Ingredients
For the Asian Noodle Salad
- 10 ounces (283 g) regular or whole-wheat spaghetti
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced (130 g, approx. 1 cup)
- 2 large carrots, grated (150 g, approx. 1 heaping cup)
- 1 cup lightly packed green onions, finely chopped (40 g)
- 1 cup, lightly packed cilantro, finely chopped (40 g)
- 2 cups finely chopped or grated cabbage (300 g, use red, green or napa cabbage or a mixture)
For the Peanut Sauce
- 1 tbsp minced ginger (10 g, omit if you don’t like ginger)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 3 tbsp, 15 g)
- 1/2 cup (120 g) peanut butter or almond butter
- 1.5 tbsp rice wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, coconut aminos or gluten-free tamari
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2.5 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes or up to 1 tbsp sriracha sauce (optional, for spicy peanut sauce)
- 2–4 tbsp water to adjust consistency
Topping Suggestions
- peanuts or cashews
- a squeeze of lime juice
- fresh chopped cilantro or Thai basil
- sriracha
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to a boil stovetop. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- While the pasta is cooking, chop all the vegetables and add to a large mixing or salad bowl.
- To make the dressing, blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy. Start with 2 tbsp of water and increase up to 5 tbsp to adjust the consistency. It should be fairly thick and creamy but still pourable.
- When the pasta is finished cooking, drain and rinse under cold water then add back to the pot with 3 tbsp of water and mix to coat.
- Add the pasta to the bowl with the chopped veggies.
- Top with the sauce and mix well.
- Serve right away topped with optional peanuts or cashews, sriracha and a squeeze of lime juice.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Notes
This can easily be adjusted to make 2-4 servings. Simple make as much pasta as you want, use a bit less veggies, top with desired amount of sauce then store any extra in the fridge for dipping tofu in, using on another salad or stirfry or in a wrap.
I suggest cooking pasta to well rather than al dente to prevent the noodles from drying out after cooking. They should be fully cooked but not so overdone that they’re mushy. I let them cook about 30 seconds longer than the suggested time on the box.
Keywords: asian noodle salad, peanut noodle salad, easy asian noodle salad