This Thai-inspired peanut salad dressing is creamy, zippy, and totally crave-worthy. It’s inspired by bold Asian flavors and made with simple pantry ingredients like creamy peanut butter, rice vinegar, tamari sauce, and honey (or maple syrup). Whether you're tossing it with a Thai crunch salad, using it as a sauce for grilled chicken, or spooning it over a veggie-packed stir fry, this peanut salad dressing hits every mark: tangy, salty, sweet, and just a little spicy.
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The backstory.
I’ve always loved peanut dressing, but I could never find one that hit just right. Some were too thick and gloopy, others too vinegary and sharp. What I really wanted was that perfect balance—something with a creamy consistency that poured easily, not a spoonable paste. The tanginess had to be mellow, just enough to brighten up the rich, salty peanut butter without overpowering it.
After testing batch after batch (and a few spoonfuls straight from the bowl), I finally landed on a version that checks every box: creamy, pourable, and bursting with flavor. Now it’s my go-to for everything from Thai crunch salad to peanut noodles and even grilled chicken. And once you try it, I think it’ll be your new favorite too.
xoxo Kori
The must-make Thai peanut dressing recipe.
This creamy peanut dressing is fabulous, and here’s why:
- It’s quick—ready in under 7 minutes with no cooking required
- Made with everyday ingredients and packed with flavor
- Delicious on everything: salads, noodles, chicken, and more
- It's vegetarian, vegan, and dairy-free as well as gluten-free if you use a gluten-free soy (or substitute)
- A perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and salty—never too thick or overpowering
I was on a mission to make a peanut dressing that’s creamy, tangy, and perfectly pourable—and this one nails it.
Let’s talk texture and flavor.
This peanut dressing recipe is a flavor bomb. The creamy peanut butter gives it that rich, nutty base, balanced beautifully by the brightness of rice vinegar and fresh lime juice. Maple syrup adds a subtle sweetness, while garlic, ginger paste, and red pepper flakes give it warmth and complexity. It’s thick enough to coat crunchy cabbage but smooth enough to drizzle—think of it as an Asian peanut dressing with a flexitarian twist.
What you'll need.
This creamy peanut dressing comes together with a few simple staples—easy to find, easy to love.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: Use a natural variety with no added sugar or oil. A full cup of creamy peanut butter gives this dressing its signature body.
- Rice Vinegar: Milder than white vinegar and ideal for dressings—brightens without overwhelming.
- Tamari Sauce or Coconut Aminos: Adds umami depth; coconut aminos is gluten free and slightly sweeter. Soy sauce may also be used.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: Natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with peanut butter.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Helps emulsify the dressing and adds richness.
- Lime Juice: A squeeze of fresh lime juice balances the creamy peanut flavor with acidity.
- Garlic: Freshly minced or pre-minced both work great.
- Ginger Paste: Warm, slightly spicy flavor; sub fresh grated ginger if needed.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a touch of heat—adjust to your taste.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Season to taste, especially if your soy sauce or peanut butter is unsalted.
If you love the rich, nutty flavor of peanuts, you’re in the right place! From savory to sweet, I’ve created a lineup of peanut-packed recipes you’ll want to bookmark. My Thai-style salad with crunchy cabbage and peanuts is a fan favorite for good reason. I also love tossing together a creamy peanut soba noodle bowl with crispy tofu for an easy weeknight dinner. Craving something sweet? My chocolate chip peanut butter protein bars and crockpot chocolate peanut clusters bring major dessert energy with simple, nourishing ingredients. And if you're feeling bold and have carnivores in your home, don’t miss my peanut butter burger with bacon—it's every bit as indulgent as it sounds (but high protein)!
Customize it your way.
This peanut dressing is easy to customize and fun to play with! Want to mix it up? Try adding:
- Sriracha for extra heat
- Crunchy peanut butter to give it more texture
- Sesame oil can be used for added depth
- More lime juice for a zingier bite
- Chili garlic sauce for bold spice and tang
Flexible dietary swaps.
Here are some healthy alternatives for this creamy peanut dressing:
- Use almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version
- Sub in avocado oil if you want a milder flavor or different fat profile
- Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten free* and more intense soy flavor
How to make Asian peanut salad dressing.
10-minutes, some pantry ingredients, and a blender are all you need!
Blend
Add all the ingredients together and blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust consistency with water.
Adjust
Adjust the seasoning and acidity level. Use or store in an airtight container.
Ways to use it.
This dressing is your new go-to for more than just salad! This is amazing:
- Tossed into a thai crunch salad or any veggie-packed thai salad*
- Drizzled over grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp
- Used as a dipping peanut sauce for spring rolls
- Mixed into a crunch salad or stir fry with red pepper and green onions
- Swirled into warm noodles for an easy, delicious bowl
- Spread on wraps or grain bowls for a creamy flavor boost
Kori's tips.
- Use natural peanut butter for the best texture and flavor
- Add oil slowly while whisking to keep the dressing from separating
- There are flavor differences between tamari, coconut aminos, and soy sauce so you'll need to adjust seasoning somewhat—sometimes their sweeter and even saltier depending on the brand
- If it's too thick add water until you're happy with it
- Make a double batch—this one disappears fast
FAQ's
Keep your Thai peanut salad dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for about 7 days.
You can, but the texture may change. Stir well after thawing. For best results, make it fresh.
No reheating is needed. Let it come to room temp for 20–30 minutes or give it a quick 10-second zap in the microwave if it’s too thick.
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📖 The recipe.
Thai Peanut Salad Dressing
Ingredients
- ¼ cup natural creamy peanut butter at room temperature (use all natural 100% peanut butter)
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or regular vinegar
- 2 tablespoons coconut aminos (tamari, or regular soy sauce can be used but will affect the overall sweetness and salt levels - adjust if needed. See notes below.)
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste or finely minced ginger
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- salt and pepper to taste (I used ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon of pepper)
Instructions
- Mix everthing together in food procressor or blender until smooth. Add water to thin if needed (it depends on the brand of peanut butter).
- Adjust seasonings to taste. Add more lime to increase acidity. Add a little sugar to reduce acidity.
Kori's Tips
- Don't miss all of our helpful hints, substitution ideas, cooking tips, and other delicious recipes that can be found in our post. Check it out!
- NOTES: Different brands of peanut butter have different levels of creaminess and saltiness. Adjust the liquidity by adding water and adding salt to taste. Increase acidity with lime juice to taste. If the sauce is too thick add some water. If refrigerating before using, let it come to room temperature before using. You can knock the chill off and loosen by placing in the microwave for a few seconds.
- VARIATIONS: Add in fresh cilantro and use jalapeno in place of the red pepper flakes. Sesame oil can be used in place of avocado oil to give it extra depth.
- SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Serve on salad, or mix with cabbage or soba noodles. Makes a great dipping sauce for chicken, fried tofu, pork, and steak.
Nutrition
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