Save to Pinterest A vibrant and satisfying noodle bowl featuring crisp vegetables, tender noodles, and a creamy, spicy peanut dressing—perfect for a fresh, energizing lunch or light dinner.
This salad quickly became a staple at my house for warm-weather meals because of its bold flavors and simple prep.
Ingredients
- Noodles: 250 g rice noodles or soba noodles, water for boiling
- Vegetables: 1 medium carrot julienned, 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced, 1 small cucumber julienned, 100 g sugar snap peas halved, 2 spring onions thinly sliced, 1 handful fresh cilantro chopped
- Spicy Peanut Dressing: 4 tbsp creamy peanut butter, 2 tbsp soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free), 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup, 1 to 2 tsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce (to taste), 2 tsp toasted sesame oil, 2 to 4 tbsp warm water (to thin dressing)
- Toppings: 2 tbsp roasted peanuts roughly chopped, 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook Noodles:
- Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
- Prepare Vegetables:
- Prepare all vegetables as directed and set aside.
- Make Dressing:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, honey or maple syrup, sriracha, and sesame oil. Add warm water gradually until the dressing is smooth and pourable.
- Combine Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles and vegetables. Add the peanut dressing and toss until everything is well coated.
- Serve:
- Divide the salad among bowls. Top with roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side.
Save to Pinterest This salad often brings my family together for a quick, healthy meal after busy days.
Tips for Serving
Serve chilled or at room temperature for best flavor. Add protein like grilled tofu or shrimp for a heartier dish.
Storage
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Toss before serving as dressing may settle.
Variation Ideas
Try different vegetables such as shredded cabbage or bean sprouts to customize texture and flavor.
Save to Pinterest 
This salad is a perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and fresh that you can enjoy any day of the week.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of noodles work best in this dish?
Rice noodles or soba noodles both offer a great texture and absorb the dressing well, making them ideal choices.
- → Can the spice level be adjusted?
Yes, you can increase or decrease the amount of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to suit your taste preference.
- → How to make this dish gluten-free?
Use rice noodles and tamari instead of regular soy sauce to keep the dish gluten-free.
- → What are suitable protein additions?
Grilled tofu, chicken, or shrimp can be added for extra protein and make the dish more filling.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days to maintain freshness.