Thai Noodle Salad with Peanut Dressing

 

A vibrant, crunchy Thai-inspired noodle salad bursting with colourful vegetables, rice noodles, and topped with toasted cashews, all dressed in a sweet, salty, and tangy peanut dressing. Light yet satisfying, it’s perfect for meal prep and tastes even better the next day.

Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 25 mins | Servings: 4

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Ingredients

For the Noodle Salad Base:

• 200g rice noodles (or soba noodles)
• 1 cup shredded red cabbage
• 1 large carrot, julienned or grated
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup edamame (shelled, cooked)
• 3 spring onions, thinly sliced
• ½ cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
• ⅓ cup toasted cashews or peanuts
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds

For the Peanut Dressing:

• 4 tbsp peanut butter (smooth)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 3–4 tbsp warm water (to thin)
• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Cook the noodles: Cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
2. Make the dressing: In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, rice vinegar, maple syrup, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and warm water (add gradually) until smooth and pourable. Taste and adjust seasoning.
3. Prepare the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled noodles, red cabbage, carrot, bell pepper, edamame, and spring onions.
4. Toss everything together: Pour the peanut dressing over the salad and toss well until evenly coated.
5. Serve: Divide into serving bowls and top with cilantro, toasted cashews, and sesame seeds.
6. Store (optional): Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep nuts separate until serving to maintain crunch.

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Notes

• Gluten-Free Option: Use rice noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce.
• Nut-Free Option: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and skip peanuts/cashews.
• Spice Level: Add extra chili flakes or drizzle sriracha for more heat.
• Meal Prep Tip: Store dressing separately and toss just before serving to keep noodles fresh.
• Serving Idea: Best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature for maximum flavor.

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