Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing

This Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing is a vibrant and flavorful dish that perfectly balances taste and nutrition. Ideal for picnics, barbecues, or a quick lunch, this salad features fresh vegetables like red cabbage, carrots, and radishes tossed in a creamy peanut dressing. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a standout option for any meal. Whether you are looking for a side dish or a light main course, this salad is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With only 27 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up this dish in no time.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables and healthy fats from peanut butter, it’s as good for you as it is delicious.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a side or add protein to make it a hearty main dish.
• Flavor-Packed Dressing: The spicy peanut dressing elevates the salad with rich flavors that everyone will love.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This salad holds up well in the fridge, making it great for lunches throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and efficient, gather the necessary tools before starting. Having the right equipment will help you prepare the Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing quickly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Mixing bowl
• Mandolin slicer (optional)
• Small bowl
• Whisk or fork

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for boiling noodles efficiently without overcrowding.
• Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining ingredients and tossing the salad together easily.
• Mandolin slicer: Helps slice vegetables uniformly and saves preparation time.

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 Salad

• 150g / 6oz medium egg noodles
• 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
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds

For the Peanut 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 chilli 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. Remember that Asian noodles tend to cook faster than Italian pasta, so be careful not to overcook them.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

In a small 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

Drain the noodles once cooked and place them in a large salad bowl. Pour the peanut dressing over the hot noodles so they can absorb all the flavors properly. Allow them to cool until they reach room temperature.

Step 3: Slice the Vegetables

While waiting for the noodles to cool:
– Thinly slice the red cabbage (a mandolin slicer works best).
– Cut the carrot into thin julienne strips.
– Slice radishes thinly.
– Chop cilantro and slice green onions.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Once the noodles have cooled down:
– Add sliced red cabbage, carrots, radishes, green onion, cilantro, and sesame seeds into the bowl.
– Toss everything together until well combined.

Enjoy your delicious Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing!

How to Serve Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing

Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a picnic, enjoying a barbecue, or looking for a quick lunch option, this salad is sure to please.

As a Standalone Dish

• A light lunch option: Serve on its own for a refreshing and filling meal.
• Ideal for meal prep: Pack it in containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.

As a Side Dish

• Perfect alongside grilled meats: Pair with chicken or shrimp for a flavorful combination.
• Compliments Asian-inspired mains: Serve next to dishes like teriyaki chicken or beef stir-fry.

As Part of a Buffet

• Great for gatherings: Add it to your buffet spread to offer guests a fresh, crunchy option.
• Enhance with toppings: Provide extra toppings like crushed peanuts or sesame seeds for added texture.

How to Perfect Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing

To ensure your Asian Noodle Salad is absolutely delicious, keep these tips in mind while preparing it.

• Choose fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance the flavor and crunchiness of the salad.
• Proper noodle cooking: Avoid overcooking the noodles; they should be al dente to hold their shape.
• Chill before serving: Allow the salad to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld together.
• Customize your dressing: Adjust the spice level of your peanut dressing by adding more or less Sriracha according to your taste.
• Add protein: For extra nutrition, consider adding grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp to make it more filling.
• Store properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Best Side Dishes for Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing

When planning your meal, consider pairing this vibrant salad with complementary side dishes. Here are some great options.

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated and grilled, these skewers add protein and flavor that pairs well with the salad.
2. Vegetable Spring Rolls: Fresh and crunchy spring rolls provide a delightful contrast and are perfect for dipping.
3. Edamame Beans: Lightly salted edamame offers additional protein and is an excellent snack alongside the salad.
4. Cucumber Salad: A simple cucumber salad adds freshness and balances the richness of the peanut dressing.
5. Teriyaki Salmon: The sweet and savory flavors of teriyaki salmon complement the spicy notes of the noodle salad beautifully.
6. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup can round out your meal with comforting flavors that match well with Asian cuisine.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Overcooking the noodles: Egg noodles cook quickly. Follow the package directions and check them a minute or two early to avoid mushiness.

• Using too much dressing: While the peanut dressing is delicious, too much can overwhelm the salad. Start with less and add more as needed for flavor balance.

• Not cooling the noodles: Pouring dressing on hot noodles can lead to clumping. Allow them to cool first so they absorb the flavors evenly.

• Ignoring vegetable size: Cutting vegetables unevenly affects texture and presentation. Use a mandolin for even slices, especially for cabbage and radishes.

• Forgetting garnish: Sesame seeds and cilantro add crunch and freshness. Don’t skip these; they enhance both flavor and appearance.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps well for up to 3 days in the fridge.
• Ensure it’s cooled completely before sealing.

Freezing Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing

• Not recommended for freezing as the texture of fresh vegetables may degrade.
• If necessary, freeze without vegetables and add them after thawing.

Reheating Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing

• Oven: Preheat at 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil to prevent drying out while reheating.

• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (30 seconds), stirring between each until warm.

• Stovetop: Place in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra dressing to help rehydrate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I customize my Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing?

You can easily customize this salad by adding protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Feel free to substitute vegetables based on your preference or what you have on hand.

Can I make Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing ahead of time?

Yes! This salad is perfect for meal prep. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

What can I use instead of peanut butter?

If you need a nut-free option, try sun butter or tahini as alternatives for the peanut butter in the dressing.

Is this recipe suitable for vegan diets?

Yes! The ingredients used are plant-based, making this Asian Noodle Salad a great vegan option when using maple syrup instead of honey.

Final Thoughts

This Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing is not only vibrant and flavorful but also incredibly versatile. Perfect for picnics or as a healthy lunch option, it allows room for customization with various proteins and veggies. Give it a try, and enjoy experimenting with your favorite ingredients!

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Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: Approximately six servings 1x

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Description

Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing is a colorful and nutritious dish that combines the crunch of fresh vegetables with a creamy, flavorful dressing. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a quick lunch, this salad features vibrant red cabbage, crisp carrots, and zesty radishes, all tossed in a rich peanut dressing that elevates every bite. This versatile dish can be served on its own for a light meal or as a delightful side to your favorite proteins. Ideal for meal prep, it holds up well in the fridge, allowing you to enjoy its bold flavors throughout the week.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 150g medium egg noodles
• 1 large carrot (julienned)
• 5 radishes (sliced)
• 3 cups red cabbage (thinly sliced)
• 10g cilantro (chopped)
• 2–3 green onions (sliced)
• 2 tbsp chunky peanut butter
• 1 tbsp honey
• 4 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 clove garlic (pressed)
• 2 tsp Sriracha sauce

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Instructions

1. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and let cool.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and Sriracha until smooth.
3. Combine cooled noodles with sliced cabbage, carrots, radishes, green onions, and cilantro in a large mixing bowl.
4. Pour the dressing over the noodle mixture and toss well to combine.
5. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for enhanced flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 0mg