Asian Noodle Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe

Introduction

This Asian Noodle Salad with Peanut Dressing is a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for a light lunch or side. Packed with fresh vegetables and a creamy, spicy peanut sauce, it’s both refreshing and satisfying. Easy to prepare, it also pairs wonderfully with grilled proteins.

A large white bowl filled with a colorful noodle salad featuring three main layers: light brown noodles forming the base, topped with thin strips of bright orange carrots, deep purple red cabbage, and red bell peppers, all mixed evenly. The salad is scattered with fresh green cilantro leaves and small pieces of light tan peanuts, adding texture. The bowl sits on a clean white marbled surface with a few loose cilantro leaves and peanuts around it. At the right side of the bowl, a pair of wooden chopsticks rests partially inside the salad. A soft pink cloth is placed below the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces udon noodles (cooked)
  • 1 cup carrot (shredded)
  • 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
  • 3 cups red cabbage (shredded)
  • ¼ cup cilantro (roughly chopped)
  • 2 green onions (sliced)
  • 1 Fresno chili (thinly sliced)
  • ¼ cup peanuts (chopped)
  • 4 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 teaspoons Sriracha sauce
  • 1 teaspoon ginger (grated)
  • 1 clove garlic (grated)
  • 3 tablespoons crunchy peanut butter

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook the udon noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and transfer them to a large serving bowl.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, Sriracha, grated ginger, grated garlic, and crunchy peanut butter until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Pour the dressing over the warm noodles and toss gently. Allow the noodles to absorb the flavors as they cool down.
  4. Step 4: Thinly slice the red cabbage using a mandolin or sharp knife. Julienne the carrot and red bell pepper into matchsticks. Slice the green onions, chop the cilantro, and thinly slice the Fresno chili.
  5. Step 5: Once the noodles are at room temperature, add all the prepared vegetables, herbs, and chopped peanuts. Toss everything together to combine evenly. Serve immediately or chilled with grilled chicken, fish, or steak.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra crunch, add toasted sesame seeds or chopped cashews on top before serving.
  • Substitute udon noodles with soba or rice noodles for a different texture.
  • If you prefer a milder dressing, reduce the amount of Sriracha or omit the Fresno chili.
  • Add shredded cooked chicken or tofu for a complete meal.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best kept without the peanuts to maintain their crunch; add them just before serving. Reheat the salad lightly or enjoy it cold for the best texture and flavor.

How to Serve

The dish is a colorful noodle salad with three main layers. The base layer is thick, light brown noodles that curve and twist throughout the plate. On top of the noodles is a mix of thinly sliced purple cabbage, thin orange carrot sticks, and bright red bell pepper strips, creating vibrant bursts of color. Scattered across the top are fresh green cilantro leaves and small pieces of chopped cashews, adding texture and a fresh look against the vegetables. The dish is presented on a white plate over a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the noodles and dressing in advance, but it’s best to add the fresh vegetables and peanuts just before serving to keep the salad crisp.

What if I don’t have Fresno chili?

You can substitute Fresno chili with jalapeño or red chili flakes depending on your heat preference.

Print
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Asian Noodle Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe


  • Author: Mariam
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This vibrant Asian Noodle Salad with Peanut Dressing is a delicious and refreshing dish featuring tender udon noodles tossed with crisp vegetables and herbs, all coated in a creamy, flavorful peanut sauce. Perfect as a light meal or a side dish to grilled meats, this salad combines sweet, spicy, and savory elements for a balanced taste experience.


Ingredients

Scale

Noodles

  • 8 ounces udon noodles (cooked)

Vegetables

  • 1 cup carrot (shredded or julienned)
  • 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
  • 3 cups red cabbage (shredded, very thinly sliced)
  • ¼ cup cilantro (roughly chopped)
  • 2 green onions (sliced)
  • 1 Fresno chili (thinly sliced)
  • ¼ cup peanuts (chopped)

Dressing

  • 4 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 teaspoons Sriracha sauce
  • 1 teaspoon ginger (grated)
  • 1 clove garlic (grated)
  • 3 tablespoons crunchy peanut butter

Instructions

  1. Cook the noodles: Prepare the udon noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain them thoroughly and transfer to a large serving bowl to allow them to cool slightly.
  2. Prepare the peanut dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, Sriracha sauce, grated ginger, grated garlic, and crunchy peanut butter until smooth and well combined.
  3. Toss noodles with dressing: Pour the dressing over the warm noodles so they can absorb the flavors while cooling down to room temperature. This step helps the noodles soak up the rich peanut mixture.
  4. Prep the vegetables: Thinly slice the red cabbage using a mandolin slicer to achieve very fine shreds. Julienne the carrot and red bell pepper into matchsticks. Chop the green onions and roughly chop the cilantro. Thinly slice the Fresno chili for a mild heat.
  5. Combine salad: Once the noodles have cooled, add all the prepared vegetables, herbs, and chopped peanuts to the bowl. Toss everything together gently to ensure the peanut dressing coats all the ingredients evenly.
  6. Serve: Enjoy the Asian Noodle Salad as a refreshing standalone dish or paired with grilled chicken, fish, or steak for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Use a mandolin slicer for the cabbage to get the thinnest slices possible for better texture and presentation.
  • If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the Fresno chili and Sriracha sauce according to your taste.
  • This salad is best served at room temperature or chilled.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Toss before serving as dressing may settle.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Asian

Keywords: Asian noodle salad, peanut dressing, udon noodles, vegetarian salad, Asian cuisine, healthy noodles, peanut sauce salad

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