Description
This vibrant Thai noodle salad with peanut sauce is the perfect blend of fresh, crunchy veggies and savory, creamy goodness. Quick and easy to prepare, it features tender rice noodles tossed with crisp carrots, bell peppers, cucumber, and aromatic cilantro, all coated in a rich, flavorful peanut dressing. With just the right amount of sweetness, tang, and spice, this salad is a refreshing, satisfying meal or side dish. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights or meal prep, and can be easily customized with your favorite proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Enjoy a burst of Thai-inspired flavors in every bite!
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 8 oz rice noodles
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper
- 1 cup thinly sliced cucumber
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (scallions)
Optional Ingredients:
- 1–2 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
- 1/4 cup crushed peanuts (for garnish)
- Can use packaged pre-shredded veggies as well for convenience, however, a pricier option
For the Peanut Sauce:
- 1/4 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp grated ginger
- 1–2 tbsp warm water (to thin the sauce)
- 1/2 tsp minced garlic, or from jar
- 1/2 tsp chili paste (add chili flakes optional, for spice)
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse with cool water to stop the cooking process, but remain warm enough to serve.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the noodles are cooking, prep the veggies: shred the carrots, slice the bell pepper and cucumber, and chop the cilantro and green onions. Or use pre-shredded veggies.
- Make the Peanut Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, lime juice, toasted sesame oil, and grated ginger. Add water a tablespoon at a time until you reach a smooth, pourable consistency. Add chili paste and/or chili paste to taste if you like heat.
- Combine the Salad: In a large bowl, toss together the cooked noodles with the shredded/prepared veggies.
- Add Peanut Sauce: Pour the peanut sauce over the noodle and veggie mixture and toss until everything is well-coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the crushed peanuts and sesame seeds over the salad for added texture.
Notes
- For a heartier meal, you can add protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- For extra crunch, add some fresh bean sprouts or sliced red cabbage.
- Adjust the peanut sauce sweetness or spice level to suit your taste.
- Stores 4-5 days in refrigerator
Did you know: Bell peppers are high in Vit C; this is good news because Vit C contains properties that aid in overall immune and cardiovascular support
