Description
This Vegan Thai Noodle Salad is a fresh and flavorful dish packed with crunchy vegetables, rice noodles, and a creamy peanut dressing. Perfect for meal prep, lunch, or a light dinner, this easy recipe is bursting with bold Thai-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 8 oz rice noodles
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded cabbage (red or green)
- 1 small cucumber, julienned
- 3 scallions, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ¼ cup roasted peanuts, chopped
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup peanut butter
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or agave
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tsp sriracha or chili paste (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2–3 tbsp water (to thin, as needed)
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Prepare the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
- Prep the Vegetables: Thinly slice or shred the carrots, red bell pepper, cabbage, and cucumber. Chop the scallions and cilantro.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, maple syrup, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sriracha, sesame oil, and water until smooth.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, chopped vegetables, and dressing. Toss everything together until well coated.
- Garnish & Serve: Top with roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, and extra cilantro. Serve immediately or refrigerate for enhanced flavor.
Notes
✅ Add Protein: Toss in tofu, tempeh, chickpeas, or edamame.
✅ Different Noodles: Swap rice noodles for soba, whole wheat spaghetti, or zucchini noodles.
✅ Nut-Free Option: Use sunflower seed butter and swap peanuts for toasted pumpkin seeds.
✅ Spice it Up: Add extra sriracha or red pepper flakes.
✅ Extra Crunch: Include shredded Brussels sprouts or water chestnuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: salad , main course, side dish
- Method: no cook
- Cuisine: thai
Keywords: Vegan Thai Noodle Salad Peanut Dressing Noodle Salad Thai-Inspired Cold Noodle Salad Easy Vegan Meal Prep Healthy Asian Noodle Salad