Servings: 6
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Start to Finish Time: 40 minutes
Experience the vibrant harmony of Thai cuisine in this delightful noodle salad. Each forkful is a celebration of flavors and textures, blending creamy peanut dressing with the crisp freshness of colorful vegetables. Let this dish transport your taste buds to the bustling markets of Thailand.
The Perfect Dressing: Where Creamy Meets Zesty
The soul of this salad lies in its luscious peanut dressing. Crafted with creamy peanut butter, tangy rice vinegar, and savory soy sauce, the dressing balances sweetness, spice, and umami. A touch of ginger, garlic, and sesame oil adds aromatic depth, while a dash of chili sauce delivers just the right kick.
The Base: Silky Noodles and Crunchy Additions
Delicate linguini or rice noodles serve as the canvas for this masterpiece. Their smooth texture contrasts beautifully with the nutty crunch of chopped peanuts, offering a satisfying bite that elevates the dish to another level.
A Rainbow of Fresh Vegetables
What sets this salad apart is its vibrant medley of vegetables. Thinly sliced red cabbage, matchstick carrots, and bright red bell peppers not only add a burst of color but also provide a refreshing crunch. Chopped chives and cilantro bring a fresh, herbaceous note, tying the dish together in perfect harmony.
Tips for a Customizable Culinary Experience
Looking to make this salad your own? Add more veggies like snap peas or cucumbers for extra fiber. Incorporate grilled chicken or shrimp for a lean protein boost. To amplify the flavor without adding significant calories, experiment with more soy sauce, rice vinegar, or spices.
Serving and Storage Notes
This Thai-Style Peanut Noodle Salad is best enjoyed fresh, as its creamy texture and crisp vegetables are at their peak right after preparation. Keep in mind that leftovers can become a bit starchy, so plan your portions accordingly for an optimal dining experience.
A Dish for Any Occasion
Whether served as a light lunch, a crowd-pleasing side, or a vibrant potluck dish, this salad is sure to impress. Its balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors, paired with a delightful crunch, makes it an irresistible choice for anyone craving a taste of Thailand.
THAI-STYLE DRESSING
1/3 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup rice vinegar
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons ginger, finely minced
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 1/2 teaspoon chili sauce, hot, such as Siracha
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
SALAD
12 ounce pasta, linguini (or rice noodles)
3 tablespoons peanuts, chopped
1 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
2 each carrots, cut matchstick-like
1 each red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1/2 cup chives, chopped
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
Instructions:
TO MAKE DRESSING (5 minutes):
In a small bowl whisk together the peanut butter, vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, ginger, sesame oil, garlic, hot chili sauce and cayenne.
TO MAKE SALAD (15 minutes):
Cook the noodles according to the manufacturer’s directions. Rinse with cold water and drain well.
Spread the chopped peanuts on a baking sheet and bake at 350° F for 10 minutes until golden and fragrant. Remove from the oven and set aside.
In a large bowl combine the cooked noodles, red cabbage, carrots, red bell pepper, chives and cilantro
Add the Thai dressing and toss to coat.
Divide among six salad plates. Sprinkle the nuts on top of the salad.
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine with our Thai-Style Peanut Noodle Salad. Delicate linguini or rice noodles dance in a luscious peanut dressing infused with the perfect balance of tangy rice vinegar,
umami soy sauce, and a kick of spicy chili sauce. The ensemble is elevated with a colorful medley of thinly
sliced red cabbage, matchstick-like carrots, vibrant red bell peppers, and a refreshing sprinkle of chives and cilantro. Each bite is a harmonious symphony of textures and tastes, as the nutty crunch of chopped
peanuts complements the silky noodles and crisp vegetables. It’s a tantalizing fusion of savory, sweet, and spicy, inviting you to savor a world of flavors in every forkful.
TIP: NOT GOOD AS A LEFTOVER. The consistency gets a bit undesirably starchy.
NOTE: Additionally: to add more fiber simply add more veggies; to add more lean protein simply add chicken; to add more flavor without much calories add more soy, vinegar & spices.
Serving Ideas: Additionally: to add more fiber simply add more veggies; to add more lean protein simply add chicken; to add more flavor without much calories add more soy, vinegar & spices
Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 371 Calories; 11g Fat (26.5% calories from fat); 13g Protein; 56g Carbohydrate; 5g Dietary Fiber; 0mg Cholesterol; 548mg Sodium; 10g Total Sugars; 0mcg Vitamin D;
48mg Calcium; 3mg Iron; 456mg Potassium; 208mg Phosphorus. Exchanges: .