Pin it 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 spicy peanut noodle salad quickly became my go-to lunch for busy weekdays because it is easy to prepare and so flavorful.
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 2 tsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce (to taste), 2 tsp toasted sesame oil, 2 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.
Pin it My family loves gathering around this noodle salad for a quick healthy meal especially during warm evenings.
Notes
For extra protein add grilled tofu chicken or shrimp. Make it gluten-free by using rice noodles and tamari. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Required Tools
Large pot (for boiling noodles), mixing bowls, whisk, knife and cutting board.
Allergen Information
Contains peanuts soy and sesame. May contain gluten (depending on noodle choice and soy sauce). Always check labels for potential allergens if unsure.
Pin it 
This spicy peanut noodle salad is perfect for meal prep and tastes even better the next day after flavors meld.
Recipe FAQs
- → What types of noodles work best for this dish?
Rice noodles or soba noodles are ideal as they absorb the dressing well and maintain a tender bite. Gluten-free options are suitable when paired with tamari.
- → How can the spice level be adjusted?
Modify the amount of sriracha or chili garlic sauce in the dressing to suit your preferred heat intensity without overpowering the flavors.
- → Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, it keeps well refrigerated for up to two days. Dressing the noodles just before serving helps maintain texture and freshness.
- → What are good protein additions to complement this bowl?
Grilled tofu, chicken, or shrimp can be added to boost protein content and enhance the meal’s heartiness.
- → How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use rice noodles and tamari sauce instead of traditional soy sauce to ensure the dish remains gluten-free.