Thai Noodle Salad with Peanut Sauce Recipe

This delightful Thai noodle salad with peanut sauce recipe is an exciting culinary adventure that combines refreshing vegetables, succulent mango, and tender pad thai rice noodles in an exotic peanut dressing. It's a refreshing and hearty salad, perfect for a light lunch or a dinner starter.

Photos of Thai Noodle Salad with Peanut Sauce Recipe

This recipe calls for several distinctive and flavorful ingredients that you might not readily find in your pantry, namely pad thai rice noodles, fish sauce, sriracha, and possibly a ripe mango. Pad Thai rice noodles are thin, flat noodles easily found in the Asian aisle of any supermarket. The fish sauce, key to Thai cuisine, imparts a unique umami flavor. Sriracha, a type of hot sauce, provides a spicy kick. Lastly, consider picking a ripe mango for the perfect blend of sweetness.

Ingredients for Thai Noodle Salad with Peanut Sauce

Romaine lettuce: A crunchy green that forms the base of the salad.

Red cabbage: Adds a pop of color and a slightly bitter taste.

Red bell pepper: Provides a sweet crunch.

Carrot: Adds a crisp texture and a slightly sweet flavor.

Mango: Offers a sweet and tropical flavor.

Cilantro leaves: Lends a fresh, citrusy flavor.

Green onions: Gives a mild, oniony taste.

Peanuts: Offers a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.

Pad thai rice noodles: Serve as the hearty base of the salad.

Creamy peanut butter: Serves as the base for the dressing.

Lime juice: Offers a refreshing tang.

Brown sugar: Balances out the tang with a bit of sweetness.

Rice wine vinegar: Adds depth and acidity.

Soy sauce: Brings a salty, umami flavor.

Sesame oil: Provides an aromatic, nutty taste.

Fish sauce: Gives a distinctive umami flavor.

Sriracha: Adds a spicy kick.

Ginger: Lends a warm, zesty bite.

Garlic: Offers a robust and savory flavor.

One reader, Johna Lovelace says:

This Thai noodle salad with peanut sauce recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are incredibly vibrant and the peanut dressing is to die for. The combination of fresh veggies, mango, and the creamy peanut sauce is simply divine. It's a must-try for anyone who loves Thai cuisine!

Johna Lovelace

Techniques Required for Thai Noodle Salad With Peanut Sauce Recipe

How to cook rice noodles: Boil 3 quarts of water in a large pot, add the rice noodles, and cook for about 5 minutes until tender. Drain and rinse with cool water until cold.

How to prepare peanut dressing: Whisk together peanut butter, lime juice, water, brown sugar, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, fish sauce, sriracha, ginger, and garlic until smooth in a small bowl.

How to assemble the salad: Add the rice noodles to a bowl with vegetables, herbs, and peanuts. Pour half of the dressing over the salad and garnish with additional cilantro leaves, green onions, and chopped peanuts. Serve the remaining dressing on the side.

How To Make Thai Noodle Salad with Peanut Sauce

Enjoy a delicious blend of flavors in this Thai noodle salad. It’s packed with veggies and roasted peanuts tossed in a sweet-savory sauce for a richer meal!

Preparation: 25 minutes

Cooking: 5 minutes

Total: 30 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

For Salad:

2cupsromaine lettuce,(1 small head)
2cupsred cabbage,(¼ head)
1large red bell pepper
½cupcarrot,(1 large), shredded
1mango
¼cupcilantro leaves,plus more for garnish
¼cupgreen onions,plus more for garnish
¼cuppeanuts,roasted, roughly chopped, plus more for garnish
8ozpad Thai rice noodles

For Peanut Dressing:

⅓cupcreamy peanut butter
3tbsplime juice
3tbspwater
3tbspbrown sugar
4tsprice wine vinegar
4tspsoy sauce
1tspsesame oil
¼tspfish sauce
½tspsriracha,or chili paste
½tspginger,minced
½tspgarlic,minced

Instructions

Bring 3 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add the rice noodles, stirring occasionally, and cook for about 5 minutes until tender.
Transfer to a colander, drain, and rinse with cool water until noodles are cold. Allow to drain well until ready to add to the salad. If noodles stick together, rinse them in cool water to separate.
Put a large serving bowl nearby.
Cut the romaine lettuce into ¼-inch thin strips the short way. Cut the cabbage into ¼-inch thin strips. Thinly slice the bell pepper. Peel the mango and cut it into slices ⅛-inch thick. Chop the cilantro. Thinly slice the green onions.
Add the lettuce, cabbage, bell pepper, carrot, mango, cilantro, green onions, and peanuts into the serving bowl. Set aside.

Dressing:

In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, lime juice, water, brown sugar, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, fish sauce, sriracha, ginger, and garlic until smooth.

To Assemble:

Add the rice noodles to the bowl with vegetables, herbs, and peanuts. Pour half of the dressing over the salad.
Garnish salad with additional cilantro leaves, green onions, and chopped peanuts. Serve the remaining dressing on the side, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 533.09kcal
Fat: 17.73g
Saturated Fat: 3.17g
Trans Fat: 0.02g
Monounsaturated Fat: 8.50g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.91g
Carbohydrates: 84.15g
Fiber: 8.04g
Sugar: 27.35g
Protein: 13.97g
Sodium: 472.20mg
Calcium: 109.73mg
Potassium: 823.75mg
Iron: 2.74mg
Vitamin A: 396.11µg
Vitamin C: 140.54mg

Technique Tip for Making Thai Noodle Salad With Peanut Sauce

To ensure your peanut sauce has the perfect consistency, add the liquids slowly while whisking. This will help to emulsify the ingredients and prevent the sauce from becoming too thick or clumpy. If the sauce does become too thick, simply whisk in a bit more water until the desired consistency is reached.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Thai Noodle Salad

Prep ahead: Chop and prepare all the vegetables and herbs in advance to save time when assembling the salad.

Use pre-made sauce: Consider using store-bought peanut sauce to save time on making the dressing from scratch.

Quick-cook noodles: Opt for quick-cook rice noodles to reduce the cooking time for the salad.

One-pot cooking: Cook the noodles and blanch the vegetables in the same pot to minimize clean-up time.

Double batch: Make a larger portion and store the leftovers for a quick and convenient meal the next day.

Organize ingredients: Lay out all the ingredients and utensils before starting to streamline the cooking process.

Prep station: Set up a designated prep station with all the necessary tools and ingredients to work efficiently.

Multi-task: While the noodles are cooking, use that time to prepare the vegetables and make the dressing simultaneously.

Kitchen tools: Utilize kitchen gadgets like a mandoline or food processor to speed up the process of slicing and chopping vegetables.

Team effort: Enlist the help of family or friends to assist with the preparation, making the cooking process more enjoyable and efficient.

Substitute Ingredients For Thai Noodle Salad with Peanut Sauce Recipe

romaine lettuce - Substitute with baby spinach: Baby spinach has a similar texture and mild flavor that works well in salads. It also provides a boost of nutrients like iron and folate.
red cabbage - Substitute with green cabbage: Green cabbage can be used as a substitute for red cabbage as it provides a similar crunchy texture and mild flavor.
red bell pepper - Substitute with yellow bell pepper: Yellow bell peppers have a slightly sweeter flavor and can add a pop of color to the salad.
carrot - Substitute with jicama: Jicama has a similar crunchy texture and a slightly sweet flavor, making it a good substitute for carrots in salads.
mango - Substitute with pineapple: Pineapple can provide a sweet and tangy flavor similar to mango and adds a tropical twist to the salad.
cilantro leaves - Substitute with flat-leaf parsley: Flat-leaf parsley can be used as a substitute for cilantro, providing a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the salad.
green onions - Substitute with chives: Chives have a mild onion flavor and can be used as a substitute for green onions in salads.
peanuts - Substitute with cashews: Cashews provide a similar nutty flavor and creamy texture, making them a good substitute for peanuts in the salad.
pad thai rice noodles - Substitute with soba noodles: Soba noodles have a similar thin and chewy texture, making them a suitable substitute for pad thai rice noodles in the salad.
creamy peanut butter - Substitute with almond butter: Almond butter can be used as a substitute for peanut butter, providing a creamy texture and nutty flavor to the dressing.
lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice can be used as a substitute for lime juice, providing a similar citrusy tang to the dressing.
brown sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add sweetness to the dressing and also help emulsify the ingredients, similar to brown sugar.
rice wine vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar provides a slightly fruity and tangy flavor, similar to rice wine vinegar.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce and provides a similar savory and salty flavor to the dressing.
sesame oil - Substitute with peanut oil: Peanut oil has a similar nutty flavor and can be used as a substitute for sesame oil in the dressing.
fish sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can be used as a substitute for fish sauce, providing a savory and umami flavor to the dressing.
sriracha - Substitute with chili garlic sauce: Chili garlic sauce can add a spicy kick to the dressing, similar to sriracha.
ginger - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander can provide a warm and citrusy flavor similar to ginger in the dressing.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can be used as a substitute for garlic, providing a mild onion flavor to the dressing.

Presentation Tips for Thai Noodle Salad With Peanut Sauce

Elevate the plating: Present the Thai noodle salad with peanut sauce in a visually appealing manner, ensuring that the colors and textures of the ingredients are showcased beautifully.
Incorporate precision: Carefully arrange the romaine lettuce, red cabbage, red bell pepper, carrot, mango, cilantro, and green onions to create a balanced and harmonious composition on the plate.
Utilize garnishes: Enhance the presentation with a sprinkle of crushed peanuts on top of the salad, adding a delightful crunch and visual interest to the dish.
Emphasize the peanut dressing: Drizzle the creamy peanut dressing over the salad in a deliberate and artistic manner, ensuring that it complements the ingredients without overpowering them.
Balance the flavors: Aim to create a visually striking dish that also reflects the harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in every bite.
Consider the vessel: Choose a sophisticated and elegant serving dish that complements the vibrant colors of the salad, enhancing the overall presentation.
Highlight the noodles: Arrange the pad Thai rice noodles strategically to add depth and dimension to the dish, creating an inviting visual appeal.
Pay attention to detail: Ensure that the plate is meticulously clean, and any smudges or spills are carefully wiped away before serving the dish to the judges.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Thai Noodle Salad

Large pot: Used for boiling water and cooking the rice noodles.
Colander: Used for draining the cooked noodles and rinsing them with cool water.
Serving bowl: Used for assembling and serving the salad.
Knife: Used for cutting the romaine lettuce, red cabbage, red bell pepper, carrot, and mango.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting the vegetables and fruits.
Small bowl: Used for whisking together the ingredients for the peanut dressing.
Whisk: Used for mixing the ingredients for the peanut dressing until smooth.

Storing and Freezing Thai Noodle Salad With Peanut Sauce

To store leftover thai noodle salad, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the peanut sauce separate from the salad to prevent the noodles and vegetables from becoming soggy.
If you want to prepare the salad ahead of time, you can store the chopped vegetables, herbs, and peanuts in separate containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cook and rinse the rice noodles, then store them in a separate container in the refrigerator.
When ready to serve, toss the noodles, vegetables, herbs, and peanuts together in a large bowl and drizzle with the desired amount of peanut sauce.
To freeze the peanut sauce, pour it into a freezer-safe container or ice cube tray and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw the sauce in the refrigerator overnight before using.
It is not recommended to freeze the assembled thai noodle salad, as the vegetables and noodles will lose their texture and become mushy upon thawing.

How To Reheat Leftover Thai Noodle Salad With Peanut Sauce

To reheat leftover thai noodle salad with peanut sauce, start by placing the desired portion in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel to prevent the noodles from drying out during the reheating process.
Microwave the salad on high power for 30-second intervals, stirring gently between each interval, until the noodles are heated through and the vegetables are warm. This method ensures that the salad is evenly heated without overcooking the delicate ingredients.
Alternatively, you can reheat the salad in a skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of water or vegetable broth to the pan to create steam and prevent the noodles from sticking. Stir the salad gently as it reheats, ensuring that all components are warmed through without becoming mushy.
If the peanut sauce has thickened during storage, you can thin it out by whisking in a small amount of warm water, coconut milk, or lime juice until it reaches the desired consistency. This will help to restore the sauce's smooth texture and vibrant flavor.
Once the salad is heated through, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You may want to add a squeeze of fresh lime juice, a sprinkle of chopped peanuts, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to brighten up the flavors and add a fresh twist to the reheated dish.
Serve the reheated thai noodle salad immediately, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves, green onions, and additional chopped peanuts if desired. Enjoy the delicious, refreshed flavors of this vibrant and satisfying salad!

Random Fact About Thai Noodle Salad With Peanut Sauce

Thai noodle salad with peanut sauce is a popular dish in Thailand and is often served as a side dish or a main course. It is a delicious and healthy option for those looking for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Is This Thai Noodle Salad Recipe Budget-Friendly?

This Thai noodle salad with peanut sauce recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as rice noodles, vegetables, and peanut butter, are affordable and readily available. The dish offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it a satisfying and budget-friendly option. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15, resulting in a high value for money. Overall Verdict: 9/10

Is Thai Noodle Salad With Peanut Sauce Healthy?

This Thai noodle salad with peanut sauce is a nutritious and well-balanced dish. It contains a variety of vegetables, including romaine lettuce, red cabbage, bell pepper, and carrots, which provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The mango adds a touch of natural sweetness and additional vitamins. The rice noodles and peanuts contribute complex carbohydrates and healthy fats, respectively, making this salad satisfying and energizing.

The peanut dressing is made with mostly wholesome ingredients like peanut butter, lime juice, and soy sauce. However, it does contain some added sugars from the brown sugar and sriracha, which could be reduced or substituted with healthier alternatives.

To further enhance the nutritional value of this salad, consider the following suggestions:

Increase the variety of vegetables by adding shredded kale, sliced cucumbers, or cherry tomatoes
Include a lean protein source, such as grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp, to make the salad more satiating
Reduce the amount of brown sugar in the dressing or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
Use whole grain rice noodles instead of regular ones to increase the fiber content
Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped almonds for extra crunch and healthy fats

By making these small adjustments, you can elevate the nutritional profile of this already healthy and delicious Thai noodle salad.

Editor's Opinion on This Thai Noodle Salad Recipe

The Thai noodle salad with peanut sauce recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The vibrant mix of romaine lettuce, red cabbage, bell pepper, mango, and peanuts creates a refreshing base, while the creamy peanut dressing adds a rich and savory element. The combination of tangy lime juice, nutty peanut butter, and a hint of heat from the sriracha creates a harmonious balance of flavors. The addition of rice noodles provides a satisfying and hearty component to the dish. Overall, this recipe offers a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spicy notes, making it a delightful and satisfying meal.

Enhance Your Thai Noodle Salad with Peanut Sauce Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Create a colorful and flavorful assortment of grilled vegetables on skewers to complement the Thai noodle salad. The smoky char and natural sweetness of the vegetables will add depth to the meal.

Coconut Curry Chicken: Prepare a rich and aromatic coconut curry chicken dish to serve alongside the Thai noodle salad. The creamy coconut milk and fragrant spices will provide a satisfying and hearty accompaniment to the meal.

Mango Sticky Rice: Indulge in a sweet and tropical dessert of mango sticky rice to finish off the meal. The combination of sticky rice, ripe mango, and coconut milk will provide a refreshing and satisfying conclusion to the dining experience.

Similar Recipes to Thai Noodle Salad With Peanut Sauce

Spicy Shrimp Tacos: These spicy shrimp tacos are a delicious and easy-to-make meal that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend lunch. The combination of juicy shrimp, crunchy slaw, and spicy sauce is sure to satisfy your taco cravings.

Mango Chicken Curry: This mango chicken curry is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines tender pieces of chicken with sweet and tangy mango. The rich and creamy curry sauce is infused with fragrant spices, making it a comforting and satisfying meal.

Grilled Vegetable Skewers: These grilled vegetable skewers are a colorful and healthy addition to any barbecue or cookout. The combination of vibrant bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Thai Noodle Salad With Peanut Sauce

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Impress your guests with these savory stuffed mushrooms, filled with a delicious blend of cheeses, herbs, and breadcrumbs. The perfect bite-sized appetizer to kick off any meal.

Caprese Skewers: Elevate your appetizer game with these colorful and flavorful caprese skewers. Fresh mozzarella, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze, are sure to delight your taste buds.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth and creamy texture will melt in your mouth, leaving you craving for more.

Apple Pie: Savor the warm and comforting flavors of a classic apple pie, with a flaky golden crust and a sweet cinnamon-spiced filling. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect balance of sweetness and warmth.

Why trust this Thai Noodle Salad with Peanut Sauce Recipe:

This recipe offers a vibrant and flavorful Thai noodle salad with a luscious peanut dressing. The combination of fresh romaine lettuce, crunchy red cabbage, and sweet mango creates a delightful texture, while the zesty lime juice and savory soy sauce in the dressing provide a harmonious balance of flavors. The use of rice wine vinegar and sesame oil adds an authentic touch, ensuring an authentic Thai culinary experience. With the careful selection of ingredients and meticulous attention to detail, this recipe promises a truly satisfying and delicious dining experience.

Share your thoughts on this delicious Thai Noodle Salad with Peanut Sauce recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum section.

FAQ:

Can I use a different type of noodle for this salad?

Yes, you can use different types of noodles such as soba noodles or even spaghetti if you don't have rice noodles on hand. Just cook them according to the package instructions and rinse with cold water before adding them to the salad.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the salad ingredients and dressing ahead of time, but it's best to toss everything together just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp and the noodles fresh.

Can I make the peanut dressing ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the peanut dressing ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using it on the salad.

Can I omit the peanuts if I have a nut allergy?

Of course! If you have a nut allergy, you can omit the peanuts from the salad or replace them with toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch.

Can I adjust the spiciness of the dressing?

Absolutely! If you prefer a milder or spicier dressing, you can adjust the amount of sriracha to suit your taste. Start with a small amount, taste, and add more as needed.