Refreshing Thai Peanut Noodle Salad
This Refreshing Thai Peanut Noodle Salad is an easy and delicious crowd pleaser that has been a favorite for years. Its vibrant combination of fresh vegetables and rich peanut sauce makes it not only visually appealing but also a burst of flavors in every bite. Inspired by traditional Thai ingredients, the subtle heat from sriracha and the umami from fish sauce elevate this dish to a new level, while the crispiness of cucumbers and bell peppers adds texture. It’s a versatile recipe—ideal as a side dish or a main course when combined with grilled chicken or shrimp. Feel free to adjust the spice levels to suit your palate, and remember, this dish is best when chilled, making it perfect for potlucks or picnics. Serve it up at your next gathering, and watch it disappear!
12
Servings
200
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
spaghetti or linguine
1 lb (cooked al dente)
smooth peanut butter
1/2 cup (none)
peanut oil (or canola or lite olive)
1/2 cup (none)
low sodium soy sauce
1/3 cup (none)
rice wine vinegar
1/3 cup (none)
fish sauce (or substitute with low sodium soy sauce)
2 tablespoons (none)
Asian chili sauce (recommended sriracha)
2 tablespoons (none)
sesame oil
2 tablespoons (none)
sugar
1 tablespoon (none)
ground pepper (preferably white)
1 teaspoon (none)
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
cucumber
1 (seeded and chopped)
red bell pepper
1 (seeded and chopped)
green onion
1 bunch (chopped (reserve half of the green tops))
snow peas (optional)
1 cup (chopped)
Napa cabbage (optional)
1 cup (chopped)
bean sprouts (optional)
1 cup (none)
sesame seeds
2 tablespoons (none)
cilantro (optional)
1/4 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by cooking the spaghetti or linguine according to package instructions, ensuring you cook it al dente. Be cautious not to overcook, as mushy noodles will affect the dish's texture.
2
2. After cooking, strain the noodles and rinse them under cold water until they are fully cooled. This step is crucial for preventing further cooking.
3
3. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients, which include peanut butter, peanut oil, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, fish sauce (or additional soy sauce), sriracha, sesame oil, sugar, ground pepper, and garlic powder, until fully combined and smooth.
4
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled noodles with two-thirds of the dressing, reserving the remaining third for later use. Gently fold in the chopped vegetables (cucumber, red bell pepper, green onion) and any optional vegetables you choose to add.
5
5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for a minimum of 2 hours. This chilling process allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
6
6. When ready to serve, transfer the salad to a serving bowl or platter if desired. Drizzle the reserved dressing over the salad, ensuring even coverage.
7
7. Finish by sprinkling sesame seeds and the reserved green onion tops over the salad. Add cilantro if you wish, and serve cold.
Nutrition Information
11g
Fat
22g
Carbs
4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Refreshing Thai Peanut Noodle Salad?
It is a vibrant, easy-to-make dish featuring pasta, fresh vegetables, and a rich peanut sauce inspired by traditional Thai flavors.
What kind of noodles are best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using one pound of spaghetti or linguine cooked al dente.
How do I prevent the noodles from being mushy?
Cook the noodles al dente according to the package instructions and rinse them under cold water immediately after straining to stop the cooking process.
What are the ingredients for the peanut dressing?
The dressing includes smooth peanut butter, peanut oil, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, fish sauce, sriracha, sesame oil, sugar, ground pepper, and garlic powder.
Can I substitute the peanut oil?
Yes, you can use canola oil or lite olive oil as a substitute for peanut oil.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
It can be made vegetarian by substituting the fish sauce with an equal amount of low sodium soy sauce.
How can I make the salad spicier?
You can adjust the heat by adding more sriracha (Asian chili sauce) or ground pepper to the dressing.
What vegetables are included in the salad?
The base recipe includes cucumber, red bell pepper, and green onions.
Are there any optional vegetables I can add?
Yes, you can add chopped snow peas, Napa cabbage, or bean sprouts for extra crunch and nutrition.
How long should the salad be refrigerated?
The salad should be covered and chilled for a minimum of 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
Why should I reserve some of the dressing?
Reserving one-third of the dressing to drizzle just before serving ensures the salad remains moist and flavorful.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
This recipe yields approximately 12 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 200 calories per serving of this Thai Peanut Noodle Salad.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 11g of fat.
How much protein does this salad provide?
Each serving provides about 4g of protein.
Can I add meat to this dish?
Yes, you can serve it as a main course by adding grilled chicken or shrimp.
What type of peanut butter should I use?
Smooth peanut butter is recommended to ensure the dressing has a creamy and consistent texture.
Is cilantro used in this recipe?
Cilantro is an optional ingredient; you can add 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro if desired.
What type of pepper is preferred for the dressing?
White ground pepper is preferred, though standard ground pepper can be used as a substitute.
How do I prepare the cucumber and bell pepper?
Both the cucumber and the red bell pepper should be seeded and chopped before being added to the noodles.
What is the purpose of the sugar in the dressing?
One tablespoon of sugar is used to balance the salty and acidic components of the sauce.
What garnishes are suggested for this salad?
The salad is garnished with sesame seeds and the reserved green tops of the green onions.
Is this recipe suitable for potlucks?
Yes, it is an ideal dish for potlucks or picnics because it is best served cold and can be made in large batches.
How much soy sauce is required?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of low sodium soy sauce.
What kind of vinegar is used?
Rice wine vinegar is used to provide the necessary acidity to the peanut dressing.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead?
While smooth is recommended for a silky sauce, crunchy peanut butter can be used if you prefer extra texture.
How much garlic powder is in the dressing?
The dressing uses 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are approximately 22g of carbohydrates per serving.
Should the noodles be rinsed with hot or cold water?
The noodles should be rinsed with cold water until fully cooled to ensure they don't stick together or continue cooking.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, it is actually recommended to prepare it at least 2 hours ahead of time so it can chill and the flavors can fully develop.