredients, as it will significantly change the flavor of the dressing.

WATER: Water is used to change the consistency of the sauce so that it is not as thick. I use well water because I live in the country. If you live in an area where the tap water is not very desirable you can use bottled water.

GARLIC POWDER: You can adjust the amount of garlic powder to your liking. I sometimes put more in than the recipe calls for when I’m in the mood for a garlicky dressing. But, for the most part, I make it as it is written.

GROUND GINGER: The same principle that I apply to the garlic powder (see above), I also apply to the ground ginger.

AMINO ACIDS: If you’re familiar with my recipes you know that I prefer amino acids to soy sauce. They are healthier and, in my opinion, just a bit tastier. However, soy sauce works wonderfully in this recipe as well, so if that’s what you have in your kitchen go for it.

HONEY: A good quality honey always makes a difference in any recipe that calls for it. Pick up local honey whenever you can, as it is better for your health than store bought.

RICE WINE VINEGAR: It is best to stick to rice wine vinegar when making this recipe, as it compliments the Asian flavoring very nicely. Other vinegars just don’t work as well.

SESAME OIL: The same principle that applies to the rice wine vinegar (see above), also applies to the sesame oil.

SRIRACHA SAUCE: While the ginger adds a bit of a spicy flair to this dressing, it is the sriracha sauce that really gives it it’s kick. You can increase the amount of sriracha sauce you add if you like your food very spicy. However, it will cover the peanut flavor quite a bit. And that is the main ingredient in the recipe, so you really want to let it shine through.

How To Make This Dressing

This recipe is much like the other dressing, sauce, and marinade recipes I’ve brought to you so far on the blog.

spicy peanut salad dressing on a salad

It’s super simple to make. It takes no time at all. And yet … it’s a really tasty treat, that adds something special to your dinner table every time you make it.

If you can measure out a few ingredients, toss them in a bowl, and mix them together then you can make this spicy peanut salad dressing.

So, I guess that means just about anyone can do it. You can even recruit the kids to help you if you like. They’ll love doing it, and it’ll save you a little time to have it done for you!

How To Store This Dressing

If you have any dressing leftover after you serve it for dinner, you can store it in the refrigerator until your ready to finish it off.

salad and dressing on a plate with a fork

I put the leftover from making it for the blog pics in my refrigerator. But I guess I shouldn’t have bothered because it didn’t even make it through the night. It was gone before morning. It’s just that good!

You should note that once it’s chilled it will become quite thick. So, take it out of the refrigerator about an hour or so before you plan to serve it. Stirring it a bit when you take it out helps to loosen it up as well.

I’d love to hear your thoughts about spicy peanut salad dressing. Have you eaten it before? Do you make it at home? Or is it something that’s completely new to you?

Let’s meet in the comments and chat all about it!

pinnable image for peanut dressing

If you try this recipe and love it, please give it 5 stars! It supports my work more than you may realize, and I appreciate that a great deal!

You can also show your support by tagging me on Facebook @sustainableslowliving and/or Instagram @slowlivingbydianegail when you post a pic of your finished dish.

spicy peanut salad dressing on a salad with a fork
Yield: 12 servings

SPICY PEANUT SALAD DRESSING

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Spicy peanut salad dressing just like the kind they put on your starter salads at Thai restaurants is crazy easy to make. AND it's so darn good!

Ingredients

  • 2/3 c peanut butter (peanuts and salt only)
  • 1/3 c water
  • 4 tbls amino acids (can substitute soy sauce)
  • 1 tbls honey
  • 1 tbls sesame oil
  • 1 tbls rice wine vinegar
  • 1 tbls sriracha sauce
  • 1 1/2 tsp granulated garlic
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger

Instructions

  1. Place all ingredients in a mixing bowl
  2. Mix together well with a fork
  3. Top a simple salad of mixed spring greens, sliced red cabbage, and shredded carrots
  4. Serve

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

12

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 102Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 80mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 3g

This data was provided and calculated by Nutritionix on 8/26/2021. Nutrition information isn't always accurate.

13 Comments

  1. I love peanut salad dressing! I used to ask to add extra sauce to my take-out order. I can’t wait to try this. Thank you for sharing!!!!

  2. I’ve never made home made peanut salad dressing. I made this and it was so addicting. Thanks for sharing.

  3. I have never, gasp, made my own salad dressing. I know, it’s shameful. But this looks and sounds so yummy. I love Thai food, so I’m all about it!

    1. I never made my own until recent years and I’ve got a few years on you so don’t gasp too loud, LOL! Give this one a try. So easy. AND so good 😉

  4. Delicious! I like extra spicy and used hot honey. Mixed the sauce into cold noodles with crunchy vegetables for a wonderful meal.

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