Discover the incredible flavors of Thai Peanut Noodle Salad packed with colorful veggies and a creamy peanut dressing that will tantalize your taste buds. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for lunch or as a vibrant side dish for dinner. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you'll create a delicious meal that's both satisfying and fun to make. Click through to explore this delightful recipe and impress your family and friends!
8 ounces rice noodles
1 cup shredded carrots
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 cucumber, julienned
2 green onions, chopped
1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded
1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
1/2 cup roasted unsalted peanuts, roughly chopped
For the Peanut Dressing:
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium recommended for less saltiness)
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
1 tablespoon water (plus more as needed for desired consistency)
Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick
. To start, boil a large pot of water. Once the water is bubbling, add the rice noodles. Cook them as the package says, usually 4 to 6 minutes. After they are soft, drain them in a colander. Rinse the noodles under cold water. This stops the cooking and keeps them from sticking together. Set them aside while you work on the next steps. Now, grab a mixing bowl. Add the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey or maple syrup, sesame oil, and fresh ginger to it. Use a whisk to mix everything until it is smooth. If the dressing feels too thick, add water. Do this one tablespoon at a time until it reaches the thickness you like. If you want some heat, sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled noodles with the fresh veggies. Add the shredded carrots, thinly sliced red bell pepper, julienned cucumber, chopped green onions, finely shredded red cabbage, and chopped cilantro. Drizzle the peanut dressing over this mixture. Use clean hands or tongs to toss everything gently. Make sure all the ingredients are coated in the tasty dressing. Finally, sprinkle the roughly chopped roasted peanuts on top of the salad. Give it one last gentle toss. This helps keep the peanuts crunchy while mixing them in. If you can, let the salad chill in the fridge for 15 minutes. This helps the flavors blend well. You can serve it cold or at room temperature, depending on what you like. How to prevent noodles from sticking To keep your rice noodles from sticking, rinse them well after cooking. Use cold water to stop the cooking. This also cools them down. If you let them sit too long, they can clump. Toss with a little oil if needed. Adjusting dressing for personal taste Feel free to tweak the peanut dressing. If you like it sweeter, add more honey or maple syrup. For a tangy kick, add extra lime juice. Taste as you go to find your favorite balance. Serving ideas for visual appeal Serve the salad in a large, shallow bowl. This shows off the colorful veggies. You can also use clear glass bowls for a fun look. Layering the ingredients can create a striking effect. Garnishing tips with herbs and peanuts Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a bright touch. A sprinkle of whole roasted peanuts adds color and crunch. You can even add lime wedges on the side for extra zing. Suggesting marinating time for improved taste Letting the salad sit for at least 15 minutes enhances the flavors. The noodles soak up the dressing. If you have time, chill it longer for an even better taste. Adding spice for those who like heat If you love heat, add red pepper flakes to your dressing. Start with a pinch and adjust to your favorite level. You can also add sliced fresh chili peppers to the salad for extra spice. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions. {{image_4}} You can easily add protein to Thai Peanut Noodle Salad. Grilled chicken is a great choice. It brings flavor and heartiness. Simply slice it thin and toss it in. Tofu is another option. It soaks up the dressing well. Just pan-fry or bake it for a nice texture. If you prefer seafood, shrimp is perfect. It cooks quickly and adds a light touch. Just sauté the shrimp in a little oil until pink. Then mix it into the salad for that ocean taste. Feel free to switch up the veggies in your salad. Seasonal vegetables work best. Try adding snap peas for crunch. They give a nice pop to every bite. Broccoli or bell peppers can also add color. Leafy greens are a great addition too. Consider spinach or arugula for a fresh twist. They pair well with the peanut dressing. Just chop them up and toss them in with the other veggies. If you need a vegan option, it’s simple. Use maple syrup in place of honey. This keeps the sweetness and stays plant-based. For gluten-free, look for gluten-free soy sauce. Many brands offer this option today. You can also switch out rice noodles for gluten-free noodles. Just check the package for cooking times. Adjusting these ingredients will let everyone enjoy the meal. Store your Thai peanut noodle salad in an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. It stays fresh for about three to four days in the fridge. Just make sure to keep the dressing separate until you're ready to eat. This keeps the salad crisp and tasty. If you want to refresh leftovers, add a bit of water to the salad. Toss it gently to mix. You can also drizzle on a little extra peanut dressing. Serve it cold or at room temperature. Both ways are delicious! You can freeze Thai peanut noodle salad, but it’s not the best choice. Noodles may become mushy when thawed. If you still want to freeze it, leave out the veggies and dressing. Pack only the noodles in a freezer bag. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight, then add fresh veggies and dressing. Enjoy it with the full flavor! How long does it take to make Thai Peanut Noodle Salad? Making this salad takes about 30 minutes. You need 15 minutes to prep and cook the noodles and another 15 to mix and chill the ingredients. It’s quick and easy! Can I prepare this salad in advance? Yes, you can! This salad tastes even better if you let it chill for a bit. Make it up to a day in advance. Just keep it in the fridge until you are ready to serve. Can I use other types of noodles? Absolutely! You can swap rice noodles for any noodle you like. Try whole wheat, soba, or even zucchini noodles for a fun twist. Just cook them according to the package instructions. What can I use instead of peanut butter? If you need a substitute for peanut butter, try using almond butter or sunflower seed butter. Both can give you a nice flavor. Just make sure the swap fits your taste and needs. Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this recipe can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce. Make sure to check all labels to ensure no hidden gluten sneaks in. Can I make it nut-free? Definitely! To make it nut-free, replace peanut butter with sun butter or tahini. You can also skip the peanuts on top. This way, everyone can enjoy the salad! Thai Peanut Noodle Salad is a fresh and tasty meal. You learned which ingredients to use and how to make it. The creamy peanut dressing adds great flavor. You can adjust the recipe to fit your taste or diet. Try different proteins or veggies for fun twists. Store leftovers in the fridge or even freeze some. This salad is a hit for any meal. Enjoy making it your own, and share it with friends!](https://spoonfulsavory.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/270ef6c9-25fb-4467-84cb-420118a18df6-250x250.webp)