Hey there! I can’t wait to share my favorite Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad recipe with you! This salad is a burst of flavors that perfectly balances the creaminess of peanut butter with a delightful kick from the red pepper flakes. It’s refreshing, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to whip up! I love how versatile it is, too—whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a side dish for dinner, this salad fits the bill. Plus, it’s vegan, which means everyone can enjoy it! Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked on the deliciousness and the simplicity of this vibrant bowl of goodness!

Ingredients List

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad shine! Here’s what you’ll need:

8 oz rice noodles (these will be the base of your salad, so choose your favorite variety!)
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (smooth is best for that luscious dressing)
2 tbsp soy sauce (adds a savory depth—use low-sodium if you prefer)
2 tbsp rice vinegar (for a tangy contrast that brightens everything up)
1 tbsp sesame oil (this gives a lovely nutty flavor)
2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option, to sweeten the deal)
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice level—go bold if you dare!)
1 cup shredded carrots (for crunch and color—so vibrant!)
1 cup bell peppers, sliced (any color will do, but I love red for sweetness)
1/4 cup chopped green onions (for that fresh, zingy bite)
1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional, but it adds such a fresh touch)

How to Prepare Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad Instructions

Making this Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad is a breeze, and I’m here to guide you through every delicious step! Let’s get started!

Cooking the Rice Noodles

First, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the rice noodles and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 6-8 minutes. You want them tender but not mushy—aim for al dente! Once they’re cooked, drain them and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and keep them from sticking.

Making the Peanut Sauce

While your noodles are cooking, let’s whip up that creamy peanut sauce! In a medium bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, and red pepper flakes. Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy—if it’s too thick, just add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency. Trust me, this sauce is heavenly!

Combining Ingredients

Now, it’s time for the fun part! In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooled rice noodles with the peanut sauce until every noodle is coated in that luscious goodness. Then, gently fold in the shredded carrots, sliced bell peppers, green onions, and cilantro. Mix it all together until well combined—this salad is all about vibrant colors and textures!

Serving Recommendations

I love serving this salad chilled or at room temperature, making it perfect for meal prep or a picnic! For an eye-catching presentation, serve it in a large bowl and sprinkle some extra green onions and cilantro on top. You can even add some crushed peanuts for a delightful crunch. Enjoy every spicy, creamy bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deliciously creamy with a spicy kick that’s totally addictive!
Quick and easy to make—perfect for busy weeknights or a last-minute gathering.
Vegan-friendly, so everyone can dig in without worry.
Loaded with fresh veggies for added crunch and nutrition.
Can be served cold or at room temperature—ideal for meal prep!

Tips for Success

To make your Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad a hit every time, here are my top tips! First, don’t overcook the rice noodles; they should be al dente for the best texture. If you want more heat, feel free to add extra red pepper flakes, but taste as you go! Also, make sure to rinse the noodles well after cooking to prevent sticking. And remember, this salad tastes even better after it’s had some time to marinate in the fridge, so don’t rush it!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving (1 cup) of Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad: around 350 calories, 18g of fat (3g saturated), 10g of protein, and 40g of carbohydrates. You’ll also find about 6g of sugar and 3g of fiber in there! Keep in mind that these values can vary based on your ingredient choices, but it’s a deliciously satisfying and nutritious meal overall!

FAQ Section

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, the Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad tastes even better after it sits for a bit in the fridge, as the flavors meld beautifully. Just give it a good toss before serving!

What can I substitute for peanut butter?
If you’re allergic to peanuts or just prefer a different flavor, try using almond butter or sunflower seed butter. Both will still give you that creamy texture and delicious taste!

Can I add protein to this salad?
Definitely! Grilled tofu, chickpeas, or shredded chicken would be fantastic additions if you’d like to amp up the protein. Just toss them in with the veggies!

How spicy is this salad?
The spice level really depends on how much red pepper flakes you use. Start with the recommended amount, and adjust to your taste. You can always add more if you like it fiery!

Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari), this Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad can easily be made gluten-free. Just check your noodle package, too!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To store your leftover Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad, simply transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can serve it cold straight from the fridge or let it come to room temperature. No need to heat it up—this salad is delicious served chilled! If the noodles seem a bit dry, just add a splash of water or a little extra peanut sauce to revive them.

Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad - detail 1

Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad: 5 Bold Flavors You Can’t Resist

Author: Julia marin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegan

Print Recipe

Description

A refreshing and flavorful salad with a kick.

Instructions

Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions.
In a bowl, mix peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
Drain noodles and rinse under cold water.
Toss noodles with the peanut sauce until well coated.
Add carrots, bell peppers, green onions, and cilantro. Mix well.
Serve chilled or at room temperature.