Name: Thai Noodle Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: ⅓ cup peanut butter; 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce; 1 tbsp soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free option); 1 lime, juiced; 3 tbsp water (or more to thin); 2 cups cooked noodles (rice noodles or vegan chow mein noodles are best); 1½ cups edamame, thawed if frozen; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 2 carrots, julienned; 1 small red onion, diced; 2 cups red cabbage, thinly sliced; 1 handful cilantro, diced; 3 green onions, diced; 3 tbsp peanuts, crushed

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If you’re craving a fresh, vibrant, and totally delicious dish that feels like a burst of summer in every bite, this Thai Noodle Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender noodles with crunchy veggies and a rich, nutty peanut dressing, it’s a harmonious blend of textures and flavors inspired by East Asian cuisine. Whether served as a light lunch or a side at dinner, this salad is as satisfying as it is colorful, making it a new favorite to whip up again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl with a dark patterned rim holds smooth, thick, light brown sauce. A shiny silver spoon dips into the sauce, lifting a rounded scoop with a creamy, glossy texture. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and there is even lighting with soft shadows. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Thai Noodle Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays a crucial role—from refreshing crunch to creamy, tangy dressing complexity. These carefully chosen ingredients come together to create a dish that’s balanced, colorful, and bursting with flavor.

Peanut butter: Choose a smooth, natural peanut butter for the creamiest dressing base with authentic flavor.
Sweet chili sauce: Adds a perfect sweet and mildly spicy kick to contrast the nutty richness.
Soy sauce or tamari: Provides a salty, umami depth that enhances all the other ingredients.
Lime juice: Brightens the dressing with a fresh citrus zing that lifts the entire salad.
Water: Used to thin out the dressing to just the right consistency for coating the noodles and veggies.
Rice noodles or vegan chow mein noodles: Cook to al dente for a tender, satisfying base that soaks up the dressing beautifully.
Edamame: Adds a creamy texture and protein-packed punch, balancing the salad’s crunch.
Red bell pepper: Thinly sliced to contribute sweetness and vibrant color.
Carrots: Julienned for a crisp, fresh bite that pairs perfectly with the chewy noodles.
Red onion: Diced finely for a sharp, savory note that cuts through the creaminess.
Red cabbage: Thinly sliced to add crunch and a gorgeous purple hue.
Cilantro: Fresh and aromatic, this herb brings a herbal brightness to each forkful.
Green onions: Diced for mild onion flavor and pops of green.
Peanuts: Crushed to sprinkle on top for a delightful final crunch and extra peanut flavor.

How to Make Thai Noodle Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the peanut dressing

Start by combining the peanut butter, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce or tamari, and fresh lime juice in a small jar or bowl. Whisk everything together until it forms a smooth, thick sauce. Gradually add water, a tablespoon at a time, until your dressing reaches a creamy yet pourable consistency perfect for coating all the salad ingredients without weighing them down.

Step 2: Cook the noodles

Cook your choice of rice noodles or vegan chow mein noodles according to package directions. Be careful not to overcook—aim for al dente so the noodles have a little bite and don’t turn mushy. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and keep them cool for the salad.

Step 3: Prepare the vegetables

While the noodles are cooking, prep your vegetables by slicing the red bell pepper thinly, julienning the carrots, finely dicing the red onion, and thinly slicing the red cabbage. Toss in the thawed edamame, diced cilantro, and green onions. Each vegetable brings a unique crunch and brightness, complementing the creamy dressing wonderfully.

Step 4: Toss everything together

In a large bowl, combine your cooled noodles with all the prepped vegetables. Pour over your freshly whisked peanut dressing, then toss everything tenderly but thoroughly. This ensures every mouthful is coated in that luscious, nutty flavor while keeping the salad light and fresh.

How to Serve Thai Noodle Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe

A clear glass jar with a light wooden lid holds a colorful layered salad. The bottom layer is a smooth orange sauce, followed by a layer of white noodles. Above the noodles are thin orange carrot strips, then pieces of purple cabbage. On top of the cabbage are fresh green herbs, likely cilantro, and finally, the uppermost layer consists of whole light brown peanuts. The jar is placed on a white marbled surface with a fork resting behind it, a bowl of mixed salad with orange carrot strips blurred in the background, and a half lime and a small bowl with green herbs on the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To take your Thai Noodle Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe to the next level, sprinkle crushed peanuts over the top for added texture and an extra burst of peanut flavor. If you love a bit of heat, add a few sliced fresh chilies or a drizzle of sriracha. A few sprigs of fresh cilantro can make it pop with herbal freshness and vibrant green color.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with light grilled proteins like chicken satay, shrimp skewers, or tofu for a well-rounded meal. For a vegetarian or vegan feast, serve it alongside steamed dumplings or sticky rice to keep those bold Thai-inspired flavors flowing.

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching presentation at your next gathering, layer the salad ingredients and peanut dressing in a clear jar for salad jars to reveal all those wonderful colors. Alternatively, serve it in a large platter with chopped peanuts and herbs scattered on top, inviting guests to dig in family-style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover Thai Noodle Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. For the freshest texture, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to prevent the noodles and veggies from becoming soggy.

Freezing

Due to the fresh vegetables and the creamy peanut dressing, this salad is not an ideal candidate for freezing. The texture of the noodles and vegetables will deteriorate, and the dressing may separate upon thawing.

Reheating

This dish is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you do prefer it slightly warmed, gently heat without the dressing, then toss with fresh dressing to retain that perfect balance of flavors and textures.

FAQs

Can I use other noodles for this salad?

Absolutely! While rice noodles and vegan chow mein noodles work best due to their texture and ability to soak up the dressing, you can experiment with soba noodles or even thin spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, it can easily be gluten-free by using tamari instead of regular soy sauce and checking that your noodles do not contain wheat. Always double-check the labels to be sure.

How spicy is the salad?

This Thai Noodle Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe has a gentle warmth from the sweet chili sauce, but it’s not overly spicy. You can adjust the heat by adding fresh chili slices or more chili sauce to suit your taste.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Definitely! The recipe as given is naturally vegan, assuming you use a plant-based noodle. Just be sure your chili sauce and soy sauce are vegan-friendly as well.

What can I substitute if I don’t have edamame?

If edamame is not available, green peas or chopped sugar snap peas make excellent substitutes that provide similar color, texture, and a touch of sweetness.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about this Thai Noodle Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe—how effortlessly it balances creamy, crunchy, sweet, and tangy elements all in one bowl. Whether you’re craving a light meal or a stunning side dish, giving this recipe a try is sure to make your taste buds sit up and smile. So grab those fresh ingredients, whip up that luscious peanut dressing, and enjoy a salad that feels like sunshine on a plate.

Thai Noodle Salad with Peanut Dressing Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need