A vibrant and refreshing noodle salad tossed with crunchy vegetables, herbs, and a zesty peanut dressing. This colorful dish is full of bold flavors and satisfying textures, topped with crushed peanuts for an irresistible crunch. It’s ideal for warm-weather meals, picnics, or as a light but flavorful side dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Thai-Inspired Peanut Noodle Salad delivers a perfect balance of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy flavors in every bite. It’s quick to prepare, requires no complicated cooking techniques, and can easily be made ahead of time. With crisp vegetables, creamy peanut dressing, and tender noodles, it’s a wholesome and versatile meal that works well as a main course or side. Plus, it’s vegetarian and can be easily adapted for various dietary needs.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 5 oz rice noodles
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1/2 cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

For the Peanut Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1–2 tablespoons warm water (to thin)
• 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 small garlic clove, minced

directions

1. Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together all the peanut dressing ingredients until smooth and creamy. Adjust with warm water to reach desired consistency.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, shredded carrots, bell pepper, cucumber, green onions, and cilantro.
4. Pour the peanut dressing over the noodle mixture and toss well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
5. Transfer to a serving bowl and top with chopped peanuts and sesame seeds.
6. Chill for 15–20 minutes before serving, or serve immediately at room temperature.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves approximately 4 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Add Protein: Include grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or edamame for a more substantial meal.
• Spice Level: Add chili flakes or a dash of sriracha for extra heat.
• Vegetable Swaps: Try adding snap peas, red cabbage, or bean sprouts for more crunch.
• Nut-Free Option: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and omit the peanuts.
• Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Avoid freezing, as the vegetables and noodles may lose their texture upon thawing.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad keeps well in the fridge and actually tastes better after the flavors have had time to meld. Just stir before serving.

What kind of noodles should I use?

Thin rice noodles or vermicelli are ideal for this salad. You can also use soba noodles or whole wheat spaghetti as an alternative.

Is the dressing spicy?

The base dressing is mild. You can add chili flakes or a bit of hot sauce if you prefer a spicier version.

Can I serve this warm?

It is traditionally served cold or at room temperature, but it can be served warm right after tossing with the dressing.

How can I keep the noodles from sticking?

Rinse the noodles in cold water after cooking and toss them lightly with a bit of sesame oil before adding to the salad.

What’s a good substitute for lime juice?

Lemon juice can be used in place of lime juice, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Can I make the peanut dressing in advance?

Yes, the dressing can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Stir well before using.

Is this dish vegan?

Yes, if you use maple syrup instead of honey, the dish is completely vegan.

How do I thin the peanut dressing properly?

Use warm water, adding a little at a time until the dressing reaches a pourable consistency.

What can I serve with peanut noodle salad?

It pairs well with grilled meats, dumplings, or a light miso soup for a more complete meal.

Conclusion

Thai-Inspired Peanut Noodle Salad is a quick, nutritious, and flavor-packed dish that brings freshness and crunch to the table. With its creamy peanut dressing and medley of colorful vegetables, it’s a crowd-pleasing option for both casual lunches and elegant dinner spreads. Customizable, portable, and satisfying—this salad is sure to become a staple in your warm-weather meal rotation.

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