Melt peanut butter in a glass measuring cup for 20 seconds. Add ginger, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, olive oil, and chili flakes.
Stir with a whisk or fork until smooth. Add one teaspoon of olive oil (or water) for a thinner dressing.
Salad:
Add quinoa to a large bowl and mix with half of the prepared dressing.
Add cabbage, red pepper, onion, carrots, cilantro, chickpeas, and grape tomatoes and toss to combine. Add dressing a little at a time until dressed to your liking. I like to use the entire dressing.
Garnish with green onions, peanuts, lime juice, lime wedges, and extra cilantro if desired.
Chill until serving.
Notes
Make Thai salad up to a day ahead to give the flavors a chance to blend.
Thai salad can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Use leftovers in a wrap or lettuce leaves for a portable meal.
Do not freeze Thai quinoa salad as the thawed ingredients won’t be as firm as fresh.