Thai Peanut Noodle Salad (Print Version)

Rice noodles tossed in a creamy peanut-lime dressing with crisp vegetables and cilantro.

# What You'll Need:

→ Noodles

01 - 8 oz rice noodles or thin spaghetti

→ Vegetables & herbs

02 - 1 cup shredded carrots
03 - 1 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper
04 - 1/2 cup thinly sliced cucumber
05 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
06 - 2 scallions, thinly sliced

→ Peanut lime sauce

07 - 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
08 - 2 tbsp soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
09 - 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
10 - 2 tbsp fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
11 - 1 tbsp rice vinegar
12 - 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
13 - 2 tsp grated fresh ginger
14 - 1 garlic clove, minced
15 - 2–4 tbsp warm water, to thin sauce

→ Garnish

16 - 1/4 cup roasted unsalted peanuts, roughly chopped
17 - Extra cilantro leaves, optional

# How To:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, cook the noodles according to package directions until al dente, drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool completely.
02 - While noodles cook, shred carrots, thinly slice bell pepper and cucumber, chop cilantro and slice scallions; transfer to a large mixing bowl and set aside.
03 - In a medium bowl, whisk peanut butter, soy sauce, maple syrup (or honey), lime juice, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger and minced garlic with 2 tablespoons warm water until smooth; add additional water 1 tablespoon at a time to reach a pourable consistency.
04 - Add the cooled noodles to the bowl with vegetables, pour the peanut-lime sauce over top and toss gently but thoroughly until noodles and vegetables are evenly coated.
05 - Divide the tossed mixture among serving bowls, sprinkle with chopped peanuts and extra cilantro, and adjust seasoning with additional soy sauce, lime juice or a pinch of chili flakes if desired.
06 - Serve chilled or at room temperature; refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • You get that irresistible takeout flavor at home without hunting for hard to find ingredients.
  • The bright crunch and tangy sauce always liven up any potluck or weekday lunch.
02 -
  • Once, I tried skipping the noodle rinse and ended up with a sticky, clumpy mess—don’t make my mistake.
  • Let the salad sit for ten minutes before serving; the flavors mingle and deepen if you give them time.
03 -
  • Warming the sauce ingredients very slightly can help stubborn peanut butter become smooth and glossy.
  • A tiny pinch of chili flakes in the sauce gives just enough heat to make it memorable.
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