Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad

Featured in: Light Greens, Bowls & Garden Sides

This spicy peanut noodle salad combines tender rice noodles with crisp fresh vegetables like carrot, bell pepper, cucumber, and snap peas, tossed in a creamy peanut dressing. The dressing blends peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and a touch of chili, creating a balanced flavor that's both bold and refreshing. Topped with roasted peanuts and sesame seeds, it offers a delightful crunchy finish. Ideal for a quick lunch or light dinner, this dish embraces Asian-inspired flavors and can easily be adapted for gluten-free and vegan diets.

Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 02:17:39 GMT
A colorful, close-up view of Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad with vibrant vegetables and a creamy dressing. Save
A colorful, close-up view of Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad with vibrant vegetables and a creamy dressing. | meadowcinder.com

Experience a delightful fusion of textures and flavors with this Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad. Crisp, fresh vegetables mingle with tender noodles, all bathed in a creamy, spicy peanut dressing that brings Asian-inspired vibrancy to your table. Whether you're seeking a refreshing lunch or a light dinner, this recipe delivers energy and satisfaction in every bite.

A colorful, close-up view of Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad with vibrant vegetables and a creamy dressing. Save
A colorful, close-up view of Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad with vibrant vegetables and a creamy dressing. | meadowcinder.com

The balance of creamy peanut butter and zesty lime juice in the dressing brightens the dish, while toasted sesame oil and a hint of heat from sriracha add depth. Topped with crunchy peanuts and sesame seeds, this salad is as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Ingredients

  • Noodles
    • 250 g rice noodles or soba noodles
    • Water, for boiling
  • Vegetables
    • 1 medium carrot, julienned
    • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
    • 1 small cucumber, julienned
    • 100 g sugar snap peas, halved
    • 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
    • 1 handful fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Spicy Peanut Dressing
    • 4 tbsp creamy peanut butter
    • 2 tbsp soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
    • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
    • 1 tbsp lime juice
    • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
    • 1–2 tsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce (to taste)
    • 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
    • 2–4 tbsp warm water (to thin dressing)
  • Toppings
    • 2 tbsp roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
    • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
    • Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

1. Cook the noodles according to package instructions.
Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
2. Prepare all vegetables as directed and set aside.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, honey or maple syrup, sriracha, and sesame oil.
Add warm water gradually until the dressing is smooth and pourable.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles and vegetables.
Add the peanut dressing and toss until everything is well coated.
5. Divide the salad among bowls.
Top with roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Be sure to rinse the noodles well after cooking to prevent them from sticking together and to cool them down for a refreshing salad. Gradually add warm water to the peanut dressing until it reaches the perfect consistency for coating the noodles and vegetables evenly.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Boost the protein content by adding grilled tofu, chicken, or shrimp. To keep this dish gluten-free, choose rice noodles and tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of sriracha according to your taste preferences.

Serviervorschläge

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This salad is perfect served chilled or at room temperature. Garnish with extra cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice for an aromatic finish. Pair it with a light soup or steamed dumplings to complete an Asian-inspired meal.

Steaming Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad glistening with a flavorful peanut sauce, perfect for dinner. Save
Steaming Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad glistening with a flavorful peanut sauce, perfect for dinner. | meadowcinder.com

This Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad is a versatile and vibrant dish that fits effortlessly into your weekly routine. With fresh ingredients and a bold dressing, it’s a celebration of flavor and texture—easy to make and enjoyable anytime you need a nutritious, exciting meal.

Recipe FAQs

What type of noodles work best for this dish?

Rice noodles or soba noodles are ideal as they absorb the dressing well and maintain a tender texture.

Can I adjust the spice level in the dressing?

Yes, simply increase or decrease the amount of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to match your preferred spice heat.

How do I make the salad gluten-free?

Use gluten-free rice noodles and tamari in place of regular soy sauce to ensure the dish is gluten-free.

What can I add for extra protein?

Grilled tofu, chicken, or shrimp are great additions to boost protein while complementing the dish’s flavors.

How should leftovers be stored?

Keep the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days for best freshness.

Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad

A vibrant bowl of noodles with fresh vegetables and a creamy, spicy peanut dressing.

Time to prep
20 minutes
Time to cook
10 minutes
Time needed
30 minutes
Author Lily Harris


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Asian-Inspired

Makes 4 Portions

Diet info Plant-based, No Dairy

What You Need

Noodles

01 8.8 oz rice noodles or soba noodles
02 Water, as needed for boiling

Vegetables

01 1 medium carrot, julienned
02 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
03 1 small cucumber, julienned
04 3.5 oz sugar snap peas, halved
05 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
06 1 handful fresh cilantro, chopped

Spicy Peanut Dressing

01 4 tbsp creamy peanut butter
02 2 tbsp soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
03 1 tbsp rice vinegar
04 1 tbsp lime juice
05 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
06 1–2 tsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce, to taste
07 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
08 2–4 tbsp warm water, to thin dressing

Toppings

01 2 tbsp roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
02 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
03 Lime wedges, for serving

Directions

Step 01

Cook Noodles: Prepare noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking, then set aside.

Step 02

Prepare Vegetables: Julienne carrot and cucumber, thinly slice red bell pepper and spring onions, halve sugar snap peas, and chop cilantro, then set aside.

Step 03

Make Peanut Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, honey or maple syrup, sriracha, and sesame oil. Gradually add warm water until dressing reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.

Step 04

Combine Salad: In a large bowl, toss cooked noodles with prepared vegetables and peanut dressing until fully coated.

Step 05

Serve with Toppings: Divide salad into bowls and garnish with roasted peanuts, toasted sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro. Serve lime wedges on the side.

Tools Needed

  • Large pot for boiling noodles
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Knife and cutting board

Allergy warnings

Scan all components for allergens and seek medical advice if unsure.
  • Contains peanuts, soy, and sesame.
  • May contain gluten depending on noodle and soy sauce choice.

Nutrition breakdown (one portion)

For informational use only. Not a substitute for healthcare advice.
  • Calorie count: 420
  • Fat content: 16 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 58 grams
  • Protein amount: 12 grams