Looking for a refreshing and delicious meal? Try this Thai Peanut Noodle Salad! Packed with colorful veggies and drizzled with a creamy peanut dressing, it's a perfect dish for any occasion. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, this salad is sure to impress. Click through to discover the full recipe and enjoy a vibrant mix of rice noodles, bell peppers, and more that will delight your taste buds!
8 oz rice noodles
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup cucumber, julienned
1 cup red cabbage, shredded
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup green onions, sliced
1/2 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
Peanut Dressing:
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon sriracha (adjust based on spice preference)
1-2 tablespoons warm water (to reach desired dressing consistency)
![To make a Thai Peanut Noodle Salad, gather these main ingredients: - 8 oz rice noodles - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced - 1 cup shredded carrots - 1 cup cucumber, julienned - 1 cup red cabbage, shredded - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1/4 cup green onions, sliced - 1/2 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped These fresh vegetables add color and crunch. The rice noodles serve as a base, soaking up all the flavors. For the perfect peanut dressing, you will need: - 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice - 1 teaspoon sriracha (adjust based on spice preference) - 1-2 tablespoons warm water (to reach desired dressing consistency) This dressing blends creamy, salty, sweet, and spicy notes. You can adjust the sriracha to match your taste. Feel free to get creative with these optional toppings: - Additional chopped peanuts - Extra cilantro leaves - Lime wedges for a zesty kick - Sliced avocado for creaminess These toppings enhance the dish's texture and flavor. Each addition makes the salad even more fun and tasty. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe link. To start, boil water in a large pot. Add 8 oz of rice noodles to the pot. Cook them according to the package instructions, which is usually about 6-8 minutes. You want them to be tender but still firm. Once they are cooked, drain the noodles using a colander. Rinse them under cold running water to stop the cooking. This step also helps keep them from sticking. Set the drained noodles aside. Next, grab a medium mixing bowl. In this bowl, add 1/4 cup of creamy peanut butter. Then, pour in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Add 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup for sweetness. Squeeze in 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice. For a kick, add 1 teaspoon of sriracha. Stir well while adding 1-2 tablespoons of warm water to get the right texture. You want it creamy but pourable. Now it's time to mix the salad. In a large serving bowl, add the drained rice noodles. Then, toss in 1 thinly sliced red bell pepper, 1 cup of shredded carrots, 1 cup of julienned cucumber, and 1 cup of shredded red cabbage. Don't forget to add 1/2 cup of chopped fresh cilantro and 1/4 cup of sliced green onions. Gently stir everything together with a large spoon or tongs. Once the salad ingredients are combined, drizzle the peanut dressing over the top. Use tongs or two large forks to mix everything. Toss gently to coat every noodle and vegetable with the dressing. This step is key for great flavor in every bite. For a tasty crunch, sprinkle 1/2 cup of roughly chopped roasted peanuts on top. Taste your salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more soy sauce or lime juice for extra flavor. If you have time, cover the salad and chill it in the fridge for 15-30 minutes. This helps the flavors blend nicely. Enjoy this fresh and flavorful dish, perfect for any meal! For the complete recipe, check [Full Recipe]. To cook rice noodles well, start with boiling water in a large pot. Add the noodles and stir them gently. Follow the package instructions, usually 6-8 minutes. You want them tender but slightly firm. Drain the cooked noodles and rinse them under cold water. This stops the cooking process and keeps them from sticking together. Set them aside in a colander. If you like spice, add more sriracha to the dressing. Start with just one teaspoon for a mild kick. Then taste it. If you want more heat, add a bit more. You can also use fresh chili peppers or chili flakes for extra spice. For a milder dressing, reduce the sriracha or skip it altogether. Always mix well before tasting. Serve the salad in a bright bowl or a large platter. This adds color and makes the dish pop. For a nice touch, garnish with extra cilantro and chopped peanuts. Place lime wedges on the side for a zesty kick. You can also layer the veggies in the bowl for a colorful display. Using different colors of veggies makes the salad look more appealing. For the best flavor, chill the salad for 15-30 minutes before serving, as suggested in the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can add proteins to your Thai peanut noodle salad for more flavor and nutrition. Chicken adds a savory taste. Simply grill or pan-cook it, then slice it thin. Tofu is a great option too. Use firm tofu, press it, and sauté until golden. Shrimp brings a lovely sweetness. Cook them until pink and tender. You can mix and match vegetables based on the season. Try snap peas for a crisp bite. Roasted sweet potatoes add a sweet touch. Broccoli or asparagus can give a nice crunch. You can also use seasonal greens like kale or spinach for freshness. To make this salad gluten-free, replace regular soy sauce with tamari. For a vegan twist, ensure you use maple syrup instead of honey. You can also swap out the peanut butter for almond butter if you prefer. These simple swaps keep the flavors while catering to different diets. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section above. To store your Thai Peanut Noodle Salad, place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. Make sure to separate the dressing if you can. This helps avoid soggy noodles. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to enjoy leftovers, you can serve them cold or warm. If you want to warm it, do so gently in a pan. Add a splash of water to help steam the noodles. Stir well to mix everything. Serve it fresh with extra peanuts and cilantro on top. Most fresh ingredients in this salad have a short shelf life. The rice noodles can last a few months when dry. Once cooked, they last up to three days. Fresh veggies like bell peppers and cucumbers stay good for about five days. Always check for freshness before using them. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. It tastes even better after chilling. Just dress the salad right before serving to keep the noodles fresh. Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain its crunch. You can use almond butter or sunflower seed butter. Both options will give a similar creamy texture. If you are allergic to nuts, sunflower seed butter is a great choice. Yes, you can make a low-carb version by replacing rice noodles with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles. These alternatives cut the carbs while keeping the salad tasty and fresh. You can add proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a heartier dish. Try adding different veggies like snap peas or bell peppers for a twist. Adjust the dressing ingredients to suit your taste. This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or shrimp. You can also serve it with fresh spring rolls or a light soup. These sides complement the flavors beautifully and make for a balanced meal. For the full recipe, check out the details in the earlier sections! Thai Peanut Noodle Salad is a tasty and fun dish to make. We covered all the key parts. You learned about the main ingredients and how to make the peanut dressing. Step-by-step instructions guided you from cooking noodles to garnishing your salad. You discovered tips for perfecting flavors and presentation. We explored tasty variations and discussed storage and reheating. This salad is versatile, delicious, and easy to enjoy. Try making it with your favorite toppings!](https://dailydishcraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/1490b16f-d3e2-4329-9bb7-5f6d7135897c-250x250.webp)