Exploits of a Vegan Wannabe

My favorite part about Pad Thai is all of the extras on top. The crushed peanuts the crispy fresh bean sprouts, cilantro and the lemon wedges. I thought it would be fun to cut out the middleman on this dish (noodles) and just go for it. For that I needed some exquisite and inexpensive bean sprouts, so I ventured to a local Asian grocery store. Their sprouts are  the freshest you will find and so, so inexpensive. Walking around this tiny store, drinking in the unfamiliar and beautiful products was so inspiring that the next two posts are a product of that small luxury in the middle of my afternoon.

Pad Thai Salad

By: S. Duquet

Salad Ingredients

4 C Bean Sprouts well rinsed and drained

1 red pepper julienned

Cilantro springs for edible garnish

1/4 C crushed raw peanuts

3-4 lemon wedges

Dressing Ingredients

3 T creamy peanut butter

1/4-1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

1 Tbsp rice wine vinegar

1 Tbsp  brown rice syrup (or agave)

1 tsp water

1/2 tsp liquid aminos

1/2 C packed cilantro (finely chopped unless you are using your processor to blend dressing which will chop it for you)

Make It Happen

*Tip: Do not dress salad until you are ready to serve because the moisture in the sprouts makes it challenging for the dressing to stay on.

~Put all dressing ingredients in a  mini food processor or a mason jar and blend well. Set aside

~Put sprouts and red pepper in large bowl

~Pour dressing (dressing will be thick) over salad and toss to coat

~Arrange salad in bowl and top with lemon wedges, fresh cilantro and crushed peanuts.

This salad is exciting in your mouth and was the perfect meal on a hot summer night. Best of all, it was very inexpensive and amazingly easy to create.

Hurt Wrist Update: Thank you for sending so many kind and healing thoughts.  I have great news, a new specialist believes no surgery is required. I got a second opinion today that included a very painful cortizone shot and  a treatment plan to continue to rest it and wear the removable cast. Without a doubt I have come to believe that being vegan has aided in healing  beyond my understanding and I appreciate that.

Have a delicious day.

Tags: compassionate eating, cooking with herbs, dairy free, going veg, Pad Thai Salad, plant based diet, trying vegan, trying vegetarian, vegan, vegan challenge, vegan entree, vegan experience, vegan pad thai salad, vegan recipe, vegan salad, vegan transition, vegan wannabe, vegetarian transition