Savor the vibrant flavors of this Thai Peanut Noodle Salad, perfect for a quick and healthy meal! With fresh veggies, rice noodles, and a creamy peanut dressing, this dish is both delicious and satisfying. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a colorful dish that impresses at any table. Ready to taste the magic?
8 oz rice noodles
1 cup shredded carrots
1 red bell pepper, julienned
1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
1/2 cup red cabbage, shredded
1/4 cup scallions, chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/3 cup unsweetened peanut butter
3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon sriracha (adjust for spice preference)
Crushed peanuts for garnish
Lime wedges for serving
![To create a tasty Thai peanut noodle salad, you need fresh and vibrant ingredients. Here’s what you'll need: - 8 oz rice noodles - 1 cup shredded carrots - 1 red bell pepper, julienned - 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced - 1/2 cup red cabbage, shredded - 1/4 cup scallions, chopped - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1/3 cup unsweetened peanut butter - 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup - 2 tablespoons lime juice - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon sriracha (adjust for spice preference) - Crushed peanuts for garnish - Lime wedges for serving Each ingredient adds flavor, color, and texture to your dish. Rice noodles provide a soft base. Fresh veggies like carrots and bell peppers add crunch. The peanut dressing brings everything together with a rich, nutty taste. You can find the full recipe [here]. Enjoy the process of preparing this salad! It’s simple and healthy, making it a great choice for lunch or dinner. Start by boiling water in a large pot. Use enough water to cover the noodles. Once it boils, add the rice noodles. Cook them for about 6 to 8 minutes, or until they are just tender. Stir them a few times to keep them from sticking. After cooking, drain the noodles. Rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and to cool them down. Set them aside for later. While the noodles cook, chop your vegetables. For carrots, use a grater for thin shreds. Cut the red bell pepper into thin strips, called julienne. Slice the cucumber into thin rounds. Shred the red cabbage using a sharp knife or mandoline. Chop the scallions into small pieces. Finally, roughly chop the cilantro. Place all the chopped vegetables into a large mixing bowl and mix them well. In a separate bowl, make the peanut dressing. Add the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), lime juice, sesame oil, and sriracha. Whisk these ingredients together until they become smooth. If the dressing is too thick, you can add a tablespoon of warm water to thin it out. Taste the dressing and adjust it to your liking. Now it’s time to combine everything. Add the cooled noodles to the bowl of mixed vegetables. Pour the peanut dressing over the top. Gently toss the noodles and vegetables together. Make sure every piece is coated in the dressing. This step is key for great flavor! To serve, divide the salad into bowls. Top with crushed peanuts for a nice crunch. Add lime wedges on the side for extra zest. For a great presentation, serve the salad on a large, shallow platter. Arrange the noodles and vegetables in a circle. Sprinkle with crushed peanuts and fresh cilantro on top for a pop of color. Enjoy your meal warm or cold! For the full recipe, refer back to the earlier section. To make the best Thai peanut noodle salad, cook the rice noodles just right. Follow the package instructions closely. I suggest cooking them until they are al dente, not mushy. When done, drain and rinse the noodles with cold water. This stops the cooking and keeps them firm. Using fresh ingredients is key. Crisp vegetables add great flavor and texture. Choose vibrant carrots, bright bell peppers, and crunchy cucumbers. Freshness makes your salad pop! You can mix things up with the dressing. If you don’t have peanut butter, try almond or sunflower seed butter. Both work well and taste great! Adjust the spice level to fit your taste. Add more sriracha if you like heat. For less spice, use just a dash or skip it. You can also add a bit of ginger for extra flavor. Garnishing is an easy way to make your dish shine. Top the salad with crushed peanuts. This adds a crunchy texture. Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for color. Choose the right serving dish for a nice look. A large, shallow platter works best. Arrange the noodles and veggies in a circular pattern. Place lime wedges around the edge for a bright touch. For the full recipe, check it out [here](Full Recipe). {{image_2}} You can easily turn this dish into a vegetarian delight. Adding tofu or tempeh gives protein and texture. Both options soak up the dressing well. For extra crunch, try adding roasted chickpeas. You can also swap in vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers instead of the usual ones. This keeps the salad fresh and exciting. If you want more protein, chicken or shrimp works great. Cooked chicken adds a savory flavor. Shrimp cooks quickly and brings a sweet taste. For a vegan option, consider edamame or seitan. These choices keep your meal filling and nutritious. For gluten-free eaters, choose rice noodles. They are easy to find and taste great. If you use soy sauce, opt for tamari instead. This keeps your dressing gluten-free too. Many brands offer gluten-free versions, so check labels. These swaps ensure everyone can enjoy this tasty salad. To keep your Thai Peanut Noodle Salad fresh, refrigerate it right away. Place leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors and textures intact. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Recommended storage containers: - Glass containers with lids - BPA-free plastic containers - Mason jars for individual servings If you want to save your salad for later, freezing is a great option. However, keep in mind that fresh veggies may lose some crunch. You can freeze the noodles and the dressing separately for the best results. Freezing options: tips and techniques: - Portion the salad into freezer-safe bags. - Remove as much air as possible before sealing. - Label the bags with the date for easy tracking. Thawing and reheating instructions: - To thaw, place the bag in the fridge overnight. - Reheat the noodles in a pan with a splash of water, stirring gently. - Add fresh veggies after reheating to maintain their crispness. For the best eating experience, enjoy your Thai Peanut Noodle Salad fresh. But these storage tips will help you make the most of your delicious meal! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To make this salad vegan, swap the honey with maple syrup. You will keep the other ingredients the same. The peanut butter, soy sauce, and fresh veggies are all vegan-friendly. This simple swap keeps the salad sweet and tasty. Yes, you can use other noodles! Rice noodles are great, but you can try: - Soba noodles - Udon noodles - Zucchini noodles for a low-carb option These alternatives add different textures and flavors. This salad pairs well with many dishes. Here are some options: - Grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein - Spring rolls for a fun appetizer - A light soup, like miso or vegetable soup These side dishes enhance your meal and make it more filling. The salad lasts about three days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. If you add the dressing, it may get soggy over time. To keep it fresh, store the dressing separately and mix it in before serving. Yes, you can make the dressing ahead of time! Store it in a jar with a lid. It will stay fresh for about one week in the fridge. Just give it a good shake before using it again. This way, you save time when preparing the salad. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide! This blog post covered how to make a tasty Thai Peanut Noodle Salad. You learned about the right ingredients, like rice noodles and fresh veggies. I shared simple steps for cooking and combining everything, plus tips for perfecting your dish. In conclusion, this salad is flexible and easy to customize. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and ingredients that suit your taste. Whether you choose chicken, tofu, or just veggies, you'll create a fun and healthy meal. Get ready to delight your friends and family with this delicious dish!](https://southerndishes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/259d15d7-4f9f-499a-a3cb-ca9041eeb34b-250x250.webp)