Experience the bold, fresh flavors of Thai cuisine in this vibrant Thai Spaghetti Salad. Combining the textures of al dente spaghetti with crisp vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a rich, creamy peanut dressing, this salad is a true delight for your taste buds. Perfect for a light lunch, a refreshing side dish, or even a potluck favorite, this salad is both visually appealing and incredibly satisfying. The combination of crunchy peanuts, fragrant herbs, and a hint of spice in the dressing makes this dish a must-try for anyone who loves a fusion of flavors.
Ingredients
Thai Spaghetti Salad
- 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 (about 6-8) green onions, thinly sliced
- ½ cup roasted peanuts
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1 handful chopped cilantro leaves
- 1 handful finely sliced basil leaves
- For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 heaping tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it well under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down completely. Set aside.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled spaghetti, shredded red cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced green onions, roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, and sliced basil leaves. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
- 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. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and creamy, with all the ingredients fully incorporated.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the creamy peanut dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss the salad gently but thoroughly to ensure the spaghetti and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This step allows the flavors to blend harmoniously. Just before serving, give the salad a last toss and fine-tune the seasoning if necessary.
Conclusion
This Vibrant Thai Spaghetti Salad with Creamy Peanut Dressing is a refreshing and flavorful dish that perfectly blends the richness of peanut butter with the freshness of herbs and crisp vegetables. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine in a light and satisfying meal. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or a side, this salad is sure to impress with its beautiful colors and bold taste. Enjoy this unique fusion dish at your next meal or gathering!