This vibrant Asian Noodle Salad drizzled with a flavorful peanut dressing is a delightful blend of textures and tastes, perfect for a refreshing lunch or a light dinner. The combination of fresh vegetables, tender noodles, and a spicy-sweet dressing will transport your taste buds to the heart of Asian cuisine.
Ingredients for Asian Noodle Salad:
- 150g (6oz) medium egg noodles
- 1 large carrot, julienned thinly
- 5 radishes, sliced thinly
- 3 cups red cabbage, thinly sliced (about ⅓ of a cabbage head)
- 10g (1/4 cup) cilantro, roughly chopped
- 2-3 green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Ingredients for 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 recommend Kikkoman for its flavor)
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, pressed
- 2 tsp Sriracha sauce (or 1 tsp dried chili flakes for less heat)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Noodles:
- Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to cool them down and stop the cooking process. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Julienne the carrot and thinly slice the radishes and red cabbage. Add these to the bowl with the cooled noodles.
- Chop the cilantro and slice the green onions, then add these to the bowl as well.
- Make the Peanut Dressing:
- In a separate small bowl, combine the chunky peanut butter, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, grated ginger, pressed garlic, and Sriracha sauce.
- Whisk all the ingredients together until the dressing is smooth and creamy. If the dressing is too thick, add a little water to thin it out to the desired consistency.
- Combine Salad and Dressing:
- Pour the peanut dressing over the noodle and vegetable mixture. Toss everything together to ensure that the noodles and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Garnish:
- Sprinkle sesame seeds over the salad just before serving.
- Serve:
- Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature. It can be enjoyed as a main dish or as a side to accompany other Asian-inspired dishes.
Tips:
- Noodle Alternatives: If you prefer, you can substitute soba noodles, rice noodles, or even spaghetti for a different texture or to make this dish gluten-free.
- Protein Addition: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to the salad for extra protein.
- Storage: This salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, making it a great option for meal prep.
Conclusion:
This Asian Noodle Salad with Peanut Dressing is not only bursting with flavor but also packed with colorful vegetables. It’s a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit your tastes or dietary needs and is sure to be a hit whether served at a casual family dinner or as part of a special meal. Enjoy the delicious harmony of ingredients in this easy-to-make, refreshing salad!