This Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing is a vibrant and delicious dish that brings together fresh vegetables and rich flavors. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or lunch, this salad offers a refreshing twist with its spicy peanut dressing. The combination of crunchy textures from the vegetables and the creaminess of peanut butter makes it a standout choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This salad comes together in just 27 minutes, making it an ideal meal for busy days.
- Packed with Flavor: The spicy peanut dressing is rich and zesty, elevating the freshness of the veggies.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a side dish or main course—it’s perfect for any setting!
- Nutritious Ingredients: With fresh veggies and wholesome ingredients, this salad is a health-conscious choice.
- Easily Adaptable: Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies or proteins to suit your taste.
Tools and Preparation
Before you begin making your Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Salad bowl
- Mandolin slicer (optional)
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for cooking noodles quickly and efficiently without overcrowding.
- Salad bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to toss all ingredients thoroughly for an even mix.
- Mandolin slicer: Helps achieve perfectly thin slices for the cabbage and carrots, enhancing texture.
- Small mixing bowl: Ideal for combining the peanuts dressing ingredients without mess.
Ingredients
This Asian Noodle Salad with thinly sliced red cabbage, julienned carrots, and radishes in spicy peanut dressing is ideal for picnics, barbecues or lunch!
For the Noodles
- 150g / 6oz medium egg noodles
For the Vegetables
- 1 large carrot, julienned thinly
- 5 radishes, sliced thinly
- 1/3 of cabbage head / 3 cups red cabbage
- 10g / 1/4 cup cilantro
- 2-3 green onions, sliced
For the Dressing
- 2 tbsp chunky peanut butter
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or any other plain vinegar)
- 4 tbsp soy sauce (I use Kikkoman)
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic (pressed)
- 2 tsp Sriracha sauce (or 1 tsp dried chili flakes)
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Keep in mind that Asian noodles cook faster than Italian pasta; avoid overcooking them to maintain the right texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a small mixing bowl, combine:
1. Chunky peanut butter
2. Honey
3. Rice vinegar
4. Sesame oil
5. Soy sauce
6. Sriracha sauce
7. Grated fresh ginger
8. Pressed garlic
Mix well until smooth.
Step 3: Combine Noodles and Dressing
Drain the cooked noodles and transfer them to a large salad bowl. Pour the peanut dressing over the hot noodles so they can absorb all those wonderful flavors. Allow them to cool until they reach room temperature.
Step 4: Slice Vegetables
While waiting for the noodles to cool:
1. Slice the red cabbage very thinly using a mandolin slicer if available.
2. Julienne the carrot into thin strips.
3. Slice radishes thinly.
4. Slice green onions and chop cilantro.
Step 5: Mix It All Together
When noodles are at room temperature, add:
– Sliced red cabbage
– Radishes
– Julienned carrots
– Green onion
– Cilantro
– Sesame seeds
Toss everything together gently until well combined.
Enjoy your vibrant Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing!
How to Serve Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing
This Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing is not only vibrant and nutritious but also versatile. Here are some delightful ways to serve it.
As a Standalone Dish
- Enjoy this salad on its own for a light and refreshing meal. The combination of flavors and textures makes it satisfying.
With Grilled Proteins
- Pair the salad with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein. The smoky flavor complements the spicy peanut dressing beautifully.
On a Buffet Table
- Serve this salad as part of a buffet at parties or gatherings. It adds color and variety, appealing to both vegetarians and meat lovers.
In Meal Prep Containers
- Use this noodle salad in your weekly meal prep. Portion it out in containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
As a Picnic Favorite
- This salad is perfect for picnics. Its freshness and crunch make it a delightful side that travels well without wilting.
How to Perfect Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing
To elevate your Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing, consider these helpful tips.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance the flavor and texture of the salad, making every bite crunchy and delicious.
- Adjust spice levels: If you prefer a milder dressing, reduce the Sriracha sauce or chili flakes. You can always add more later!
- Let it chill: Allowing the salad to sit for 30 minutes before serving lets the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Experiment with noodles: While egg noodles work great, feel free to try rice noodles or soba for different textures.
- Add nuts for crunch: Toss in some chopped peanuts or cashews right before serving for an extra layer of crunch.
- Garnish creatively: Consider adding slices of avocado or additional cilantro on top for a fresh finish.
Best Side Dishes for Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing
This Asian Noodle Salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some tasty options to consider.
- Spring Rolls: Fresh vegetable spring rolls provide a light and crispy complement to the salad.
- Edamame: Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt adds protein and a pop of color.
- Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup offers a comforting contrast to the cold salad.
- Cucumber Salad: A tangy cucumber salad refreshes the palate with its crispness.
- Grilled Tofu Skewers: Seasoned grilled tofu adds protein while absorbing the delicious flavors from its marinade.
- Vegetable Dumplings: These savory bites provide a hearty side that pairs well with the salad’s freshness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making an Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing can be simple, but there are common errors to watch for.
- Overcooking the noodles: Asian noodles cook faster than their Italian counterparts. Always follow package instructions carefully to avoid mushy noodles.
- Skipping the dressing absorption: Pour the peanut dressing over hot noodles. If you skip this step, the flavors won’t meld well and may result in a bland salad.
- Not slicing vegetables thinly enough: For the best texture and flavor, ensure that vegetables like cabbage and carrots are sliced very thinly. Use a mandolin if possible for uniformity.
- Using too much dressing: While the peanut dressing is delicious, too much can overwhelm the salad. Start with a smaller amount and add more as needed.
- Not letting it cool properly: Allow the noodles to cool to room temperature before mixing in the veggies. This helps maintain their crunchiness and freshness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep the salad separate from any additional dressing to prevent sogginess.
Freezing Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing
- It’s not recommended to freeze this salad as the texture of fresh vegetables changes significantly when thawed.
- If you must freeze, consider keeping only the dressing for future use.
Reheating Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing
- Oven: Spread the noodles on a baking sheet at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This method helps retain texture.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through for even heating.
- Stovetop: Heat on low in a non-stick skillet, stirring gently until warmed through. This preserves some crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I substitute for peanut butter in Asian Noodle Salad?
You can use almond butter or sunflower seed butter if you’re allergic to peanuts or prefer different flavors.
Can I make Asian Noodle Salad vegan?
Yes! Simply replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar to keep it vegan-friendly.
How do I know when my noodles are done cooking?
Check your package instructions; typically, they should be al dente after boiling for 4-6 minutes.
Can I add protein to my Asian Noodle Salad?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu work well as additions to make it more filling.
What is the best way to customize my Asian Noodle Salad?
Feel free to add any veggies you enjoy, such as bell peppers or cucumbers. You can also adjust the spiciness by varying Sriracha levels.
Final Thoughts
This Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing is not only vibrant and flavorful but also versatile enough for various occasions. Whether you’re preparing it for a picnic or a quick lunch, it’s easy to customize based on your preferences. Give it a try and enjoy experimenting with different ingredients!
Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing
Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing is a colorful, refreshing dish that perfectly balances crunchy vegetables with a creamy, spicy dressing. This vibrant salad features tender egg noodles tossed with crisp red cabbage, julienned carrots, and sliced radishes, all enveloped in a zesty peanut sauce. Ideal for picnics, barbecues, or quick lunches, this salad not only delights the palate but also provides a nutritious boost with its wholesome ingredients. Quick to prepare and easily customizable, it’s a versatile dish that you can enjoy on its own or paired with grilled proteins for added heartiness.
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 150g / 6oz medium egg noodles
- 1 large carrot (julienned)
- 5 radishes (sliced)
- 3 cups red cabbage (thinly sliced)
- 10g / 1/4 cup cilantro
- 2–3 green onions (sliced)
- 2 tbsp chunky peanut butter
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 4 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic (pressed)
- 2 tsp Sriracha sauce
Instructions
- Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions; drain and let cool.
- In a small bowl, mix together peanut butter, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, Sriracha sauce, ginger, and garlic until smooth.
- Combine cooled noodles with the dressing in a large bowl.
- Add thinly sliced vegetables and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately or allow to chill for enhanced flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Customize this salad by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins like grilled chicken or tofu. Adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of Sriracha sauce used. Letting the salad sit for 30 minutes allows flavors to meld beautifully.
