Thai-Inspired Cold Noodle Salad
Thai-Inspired Cold Noodle Salad is light, refreshing, and bursting with flavor.Tender rice noodles provide the perfect base for crisp vegetables.Fresh herbs add brightness and authentic Thai-inspired aroma.Creamy peanut lime dressing delivers a delicious balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.The recipe is highly customizable with your favorite protein or vegetables.Perfect for meal prep, picnics, lunches, and healthy family dinners.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 8 ounces rice noodles or rice vermicelli
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shelled edamame, cooked
- 3 green onions, sliced
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves
- ¼ cup Thai basil leaves (optional)
- ¼ cup roasted peanuts, chopped
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- Lime wedges for serving
Optional Protein
- Grilled chicken
- Grilled shrimp
- Crispy tofu
- Grilled steak
- Baked salmon
For the Peanut Lime Dressing
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce
- 2–4 tablespoons warm water to thin the dressing
Instructions
- Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions until just tender.
- Drain and rinse the noodles under cold water until completely cooled.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, garlic, ginger, and sriracha until smooth.
- Add warm water gradually until the dressing reaches a creamy, pourable consistency.
- Place the cooled noodles in a large serving bowl.
- Add the cabbage, carrots, cucumber, bell pepper, edamame, green onions, cilantro, mint, and Thai basil.
- Pour the peanut lime dressing over the salad and toss gently until evenly coated.
- Top with roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, and serve with fresh lime wedges.
Notes
- Rinse the noodles thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Use natural peanut butter for the best flavor.
- Fresh herbs make a significant difference in taste.
- Adjust the dressing thickness with warm water.
- Add dressing just before serving for the freshest texture.
- Chill the salad for 20 minutes before serving if desired.
- Store the dressing separately for meal prep.
- Garnish generously with peanuts and herbs.