Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing

This Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a quick lunch. The combination of thinly sliced red cabbage, crunchy radishes, and tender egg noodles tossed in a spicy peanut dressing creates a colorful and satisfying dish. Enjoy its vibrant taste and refreshing crunch any day of the week!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy days, this recipe comes together in just 27 minutes.
• Flavorful Dressing: The spicy peanut dressing elevates the salad with rich, savory notes.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables, this salad is both nutritious and delicious.
• Versatile Dish: Great as a side or main dish; it pairs well with grilled meats or can stand alone.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance for meal prep or gatherings without losing flavor.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large salad bowl
• Small mixing bowl
• Mandolin slicer (optional)
• Pot for boiling noodles
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large salad bowl: Ideal for mixing all ingredients thoroughly.
• Mandolin slicer: Ensures uniform slicing of vegetables for a professional touch.

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. Keep an eye on them as Asian noodles cook faster than Italian pasta. Avoid overcooking to maintain the right texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Peanut 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 cooked noodles and transfer them to a large salad bowl. Pour the peanut dressing over the hot noodles so they absorb the flavor well. Allow them to cool until they reach room temperature.

Step 3: Slice the Vegetables

While the noodles cool:
1. Slice the red cabbage very thinly—using a mandolin slicer if you have one.
2. Cut the carrot into thin julienne strips.
3. Slice the radishes thinly.
4. Slice green onions and chop cilantro.

Step 4: Combine Everything Together

Once the noodles are at room temperature, add:
– Sliced red cabbage
– Radishes
– Julienned carrots
– Green onion
– Cilantro
– Sesame seeds

Toss everything gently to combine and serve!

How to Serve Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing

This Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a picnic, planning a barbecue, or simply enjoying lunch at home, these serving suggestions will enhance your dining experience.

As a Standalone Meal

• Enjoy the salad on its own for a light and refreshing meal packed with flavor and crunch.

With Grilled Chicken

• Pair the salad with grilled chicken slices for added protein and a satisfying meal.

As a Side Dish

• Serve it as a side alongside your favorite main courses, such as grilled fish or steak, to complement the flavors.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Use large lettuce leaves to create wraps filled with the noodle salad for a fun and interactive eating experience.

Topped with Extra Nuts

• Sprinkle additional crushed peanuts on top for an extra crunch and nutty flavor.

With a Drizzle of Extra Dressing

• For those who love more flavor, drizzle additional peanut dressing over the top just before serving.

How to Perfect Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing

Making this Asian Noodle Salad truly shine is all about the details. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance flavor and texture, making your salad vibrant and appealing.
• Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap or add vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers based on your preference for more variety.
• Adjust Spice Level: Modify the amount of Sriracha or chili flakes based on your heat tolerance to tailor the dish to your taste.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the salad ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld together while keeping it fresh in the fridge until serving.

Best Side Dishes for Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing

Pairing side dishes with your Asian Noodle Salad can create a delightful meal experience. Consider these options that complement its flavors well.

1. Grilled Shrimp Skewers: Juicy shrimp marinated and grilled adds a wonderful seafood option to your meal.
2. Spicy Edamame: Tossed with sea salt and chili flakes, these add protein and a spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the salad.
3. Vegetable Spring Rolls: Light and crispy spring rolls filled with fresh veggies offer a crunchy contrast to the noodle salad.
4. Sesame Garlic Green Beans: Stir-fried green beans with sesame oil provide an earthy flavor that complements the salad’s ingredients.
5. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar enhances the lightness of the noodle dish.
6. Asian Slaw: A tangy slaw made from cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing echoes the flavors of your main dish beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing, there are a few common pitfalls that can affect the taste and texture of your dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Overcooking the noodles: It’s easy to lose track of time when cooking noodles. Be sure to follow package instructions closely, as Asian noodles cook faster than traditional pasta. Set a timer to avoid mushy noodles.
• Using cold dressing on hot noodles: Pouring cold dressing over hot noodles can prevent them from absorbing flavors properly. Always add the peanut dressing while the noodles are still warm for better flavor integration.
• Cutting vegetables too thick: Thick vegetable pieces can alter the overall texture of your salad. Make sure to julienne or slice your veggies thinly for an enjoyable crunch and even distribution throughout the dish.
• Neglecting flavor balance: Ensure your peanut dressing has a good balance of salty, sweet, and spicy elements. Adjust ingredients like soy sauce or honey according to your taste preferences before mixing with the noodles.
• Skipping fresh herbs: Fresh herbs add brightness to your salad. Don’t skip cilantro or green onions, as they enhance flavor and freshness significantly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep vegetables separate if you want them crunchy longer.

Freezing Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing

• Freezing is not recommended due to the texture of fresh vegetables.
• If necessary, freeze the dressing separately for up to 1 month.

Reheating Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), spread salad on a baking tray, and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet on low flame, stirring often until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing?

Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing is a refreshing dish featuring egg noodles mixed with colorful vegetables and coated in a flavorful peanut dressing. It’s perfect for picnics or as a light meal.

How long does it take to make this salad?

The total time for preparing Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing is approximately 27 minutes, including cooking and prep time.

Can I customize my Asian Noodle Salad?

Absolutely! You can add proteins like chicken or tofu, substitute different veggies based on your preferences, or adjust the spiciness of the dressing by altering Sriracha levels.

Is this recipe vegan-friendly?

If you substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar, this salad can easily be made vegan while still maintaining its delicious flavor profile.

How should I serve this salad?

Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing can be served chilled or at room temperature. It makes an excellent side dish or light lunch option!

Final Thoughts

This Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing is not only vibrant but also versatile and easy to prepare. Whether you’re enjoying it at a summer barbecue or as part of a weekday lunch, it’s bound to impress. Feel free to customize it with your favorite proteins or seasonal veggies for even more delicious variations!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing

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• Author: Alexia
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines tender egg noodles with a delightful mix of colorful vegetables, all tossed together in a spicy peanut dressing. This salad is perfect for summer picnics, barbecues, or a quick and satisfying lunch at home. With its crunch from fresh radishes and cabbage, the rich nutty flavor of the dressing elevates every bite, making it a favorite for any occasion. Whether enjoyed as a standalone meal or paired with grilled chicken, this dish offers versatility without sacrificing taste. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, taking just 27 minutes from start to finish!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 150g medium egg noodles
• 1 large carrot (julienned)
• 5 radishes (sliced)
• 3 cups red cabbage (thinly sliced)
• Fresh cilantro (10g)
• Green onions (2-3, sliced)
• Chunky peanut butter (2 tbsp)
• Honey (1 tbsp)
• Soy sauce (4 tbsp)
• Sesame oil (2 tbsp)
• Rice vinegar (2 tbsp)
• Sriracha sauce (2 tsp)

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Instructions

1. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside to cool.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, grated ginger, garlic, and Sriracha until smooth.
3. Combine cooled noodles with thinly sliced vegetables in a large bowl.
4. Drizzle peanut dressing over the noodle mixture and toss gently until well coated.
5. Serve immediately or chill for later enjoyment.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 17 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 300g)
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 810mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 0mg