Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing

This Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing is a vibrant and flavorful dish that shines at picnics, barbecues, or lunchtime gatherings. With its crunchy vegetables and creamy peanut dressing, it offers a delightful blend of textures and tastes that everyone will love. Not only is this salad easy to make, but it’s also incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite ingredients. This recipe stands out for its quick preparation time and fresh flavors that can brighten up any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This salad takes just 27 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy days.
• Fresh and Crunchy: The combination of red cabbage, carrots, and radishes adds a refreshing crunch that complements the creamy dressing.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a picnic, barbecue, or a simple lunch at home, this salad fits right in.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite proteins or other veggies to make it your own.
• Delicious Flavor: The spicy peanut dressing packs a punch that enhances the overall taste of the salad.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing, you’ll need some essential tools. These will help streamline the preparation process and ensure everything is done efficiently.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large salad bowl
• Mandolin slicer (optional)
• Small mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Cooking pot

Importance of Each Tool

• Large salad bowl: Provides ample space for mixing all ingredients without spilling.
• Mandolin slicer: Ensures even slicing of vegetables for uniform texture.
• Small mixing bowl: Ideal for combining the peanut dressing ingredients without cluttering your workspace.

Ingredients

This Asian Noodle Salad features an array of fresh ingredients that come together beautifully in a spicy peanut dressing:

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)

How to Make Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Be mindful not to overcook them since Asian noodles cook faster than Italian pasta.

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 cooling until reaching room temperature.

Step 3: Slice the Vegetables

While the noodles cool, prepare your vegetables:
– Slice red cabbage very thinly using a mandolin slicer if you have one.
– Cut carrot into thin julienne strips.
– Slice radishes thinly.
– Slice green onions and chop cilantro.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Once the noodles are cooled to room temperature, add:
– Sliced red cabbage
– Sliced radishes
– Julienned carrots
– Green onion
– Chopped cilantro
– Sesame seeds

Toss everything together gently to combine well before serving.

How to Serve Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing

This Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing is not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve it in various ways to enhance your dining experience.

As a Main Course

• Serve it as a filling main dish topped with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.

At a Picnic

• Pack the salad in portable containers, making it perfect for outdoor gatherings, where its refreshing taste shines.

With Extra Toppings

• Add crushed peanuts or sesame seeds on top for an extra crunch.

As a Side Dish

• Pair it with grilled meats or tofu for a balanced meal that complements the rich flavors of the salad.

For Meal Prep

• Prepare the salad in advance and store it in the fridge for quick lunches throughout the week.

How to Perfect Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing

To achieve the best results with your Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing, follow these simple tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables will enhance the flavor and texture of your salad.
• Adjust spice levels: Modify the amount of Sriracha based on your heat preference, ensuring everyone enjoys it.
• Cool noodles properly: Allow the noodles to cool completely before adding vegetables to maintain their crispness.
• Mix well: Toss all ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors from the peanut dressing.
• Chill before serving: Letting the salad sit in the fridge for 30 minutes allows flavors to meld beautifully.
• Experiment with proteins: Add chicken, tofu, or edamame for a heartier version that caters to different diets.

Best Side Dishes for Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing

This vibrant salad pairs well with several side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken skewers provide a savory contrast and pair nicely with the nutty dressing.
2. Spring Rolls: Fresh or fried spring rolls make for a light and crunchy counterpart to this noodle dish.
3. Edamame Beans: Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt adds protein and fiber while keeping it healthy.
4. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with vinegar dressing offers a crisp bite that balances well.
5. Teriyaki Tofu: Sweet and savory teriyaki tofu can enhance the meal’s flavor profile and appeal to vegetarians.
6. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup provides comfort and pairs perfectly with cold noodle salads.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Overcooking the noodles: Asian noodles cook quickly. Follow the package instructions closely to ensure they remain al dente and don’t become mushy.
• Skipping the hot noodles step: Pouring the peanut dressing over hot noodles helps them absorb the flavors better. Make sure not to let them cool completely before adding the dressing.
• Neglecting vegetable preparation: Thinly slicing your vegetables is crucial for texture and flavor balance. Use a mandolin if possible for consistent slices.
• Using too much peanut butter: Stick to the recipe’s specified amount of chunky peanut butter. Too much can overwhelm other flavors in the salad.
• Ignoring personal taste adjustments: Feel free to adjust spice levels or ingredient ratios based on your preferences. The beauty of this salad is its flexibility!

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best freshness.
• Keep the dressing separate if possible to maintain crunchiness.

Freezing Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing

• Freezing is not recommended for this salad as it may affect texture.
• If necessary, freeze only the cooked noodles without vegetables or dressing.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before use.

Reheating Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place salad in an oven-safe dish, and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short increments (30 seconds) until warm, stirring occasionally.
• Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or dressing to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What variations can I try with Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing?

You can add proteins like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Additionally, consider mixing different vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for added crunch.

Can I make this Asian Noodle Salad gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute regular soy sauce with gluten-free tamari and ensure your noodles are gluten-free as well.

How can I customize the spice level of my Peanut Dressing?

Adjust the Sriracha sauce according to your taste. You can also add more ginger or crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Is Asian Noodle Salad healthy?

Absolutely! This salad is packed with fresh vegetables and provides a good balance of protein and carbs from the egg noodles and peanut butter.

Final Thoughts

Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing is a delightful dish that combines vibrant flavors and textures. Its versatility lets you customize ingredients based on your preferences, making it perfect for picnics, barbecues, or quick lunches. Try this recipe today and enjoy how easy it is to create a healthy meal that everyone will love!