When you’re craving something fresh, vibrant, and packed with texture, this Refreshing Thai Spaghetti Salad is the ultimate go-to dish. With a mix of crunchy vegetables, fragrant herbs, nutty roasted peanuts, and a creamy peanut dressing, it’s a meal that feels indulgent yet light. Perfect for potlucks, light lunches, or as a side dish, this salad is easy to prepare and bursting with flavor.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just looking to spice up your weekly meals, this Thai-inspired salad is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
The beauty of this Refreshing Thai Spaghetti Salad lies in its simplicity and versatility. It’s loaded with bold flavors that balance sweet, salty, sour, and spicy elements. You’ll love how the creamy peanut butter dressing clings to the al dente spaghetti and the way the fresh herbs add a punch of brightness to every bite.
Best of all, it’s a one-bowl wonder that comes together in no time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a refreshing picnic dish. Once you try it, it’ll become a staple in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients for Refreshing Thai Spaghetti Salad
For the Salad
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Spaghetti | 8 ounces, broken in half and cooked al dente, then rinsed with cold water |
| Red cabbage, shredded | 1 cup |
| Carrots, shredded | 1 cup |
| Green onions, sliced | 1 bunch (6–8 stalks) |
| Roasted peanuts | 1/2 cup |
| Sesame seeds | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh cilantro leaves | 1 handful, chopped |
| Fresh basil leaves | 1 handful, thinly sliced |
For the Dressing
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice vinegar | 1/4 cup |
| Vegetable oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Creamy peanut butter | 2 heaping tablespoons |
| Garlic, minced | 1 clove |
| Cayenne pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Spaghetti
- Start by cooking the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s al dente.
- Drain the spaghetti and immediately rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
Pro Tip: Rinsing the spaghetti also removes excess starch, preventing the noodles from clumping together.
2. Combine the Salad Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled spaghetti.
- Toss in the shredded red cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced green onions, roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, and sliced basil leaves.
- Gently toss everything together until well combined.
Pro Tip: Toast the peanuts and sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor.
3. Prepare the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, vegetable oil, creamy peanut butter, minced garlic, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt.
- Mix the dressing until it’s smooth and creamy.
- Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or cayenne pepper if needed.
Pro Tip: If the dressing is too thick, add a splash of water to thin it out to your preferred consistency.
4. Toss the Salad
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients in the mixing bowl.
- Toss the salad thoroughly to ensure the spaghetti and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
Pro Tip: Use tongs or clean hands to mix everything evenly for the best flavor distribution.
5. Serve and Garnish
- Transfer the salad to a serving dish.
- Garnish with extra peanuts, sesame seeds, cilantro, or basil for added flavor and presentation.
- Serve immediately for a fresh and vibrant dish, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
The Magic of Thai Flavors
This salad is a perfect example of Thai-inspired cuisine, with its balance of flavors and textures. The nutty roasted peanuts and creamy peanut butter give it richness, while the rice vinegar and fresh herbs provide a tangy, refreshing contrast. The subtle heat from the cayenne pepper rounds everything out beautifully.
The combination of fresh, crunchy vegetables and cool, al dente spaghetti makes this salad not only satisfying but also incredibly refreshing. It’s the ideal dish for warm weather or anytime you need a light yet flavorful meal.
Tips for Making the Perfect Thai Spaghetti Salad
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh herbs like cilantro and basil for the best flavor. Pre-packaged or dried herbs won’t give the same vibrant results.
- Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your spice tolerance. Add more for extra heat or omit it entirely for a milder salad.
- Make It Ahead: Prep the salad and dressing ahead of time, but wait to toss them together until just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp.
- Use Quality Noodles: Spaghetti works beautifully, but you can also use rice noodles or soba noodles for a more traditional Thai-style dish.
- Add Protein: For a heartier meal, add grilled shrimp, shredded chicken, or tofu to the salad.
Customizations and Variations
This salad is incredibly versatile, so feel free to get creative and make it your own:
- Vegetarian Option: It’s already vegetarian, but you can make it vegan by swapping the honey (if using) for agave syrup in the dressing.
- Add Protein: Top with grilled shrimp, diced chicken, or pan-seared tofu to make it a complete meal.
- Go Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free spaghetti or rice noodles to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Extra Crunch: Add sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or bean sprouts for more texture and color.
- Sweet and Spicy: Mix a teaspoon of honey or a drizzle of sriracha into the dressing for added depth.
FAQs About Refreshing Thai Spaghetti Salad
1. Can I use a different type of noodle?
Yes! While spaghetti is a convenient option, rice noodles, soba noodles, or even spiralized zucchini noodles work great for this salad.
2. How long does this salad keep in the refrigerator?
The salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, the noodles may absorb some of the dressing over time, so you might need to refresh it with a splash of rice vinegar or oil before serving.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the salad ingredients and dressing separately. Combine them just before serving to maintain the crunch and freshness.
4. Is this dish spicy?
The cayenne pepper adds a mild kick, but it’s not overly spicy. If you’re sensitive to heat, you can reduce or omit the cayenne altogether.
5. What can I serve with this salad?
This salad pairs well with grilled proteins like chicken, shrimp, or steak. It also works as a light side dish for Asian-inspired mains.
6. Can I freeze this salad?
No, this salad isn’t suitable for freezing as the vegetables will lose their texture and the dressing may separate.
Conclusion: Make Refreshing Thai Spaghetti Salad Tonight!
Now that you know how to create this Refreshing Thai Spaghetti Salad, there’s no reason to wait! Whether you’re looking for a healthy meal, a dish to wow your guests, or something quick and delicious for yourself, this salad has it all. Its vibrant flavors, crunchy textures, and creamy dressing are sure to make it a regular in your recipe rotation.
So grab your ingredients, whip up this easy dish, and enjoy a taste of Thailand from the comfort of your kitchen. Your taste buds will thank you!
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Refreshing Thai Spaghetti Salad: A Perfect Blend of Flavors
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Refreshing Thai Spaghetti Salad is the perfect combination of bold flavors and satisfying textures. Imagine crunchy vegetables, fresh herbs, and tender spaghetti, all tossed in a creamy peanut dressing with a hint of spice. It’s the ideal dish for a light lunch, a potluck side, or a vibrant dinner. Quick to prepare, refreshing, and oh-so-delicious, this salad will transport your taste buds straight to Thailand.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 8 ounces spaghetti, broken in half, cooked al dente, and rinsed with cold water
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 bunch (6–8 stalks) green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1 handful fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 handful fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
For the Dressing
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 heaping tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the Spaghetti
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and rinse the spaghetti under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the noodles.
- Set the spaghetti aside in a large mixing bowl.
2. Prepare the Salad
- Add the shredded red cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced green onions, roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, and sliced basil leaves to the bowl with the cooled spaghetti.
- Toss everything gently to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, vegetable oil, creamy peanut butter, minced garlic, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt.
- Continue whisking until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
- Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if needed by adding more salt or cayenne pepper.
Pro Tip: If the dressing is too thick, add a teaspoon of water to thin it to your preferred consistency.
4. Toss the Salad with Dressing
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large mixing bowl.
- Toss the salad thoroughly to ensure the spaghetti and vegetables are well coated in the creamy peanut dressing.
5. Serve and Garnish
- Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual bowls.
- Garnish with extra roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, or fresh cilantro and basil for added flavor and presentation.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving, and add a splash of rice vinegar or oil if the dressing thickens too much.
- Make-Ahead: Prep the salad ingredients and dressing separately. Combine them just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp.
- Adjust Heat: For a spicier kick, add a little more cayenne pepper or a drizzle of sriracha.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Thai-Inspired