Picture this: it's Tuesday evening, you're staring at a bag of mixed greens wondering how to make them actually exciting, and your fridge is looking pretty bare. We've all been there! That's exactly how I discovered this game-changing 5 minute spicy peanut dressing that transforms any ordinary salad into something you'll actually crave.
What started as a desperate attempt to jazz up meal prep became my go-to secret weapon. This creamy, spicy, and perfectly tangy dressing takes just 5 minutes to whisk together and uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. I love making a batch on Sunday afternoons for the entire week ahead - it's the kind of meal prep that actually makes weekday lunches something to look forward to.
The best part? This dressing brings bold Asian-inspired flavors that make you feel like you're treating yourself to takeout, but with ingredients you can pronounce and control. It's perfect for meal prep too - one batch gives you five generous servings that keep beautifully in the fridge all week.
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Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
What I love most about this recipe is how it proves that amazing flavor doesn't require a long ingredient list. You probably have most of these items in your kitchen right now:
- Peanut butter - smooth and natural works best
- Red pepper flakes - start with less if you're heat-sensitive
- Soy sauce - adds that essential umami depth
- Fresh ginger - brings bright, zesty notes
- Garlic - because everything's better with garlic
- Fresh lime juice - brightens the whole mixture
- Rice vinegar or Apple Cider vinegar - balances the richness perfectly
The beauty of this combination is how each ingredient plays its part in creating something much greater than the sum of its parts. Each tablespoon serving packs 3g of protein and 73 calories, making it a smart way to add both flavor and substance to your meals.
See recipe card for exact quantities.
Perfect for Salads and More
This dressing is my secret to making vegetables actually exciting. It transforms simple mixed greens into something crave-worthy, but don't stop there! I love drizzling it over:
- Asian-inspired salads with cabbage, carrots, and herbs
- Grain bowls with quinoa or brown rice
- Roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts
- Noodle salads for a Thai-inspired twist
- Protein bowls with tofu, chicken, or shrimp
For meal prep champions, this dressing is a game-changer. Make a batch on Sunday, and suddenly every lunch becomes something to look forward to.
Your Questions Answered
Store it in an airtight container for up to one week. The dressing may thicken when cold - just whisk in a teaspoon of warm water to thin it back out.
Absolutely! Start with just 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes and taste as you go. You can always add more, but you can't take it back.
White vinegar or apple cider vinegar work perfectly as substitutes. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Yes! All the ingredients are naturally vegan, making it perfect for plant-based eating.
5 Minute Spicy Peanut Dressing
Equipment
- Medium mixing bowl for mixing
- Whisk or fork for blending
- Airtight container for storage
Ingredients
For the Peanut Base:
- 2 tablespoon (45 g) peanut butter - smooth, natural
- 2 teaspoon (4 g) red pepper flakes - adjust to taste
- t teaspoon sriracha
- 1 clove (5 g) garlic - minced
- 1 small piece (5 g) Ginger - minced
- 1 tablespoon (20 g) soy sauce - low sodium preferred
- 1 tablespoon (15 g) rice vinegar - or white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon (15 g) lime juice - about ½ lime
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, add 2 tablespoon peanut butter, 2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, t teaspoon sriracha, 1 clove garlic, 1 small piece Ginger, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon lime juice. Whisk together until smooth and well combined.
- Use immediately or transfer to an airtight container for storage.
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