Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad

Featured in: Light Greens, Pastas & Bowls

This dish features delicate noodles paired with crisp carrots, bell peppers, cucumber, and sugar snap peas. Tossed in a creamy peanut dressing with tangy soy, lime juice, and a kick of sriracha, it offers layers of vibrant flavors. Garnished with roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro, this vibrant bowl brings a refreshing and energizing balance perfect for light lunches or dinners. Preparation is quick and straightforward, making it ideal for any busy day.

Updated on Sat, 06 Dec 2025 14:08:00 GMT
Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad, a colorful bowl with vibrant vegetables and a creamy peanut dressing. Save to Pinterest
Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad, a colorful bowl with vibrant vegetables and a creamy peanut dressing. | basilhollow.com

A vibrant and satisfying noodle bowl featuring crisp vegetables, tender noodles, and a creamy, spicy peanut dressing—perfect for a fresh, energizing lunch or light dinner.

Ingredients

  • Noodles: 250 g rice noodles or soba noodles Water, for boiling
  • Vegetables: 1 medium carrot, julienned 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 small cucumber, julienned 100 g sugar snap peas, halved 2 spring onions, thinly sliced 1 handful fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Spicy Peanut Dressing: 4 tbsp creamy peanut butter 2 tbsp soy sauce (use tamari for gluten free) 1 tbsp rice vinegar 1 tbsp lime juice 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup 1 2 tsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce (to taste) 2 tsp toasted sesame oil 2 4 tbsp warm water (to thin dressing)
  • Toppings: 2 tbsp roasted peanuts, roughly chopped 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1:
Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
Step 2:
Prepare all vegetables as directed and set aside.
Step 3:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, honey or maple syrup, sriracha, and sesame oil. Add warm water gradually until the dressing is smooth and pourable.
Step 4:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles and vegetables. Add the peanut dressing and toss until everything is well coated.
Step 5:
Divide the salad among bowls. Top with roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side.
Enjoy a fresh, flavorful Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad with crisp veggies and a spicy peanut sauce. Save to Pinterest
Enjoy a fresh, flavorful Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad with crisp veggies and a spicy peanut sauce. | basilhollow.com

This delicious Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad is ready to eat, served with fresh lime wedges. Save to Pinterest
This delicious Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad is ready to eat, served with fresh lime wedges. | basilhollow.com

Recipe FAQs

What type of noodles work best in this salad?

Rice noodles or soba noodles offer the best texture and absorb the dressing well. Rice noodles keep it gluten-free when paired with tamari.

Can I adjust the spice level in the dressing?

Yes, the sriracha or chili garlic sauce can be increased or decreased to match preferred heat levels without compromising flavor.

How do I keep the noodles from sticking together?

After cooking, rinse the noodles under cold water and drain well. Tossing them immediately with a small amount of oil can also help prevent sticking.

Are there recommended protein additions for this dish?

Grilled tofu, chicken, or shrimp complement the flavors well and boost the protein content for a more filling meal.

What is the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and consume within two days for optimal freshness and safety.

How should I prepare the peanut dressing for best consistency?

Whisk the peanut butter with soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, honey or syrup, sriracha, and sesame oil. Add warm water gradually until smooth and pourable.

Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad

Tender noodles combined with crisp vegetables and a creamy, spicy peanut dressing for a fresh, lively meal.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Time to Cook
10 minutes
Overall Time
30 minutes
Recipe by Charlotte Adams


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Asian-Inspired

Makes 4 Number of Servings

Diet Considerations Plant-Based, No Dairy

What You'll Need

Noodles

01 8.8 oz rice noodles or soba noodles
02 Water for boiling

Vegetables

01 1 medium carrot, julienned
02 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
03 1 small cucumber, julienned
04 3.5 oz sugar snap peas, halved
05 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
06 1 handful fresh cilantro, chopped

Spicy Peanut Dressing

01 4 tbsp creamy peanut butter
02 2 tbsp soy sauce (replace with tamari for gluten-free)
03 1 tbsp rice vinegar
04 1 tbsp lime juice
05 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
06 1–2 tsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce, adjusted to taste
07 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
08 2–4 tbsp warm water (to thin dressing)

Toppings

01 2 tbsp roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
02 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
03 Lime wedges, for serving

Directions

Step 01

Cook noodles: Boil noodles according to package directions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.

Step 02

Prepare vegetables: Julienne carrot and cucumber. Thinly slice red bell pepper and spring onions. Halve sugar snap peas and chop cilantro. Set all aside.

Step 03

Make spicy peanut dressing: Whisk peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, honey or maple syrup, sriracha, and toasted sesame oil in a medium bowl. Gradually add warm water to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency.

Step 04

Combine salad components: In a large bowl, toss cooked noodles and vegetables with the dressing until evenly coated.

Step 05

Serve and garnish: Portion salad into bowls. Sprinkle with roasted peanuts, toasted sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Equipment Needed

  • Large pot for boiling noodles
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Knife and cutting board

Allergy Notice

Review the ingredient list for possible allergy risks. If needed, check with a medical expert.
  • Contains peanuts, soy, and sesame. May contain gluten depending on noodle and soy sauce choice. Verify labels for allergens.

Nutrition Details (per serving)

This data is for reference—always check with your doctor for health matters.
  • Calorie Count: 420
  • Total Fat: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 58 g
  • Proteins: 12 g