Cold Peanut Noodle Salad Recipe: A Refreshing and Simple Dish for Any Occasion

Looking for a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner? Look no further than a cold peanut noodle salad recipe. This dish is packed with flavor, and it’s easy to customize to your taste preferences. Whether you’re a vegetarian or a meat lover, there’s a version of this recipe that will work for you.

To make a basic cold peanut noodle salad, start by cooking your noodles according to the package instructions. While the noodles are cooking, you can make the peanut sauce by whisking together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, and chili garlic sauce. Once the noodles are done, rinse them under cold water and toss them with the peanut sauce. Top the noodles with chopped peanuts, sliced scallions, and cilantro leaves. Serve the salad cold, with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.

If you’re looking to add some protein to your cold peanut noodle salad, there are plenty of options to choose from. You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to the salad, or even use edamame or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. You can also add in some veggies to make the salad even more nutritious. Sliced bell peppers, shredded carrots, and chopped cucumbers are all great options. With so many ways to customize this dish, it’s no wonder that cold peanut noodle salad is a favorite among home cooks and foodies alike.

Ingredients

To make a delicious cold peanut noodle salad, you will need the following ingredients:

Noodles: You can use soba noodles, rice noodles, or whole wheat spaghetti for a healthier option. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Peanut butter: Creamy peanut butter works best for this salad. You can use natural peanut butter for a healthier option.
Soy sauce: Use regular soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free option.
Garlic: Use minced garlic for a stronger flavor.
Lime juice: Fresh lime juice adds a tangy flavor to the salad.
Carrots: Shredded carrots add a crunchy texture to the salad.
Sesame oil: Toasted sesame oil adds a nutty flavor to the salad.
Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a spicy flavor to the salad. You can use ginger paste for an easier option.
Bell pepper: Thinly sliced bell pepper adds a sweet and crunchy flavor to the salad.
Scallions: Thinly sliced scallions add a mild onion flavor to the salad.
Honey: Use honey as a sweetener for the salad. You can also use maple syrup or brown sugar.
Chicken or shrimp (optional): Grilled or rotisserie chicken or cooked shrimp add a protein boost to the salad.
Vegetables: You can add raw vegetables such as cabbage, purple cabbage, cucumbers, or shelled edamame for extra crunch and nutrition.
Herbs: Fresh basil or cilantro leaves add a fresh and fragrant flavor to the salad.
Black sesame seeds: Sprinkle black sesame seeds on top of the salad for a nutty and crunchy texture.

Overall, these ingredients create a delicious and healthy cold peanut noodle salad that is perfect for a quick and easy dinner or lunch.

Recipe Preparation

Preparing this Cold Peanut Noodle Salad recipe is quick and easy, taking just 15-30 minutes. Here are the steps to follow:

Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 10 ounces of soba noodles and cook according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
Prepare the vegetables: Slice 1 medium zucchini or cucumber, 5 radishes, and 1 bell pepper into thin matchsticks. Finely chop 1/4 cup of cilantro and set aside.
Make the peanut sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together 6 tablespoons of peanut butter, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 1 tablespoon of Sriracha, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of grated ginger, and 1 minced garlic clove until smooth.
Combine all ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, sliced vegetables, and peanut sauce. Toss together until well coated.
Serve: Divide the salad into bowls and top with chopped cilantro. You can also add some protein such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make it a complete meal.

This recipe is perfect for meal prep as it can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It’s also a great option for a quick and easy dinner that can be made in 30 minutes or less.

Making the Peanut Sauce

To make the creamy peanut sauce for your cold noodle salad, you will need some creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and garlic. This sauce is incredibly versatile and can be used not only for noodle dishes but also as a dipping sauce or marinade for grilled meats.

To start, whisk together 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter, 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, and 1 minced garlic clove. You can adjust the amount of honey and soy sauce to suit your taste preferences. If you like your sauce spicier, you can add some sriracha or chili flakes.

If you want a thinner sauce, you can add some water or coconut milk. If you want a thicker sauce, you can add more peanut butter. Once you have whisked together all the ingredients, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.

This creamy peanut sauce is perfect for drizzling over cold noodles or using as a dip for spring rolls. It can also be used as a marinade for grilled chicken or tofu. The possibilities are endless!

Assembling the Salad

Now that you have all of your ingredients ready, it’s time to assemble your cold peanut noodle salad. Here are the steps you need to follow:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, shredded carrots, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro.
Pour the peanut dressing over the noodle mixture and toss everything together until well coated.
Add in any additional veggies or protein you may want, such as sliced bell peppers or grilled chicken.
Give everything a final toss and transfer the salad to a serving dish.
Garnish with some extra chopped cilantro and crushed peanuts for added texture and flavor.
Serve cold and enjoy your delicious and refreshing cold peanut noodle salad!

Remember, you can always adjust the amount of dressing or add in more veggies to suit your taste preferences. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this salad your own.

Optional Additions and Substitutions

One of the best things about this Cold Peanut Noodle Salad recipe is that it’s very versatile. You can customize it to fit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some optional additions and substitutions you can make:

Substitutions

Peanut Butter: If you have a peanut allergy or simply don’t like the taste, you can substitute almond butter or sunflower seed butter instead.
Noodles: You can use any type of noodle you like, such as udon, soba, or rice noodles. If you want a lower-carb option, you can use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead.
Protein: If you want to add some plant-based protein to your salad, you can use tofu, tempeh, or edamame instead of chicken.

Vegan and Vegetarian Options

Chicken: If you’re vegetarian or vegan, you can omit the chicken entirely or substitute it with your favorite plant-based protein.
Honey: If you’re vegan, you can substitute the honey in the dressing with maple syrup or agave nectar instead.

Plant-Based Protein

Tofu: Tofu is a great source of plant-based protein and can be used in place of chicken in this recipe. You can either pan-fry it or bake it in the oven before adding it to the salad.
Tempeh: Tempeh is another great source of plant-based protein and has a nutty flavor that pairs well with the peanut dressing. Simply pan-fry or bake it before adding it to the salad.
Edamame: Edamame is a quick and easy way to add plant-based protein to your salad. Simply boil or steam it before adding it to the salad.

Leftovers

Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The noodles may soak up some of the dressing, so you may need to add a bit more when you’re ready to eat.
Reheating: If you want to eat the leftovers warm, you can either microwave the salad for a minute or two or heat it up in a pan on the stove. If the noodles have soaked up too much dressing, you can add a bit more before reheating.

Serving and Storage

Once you’ve made your delicious cold peanut noodle salad, it’s time to think about serving and storage. This salad is best served cold, so make sure to keep it chilled until you’re ready to eat. You can serve it as a main dish or a side dish, depending on your preference.

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The longer you store it, the more the noodles will absorb the sauce, so keep that in mind when reheating. You can reheat the salad in the microwave or on the stovetop, but be careful not to overcook the noodles.

If you’re meal prepping, this salad is a great option. You can make a big batch and divide it into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. Just make sure to keep the salad and the sauce separate until you’re ready to eat to prevent the noodles from getting too soggy.

Overall, serving and storing cold peanut noodle salad is easy and convenient. Whether you’re enjoying it for dinner or meal prepping for the week, this salad is a delicious and satisfying option.

Social Media Sharing

If you’re looking to share your delicious Cold Peanut Noodle Salad recipe on social media, there are a variety of platforms that you can use to showcase your dish. Whether you prefer sharing photos, videos, or step-by-step instructions, there’s a social media platform that will work for you.

Pinterest is a great platform for sharing food-related content, including recipes like your Cold Peanut Noodle Salad. To make your recipe stand out on Pinterest, be sure to include high-quality photos of your dish, as well as a description that highlights its unique flavors and ingredients. You can also create a Pinterest board specifically for your favorite salad recipes, including your Cold Peanut Noodle Salad.

Facebook

Facebook is a popular platform for sharing recipes and cooking tips with friends and family. To share your Cold Peanut Noodle Salad recipe on Facebook, you can create a post with a photo of your dish, along with a brief description and a link to the recipe on your blog or website. You can also join cooking and recipe-sharing groups on Facebook to connect with other food lovers and share your recipe with a wider audience.

YouTube

If you enjoy creating cooking videos, YouTube is a great platform for sharing your Cold Peanut Noodle Salad recipe. You can create a step-by-step video tutorial that shows viewers how to make your dish, including tips and tricks for getting the perfect flavor and texture. Be sure to include a link to the recipe in the video description, as well as in the video itself.

TikTok

TikTok is a popular platform for sharing short, engaging videos that showcase your creativity and personality. To share your Cold Peanut Noodle Salad recipe on TikTok, you can create a quick video that shows the ingredients and steps involved in making your dish. You can also add fun music and special effects to make your video stand out. Be sure to include a link to the recipe in the video description so that viewers can try making your dish for themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Thai noodle salad made of?

Thai noodle salad typically consists of noodles, vegetables, herbs, and a flavorful dressing. The noodles can be made of rice, wheat, or other grains and are often served cold. Vegetables commonly used in Thai noodle salad include carrots, bell peppers, cucumbers, and bean sprouts. Herbs such as cilantro and mint add brightness and freshness. The dressing usually contains a combination of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors, with ingredients like peanut butter, lime juice, fish sauce, and chili paste.

How many calories are in soba noodles with peanut sauce?

A serving of soba noodles with peanut sauce typically contains around 400-500 calories. The exact calorie count will depend on the portion size and the specific ingredients used in the recipe.

How many calories in a spicy Thai noodle salad?

A spicy Thai noodle salad can range from around 300-600 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used and the portion size. The dressing and any added protein (such as chicken or tofu) can significantly impact the calorie count.

What variety of noodles is served cold?

Many types of noodles can be served cold in dishes like noodle salad. Some popular choices include soba noodles (made from buckwheat flour), rice noodles, udon noodles, and glass noodles (also known as cellophane noodles or bean thread noodles).

What are some easy peanut noodle salad recipes?

There are many easy peanut noodle salad recipes that can be made in under 30 minutes. One simple recipe involves tossing cooked noodles with a peanut butter-based dressing and vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and cucumbers. Another option is to use pre-made coleslaw mix as a base and add cooked noodles and a peanut sauce.

What are some variations of cold noodle salad with peanut sauce?

There are endless variations of cold noodle salad with peanut sauce. Some popular additions include grilled chicken or shrimp, edamame, shredded cabbage, and sliced mango. Different herbs and spices can also be used to change up the flavor profile, such as basil, lemongrass, or ginger.

Brandon Patrickson

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