Description
Fresh, vibrant, and full of flavor, this Thai noodle salad features crisp veggies, tender rice noodles, and a creamy peanut dressing. Quick, easy, and perfect for meal prep or a light, refreshing meal. Vegan & gluten-free options included!
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 8 oz rice noodles
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cucumber, julienned
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts or cashews
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Dressing
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 3 tbsp soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2–3 tbsp water (adjust for consistency)
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Prepare the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Thinly slice the red bell pepper, shred the carrots and cabbage, julienne the cucumber, and chop the cilantro and green onions.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce or tamari, lime juice, maple syrup or honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and water until smooth. Adjust consistency if needed.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles and prepared vegetables.
- Toss with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with chopped peanuts or cashews, sesame seeds, and extra cilantro. Serve immediately or chill for enhanced flavor.
Notes
- Protein Addition: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or edamame for extra protein.
- Nut-Free Option: Substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and omit peanuts or cashews.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.
- Spicy Version: Increase red pepper flakes or add sriracha for extra heat.
- Extra Crunch: Include bean sprouts or crispy fried shallots.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: salad
- Method: tossing
- Cuisine: thai
Keywords: Thai noodle salad, peanut dressing, healthy salad, vegan Thai recipe, cold noodle salad