This Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing is a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion, from picnics to barbecues or even a quick lunch. With its mix of fresh vegetables and a spicy peanut dressing, this salad is not only easy to prepare but also bursting with taste. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a standout choice that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This salad can be whipped up in just 27 minutes, making it ideal for busy days.
- Fresh Ingredients: Crisp vegetables like red cabbage and carrots add crunch and nutrients, enhancing the overall health benefits.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a side dish or a main course; this salad fits into any meal plan.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week without losing flavor or freshness.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite proteins or other veggies for a personalized touch.
Tools and Preparation
To make this Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to help streamline the process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large salad bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Mandolin slicer (optional)
- Cooking pot
Importance of Each Tool
- Large salad bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to mix all ingredients thoroughly without spilling.
- Small mixing bowl: Perfect for combining the peanut dressing ingredients efficiently.
- Mandolin slicer: Makes slicing vegetables like cabbage and carrots quick and precise, ensuring uniform pieces.
Ingredients
This Asian Noodle Salad with thinly sliced red cabbage, julienned carrots, radishes, and 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 Egg Noodles
Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Be careful not to overcook them since Asian noodles typically cook faster than Italian pasta.
Step 2: Prepare the Peanut Dressing
While the noodles are cooking, combine the following ingredients in a small bowl:
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
After mixing well, drain the noodles and place them in a large salad bowl. Pour the peanut dressing over the hot noodles so they can absorb all the flavors properly. Let them cool until they reach room temperature.
Step 3: Slice the Vegetables
As the noodles cool down:
– Slice red cabbage very thinly using a mandolin slicer if you have one.
– Julienne the carrot.
– Slice radishes thinly.
– Chop cilantro and slice green onions.
Step 4: Combine All Ingredients
Once the noodles have cooled down:
– Add sliced red cabbage, radishes, julienned carrots, green onion, cilantro, and sesame seeds into the salad bowl with noodles.
– Toss everything together gently until well combined.
Enjoy your refreshing Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing as a delightful side dish or light meal!
How to Serve Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing
This Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing is a vibrant and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a picnic or looking for a light lunch, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining experience.
As a Standalone Meal
- This salad is filling enough to be served on its own, making it an excellent choice for lunch or dinner.
With Grilled Proteins
- Pair your salad with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for added protein and flavor.
In Lettuce Wraps
- Serve the noodle salad inside crisp lettuce leaves for a fun and healthy twist.
As a Side Dish
- This salad complements many main dishes, from stir-fries to barbecued meats, adding a refreshing crunch.
With Extra Toppings
- Enhance your salad with additional toppings like crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, or extra cilantro for added texture and flavor.
Chilled as a Picnic Delight
- Prepare the salad ahead of time and chill it for a refreshing addition to any picnic or outdoor gathering.
How to Perfect Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing
To make your Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing even more delightful, consider these helpful tips.
- Cook noodles carefully: Avoid overcooking the noodles; they should be al dente for the best texture.
- Use fresh vegetables: Fresh ingredients enhance both flavor and nutrition. Look for vibrant and crisp veggies.
- Adjust dressing spice: Customize the Sriracha or chili flakes according to your heat preference for the perfect kick.
- Chill before serving: Letting the salad sit in the fridge allows flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Experiment with herbs: Try adding fresh herbs like mint or basil to create unique flavor profiles.
- Make it ahead: This dish can be prepped a day in advance, making it great for meal prep!
Best Side Dishes for Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing
Pairing side dishes with your Asian Noodle Salad can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options to consider:
- Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated and grilled skewers offer smoky flavors that complement the freshness of the salad.
- Spring Rolls: Fresh or fried spring rolls add crunch and are perfect for dipping in peanut sauce.
- Edamame Beans: Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt provides a nutritious protein boost.
- Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad with rice vinegar adds brightness that pairs wonderfully with the peanut dressing.
- Fried Tofu Bites: Crispy tofu bites bring texture and protein, making them an excellent addition next to your salad.
- Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup balances the coolness of the noodle salad perfectly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making an Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some to watch out for:
- Overcooking noodles: Cooking the egg noodles for too long can make them mushy. Follow the package instructions closely and test for doneness earlier than suggested.
- Skipping the peanut dressing: The dressing is essential for flavor. Don’t skip or skimp on ingredients; they all work together to create a delicious balance.
- Not cooling the noodles properly: Pouring the dressing over hot noodles is great for absorption, but if you don’t let them cool to room temperature, they can become soggy.
- Ignoring vegetable preparation: Using thick slices of vegetables can throw off the texture. Ensure you thinly slice the cabbage, carrots, and radishes for a crunchy finish.
- Using low-quality soy sauce: The flavor of your Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing relies heavily on soy sauce. Opt for a good quality brand like Kikkoman for better taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing
- Freezing is not recommended as it may alter the texture of the noodles and vegetables.
- If necessary, freeze only the peanut dressing separately in a sealed bag or container.
Reheating Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm covered with foil for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals (30 seconds), stirring between until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Add a splash of water and heat gently over low heat while stirring, ensuring not to overcook the noodles again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing?
Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing is a vibrant dish made with medium egg noodles, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful peanut dressing. It’s perfect as a side or light meal.
Can I make Asian Noodle Salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this salad ahead of time. Just store it without dressing until you’re ready to serve to maintain freshness.
What variations can I try with this salad?
Feel free to customize your Asian Noodle Salad by adding proteins like chicken or tofu, or other vegetables such as bell peppers or cucumbers for added crunch.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes! Simply use maple syrup instead of honey in the peanut dressing to make it vegan-friendly while keeping all flavors intact.
How do I adjust spiciness in the salad?
You can control spiciness by adjusting the amount of Sriracha sauce or using milder chili flakes. For less heat, reduce these ingredients according to your preference.
Final Thoughts
This Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures that makes it perfect for any occasion. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various proteins or veggies based on your taste preferences. Try making this refreshing salad today; it’s sure to become a favorite!
Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing
Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing is a colorful and refreshing dish that brings together the crunch of fresh vegetables and the rich flavors of a creamy peanut dressing. This salad is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a quick lunch option. With its vibrant mix of ingredients like red cabbage, carrots, and radishes, this salad not only pleases the palate but also offers a nutritious boost.
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
Ingredients
- 150g medium egg noodles
- 1 large carrot (julienned)
- 5 radishes (sliced)
- 3 cups red cabbage (thinly sliced)
- 10g cilantro
- 2–3 green onions (sliced)
- 2 tbsp chunky peanut butter
- 1 tbsp honey
- 4 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tsp Sriracha sauce
Instructions
- Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente.
- While noodles cook, mix peanut butter, honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, Sriracha, ginger, and garlic in a small bowl to create the dressing.
- Once cooked, drain the noodles and combine them with the dressing in a large bowl while still warm.
- Allow noodles to cool to room temperature before adding sliced vegetables: red cabbage, carrots, radishes, cilantro, and green onions.
- Toss everything together gently until well combined.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Salad/Main
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg