Spicy Peanut Cucumber and Zucchini Noodle Salad
This refreshing Spicy Peanut Cucumber and Zucchini Noodle Salad combines ribbon-like strands of fresh cucumber and zucchini with a rich and flavorful spicy peanut sauce. Ideal for summer gatherings or a light, nutritious dinner, this dish features a harmonious blend of crunchy vegetables and the savory kick of chili-garlic sauce, complemented by the tanginess of lime and the sweetness of honey. Perfect as a side or a main dish, it's deliciously healthy and sure to impress your guests!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
Rice wine vinegar
2 tablespoons (none)
Hot sesame oil
2 teaspoons (none)
Honey
1 teaspoon (optional)
Lime
1 (peel sliced away and discarded)
Pickled ginger
2 tablespoons (none)
Garlic cloves
2 (none)
Chili-garlic sauce
1-3 teaspoons (none)
Warm water
1/4 cup (none)
Organic soy sauce
1/4 cup (none)
Organic peanut butter
1 cup (none)
Large cucumber
1 (ends removed)
Large zucchini
1 (ends removed)
Minced cilantro
to taste (for garnish)
Minced basil
to taste (for garnish)
Peanuts
to garnish (optional)
Sliced chives
to taste (for garnish)
Sliced scallion
to taste (for garnish)
Small hot chili
1 (sliced for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a blender, combine rice wine vinegar, hot sesame oil, honey (if using), lime peel, pickled ginger, garlic cloves, chili-garlic sauce, warm water, organic soy sauce, and organic peanut butter. Blend until smooth and creamy.
2
Prepare the noodles by spiralizing the cucumber and zucchini, or use a mandoline with a julienne blade or a julienne peeler. The goal is to create long, thin strands that mimic traditional noodles. Aim for enough to fill an 8-cup bowl.
3
In a large mixing bowl, add the spiralized cucumber and zucchini. Pour the spicy peanut sauce over the noodles and toss gently to ensure all the vegetables are evenly coated.
4
Transfer the salad to a serving dish. Garnish with minced cilantro, minced basil, sliced chives, sliced scallions, and chopped peanuts or any other desired garnishes.
5
For an extra kick, top with slices of fresh hot chili if you enjoy more heat.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Peanut Cucumber and Zucchini Noodle Salad?
It is a refreshing salad made of spiralized cucumber and zucchini tossed in a rich, spicy peanut sauce.
Is this salad vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian and uses fresh plant-based ingredients.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it is gluten-free as long as you ensure the soy sauce used is a gluten-free organic variety or tamari.
How do I make the vegetable noodles?
You can use a spiralizer, a mandoline with a julienne blade, or a julienne peeler to create thin, noodle-like strands.
What if I do not have a spiralizer?
A vegetable peeler or a mandoline can also be used to create long ribbon-like strips.
How is the spicy peanut sauce prepared?
The sauce is made by blending rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, honey, lime, ginger, garlic, chili-garlic sauce, water, soy sauce, and peanut butter until smooth.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
You can prep the sauce and noodles ahead of time, but it is best to toss them together just before serving.
How long can I store leftovers in the refrigerator?
It is best eaten fresh, but leftovers can be stored for about a day; note that the vegetables will release water over time.
Can I substitute the hot sesame oil?
Yes, you can use regular toasted sesame oil and add a bit more chili-garlic sauce if you still want the heat.
What is a good alternative for peanut butter?
Almond butter or cashew butter are excellent substitutes for organic peanut butter.
Is the honey necessary for the recipe?
No, honey is listed as an optional ingredient to add a touch of sweetness.
How should the lime be prepared?
The lime peel should be sliced away and discarded before adding the rest of the lime to the blender.
What garnishes are recommended for this salad?
Garnish with minced cilantro, basil, chives, scallions, and chopped peanuts.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely; grilled chicken, shrimp, or firm tofu would make great additions to this salad.
How spicy is this salad?
The spice level is moderate but can be adjusted by changing the amount of chili-garlic sauce used.
How can I adjust the heat level?
You can use anywhere from 1 to 3 teaspoons of chili-garlic sauce depending on your preference.
Are the zucchini and cucumber noodles cooked?
No, the noodles are served raw to keep the dish fresh and crunchy.
What kind of ginger is required?
This recipe calls specifically for 2 tablespoons of pickled ginger.
What do I do with the vegetable ends?
The ends of the cucumber and zucchini should be removed before you begin spiralizing.
Can I add other vegetables to the mix?
Yes, julienned carrots or bell peppers would complement the existing ingredients very well.
Is this a raw food recipe?
Yes, this dish is considered a raw food recipe as none of the main ingredients are cooked.
What can I use instead of soy sauce?
Coconut aminos or tamari are excellent soy-free or gluten-free alternatives.
How do I ensure the sauce is creamy?
Using a blender to combine the sauce ingredients ensures a perfectly smooth and creamy texture.
What if my peanut sauce is too thick?
You can add a small amount of extra warm water to the blender to reach your desired consistency.
Is this served as a side or a main dish?
It is versatile enough to be served as either a light main dish or a healthy side salad.
How many noodles should I prepare?
The recipe suggests spiralizing enough vegetables to fill an 8-cup mixing bowl.
Which fresh herbs provide the best flavor?
A combination of minced cilantro and basil is recommended for the best flavor profile.
What adds the best crunch to the salad?
Chopped peanuts added as a garnish provide a wonderful crunchy contrast to the noodles.
Is this recipe suitable for summer gatherings?
Yes, its refreshing nature makes it an ideal dish for summer parties and outdoor dining.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 18 ingredients in total, including all the sauce components and various garnishes.