The Best Thai Peanut Butter Dressing (dairy-free)

This Thai peanut butter dressing is a total game-changer for your salads, noodle dishes, and as a dipping sauce. It’s dairy-free, bursting with bold flavors, and made with simple ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store.

Whether you’re making a lunch salad or a hearty buddha bowl, this dressing is sure to become one of your favorite recipes.

I love how this dressing brings together the rich creaminess of peanut butter with a zesty kick from fresh lime juice and a bold ginger and garlic flavor. Every spoonful delivers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. It’s the ideal way to elevate a crunchy Thai salad or a plate of rice noodles.

Spotlight on This Thai Peanut Butter Dressing

It’s simple: My favorite part about making this dressing is how quickly it comes together using a food processor or high-speed blender. With only a long list of easy ingredients, you can create a delicious Thai peanut salad dressing that’s versatile enough for any dish.

It’s delicious: The combination of creamy peanut butter, fresh ginger, and garlic creates a robust base that works perfectly with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a dash of sriracha. The result is a smooth, vibrant sauce that’s as good as any restaurant satay sauce.

It’s healthy: With natural sweeteners like maple syrup (or honey) and the power of fresh lime juice, you’re not only enjoying great flavor—you’re also fueling your body with quality ingredients. This dressing is the ultimate go-to for a light lunch, a side dish for stir fry, or even as a topping for peanut noodles.

The dressing is poured over a Thai salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this dressing gluten-free and dairy-free?
Yes, this Thai peanut butter dressing is both gluten-free and dairy-free, making it a versatile option for various dietary needs.

How do I adjust the spice level?
For less heat, remove the sriracha. For an extra kick, additional sriracha.

What can I substitute for rice vinegar?
If you don’t have rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar and white wine vinegar work as a substitute.

Can I make this dressing ahead of time?
Yes! The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight. Just store it in an airtight container, and stir it well before serving the next day. If it is thick, add a little bit of water and give it a stir.

What dishes pair well with this dressing?
This dressing is perfect on salads, rice noodles, buddha bowls, stir fry, or as a dipping sauce for spring rolls.

Should I use maple syrup or honey?
Either works well! Use maple syrup for a vegan option or honey if you’re not strictly vegan—the choice is yours.

What if my dressing is too thick?
Simply add a bit more water until you reach your desired consistency. Gradual adjustments ensure you maintain that ideal creamy texture.

The Ingredients

Creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient that delivers an indulgent peanut flavor and smooth, creamy texture. Make sure your peanut butter is creamy and runny with no sugar added.

Fresh ginger: It provides a zesty warmth that pairs perfectly with the peanut butter and a key ingredient in Thai dressing.

Fresh garlic: Garlic adds depth and a savory punch to the dressing.

Fresh lime juice: This fresh citrus juice brightens the flavor profile with its tangy, citrusy kick.

Soy sauce: This must have Asian condiment really brings out the Thai flavors in this dressing.

Rice vinegar: This vinegar offers a subtle acidity that balances the creaminess of the peanut butter.

Toasted sesame oil: I love this Asian oil that infuses the dressing with a rich, nutty aroma essential for Thai flavors.

Sriracha: This is my favorite type of hot sauce to use because it gives a spicy, bold kick to your peanut sauce; adjust to your heat preference.

Maple syrup or honey: A natural sweetener that brings together the tangy and spicy elements.

Water: This helps achieve that perfect Thai peanut dressing consistency.

The Instructions

Step one: Place all of the ingredients except the water in a small bowl or blender and blend or whisk. Slowly add water while blending until the desired consistency is reached.

The dressing is blended in a blender and is ready to serve.

Storage

Place the dressing in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. It’s natural for separation to occur. Simply give it a good stir before serving. The dressing can also thicken in the fridge. Stir in additional water until it reaches the desired consistency.

Tips + Modifications

For the best Thai peanut sauce results, always use the freshest ingredients. Fresh garlic, ginger, and lime juice make all the difference in achieving that vibrant, bold flavor.

Feel free to experiment with almond butter instead of peanut butter, however, I highly recommend peanut butter.

Feel free to add additional ingredients as desired such as more sweetener or less Sriracha.

Other Clean and Delicious Dressings To Try

Japanese Carrot Ginger Dressing

Creamy Lemon Cashew Dressing

Easy Chive Vinaigrette

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