quick noodle salad recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best quick noodle salad recipe

I’m so excited to share this quick noodle salad recipe with you, it’s a staple in our household and has been for years. I first discovered it when I was looking for a healthy lunch option that my kids would actually eat. It’s a perfect combination of flavors and textures, and the best part is it’s ready in under 30 minutes.

The original recipe calls for a specific type of noodle, but I’ve found that any type of noodle will do, just adjust the cooking time accordingly. The key to this recipe is to use a variety of colorful vegetables to add texture and visual appeal. My kids love helping me prepare this dish, they get to pick out their favorite vegetables and add them to the mix.

It’s also a great way to get them involved in meal planning and prep, they feel more invested in what we’re eating when they had a hand in making it. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends. It’s also great for packing lunches or taking on the go.

I like to make a big batch and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days, it’s always a hit at school lunches or picnics. One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is, you can customize it to your liking with your favorite vegetables and seasonings. My family loves this recipe because it’s easy to make and always delicious, we’ve never had any leftovers!

I’ve also made this recipe for potlucks and gatherings, it’s always a crowd-pleaser. The health benefits are numerous, with plenty of fiber from the vegetables and protein from the noodles. This recipe is also very budget-friendly, you can use whatever ingredients are on sale at your local grocery store.

Quick Noodle Salad with Peanut Sauce

4.9 from 1727 votes

A refreshing and flavorful noodle salad with a creamy peanut sauce. Perfect for a light lunch or side dish.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time25 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Noodles

8 oz rice noodles

For the Vegetables

1 red bell pepper
1 cucumber
1 carrot
1/2 red onion

For the Peanut Sauce

1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 clove garlic

For Garnish

2 green onions
1/4 cup chopped peanuts
1/4 cup chopped cilantro

👨‍🍳Directions

1Cook rice noodles according to package instructions in a saucepan of boiling water.
2Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Set aside.
3While the noodles are cooking, finely chop the red bell pepper, cucumber, carrot, and red onion using a cutting board and knife.
4Transfer the chopped vegetables to a large mixing bowl.
5In a separate bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and sesame oil until smooth.
6Mince the garlic clove and add it to the sauce, mixing well.
7Add the cooked noodles to the bowl with the chopped vegetables.
8Pour the peanut sauce over the noodles and vegetables, tossing gently to combine until everything is evenly coated.
9The noodles should be glossy and well mixed with the sauce.
10Chop the green onions, peanuts, and cilantro for garnish.
11Sprinkle them over the noodle salad.
12Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Saucepan
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 14g💛Saturated Fat: 2g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 50g🥦Dietary Fiber: 5g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 12g

📝Notes

Tips: For added protein, you can mix in cooked chicken or tofu. Adjust the sauce ingredients to taste, adding more soy sauce for saltiness or honey for sweetness.

This quick noodle salad recipe is always a good idea for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends. It’s easy to make, customizable, and packed with nutrients.

My family loves this recipe because it’s always delicious and easy to prepare. For storage ideas, simply place the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for later use.

When reheating, simply toss with some fresh vegetables and serve over rice or noodles.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Quick Noodle Salad with Peanut Sauce

Q: What type of noodle should I use?

A: You can use any type of noodle you like, but I prefer using thin rice noodles or egg noodles. They cook quickly and add texture to the dish.

Q: Can I customize this recipe?

A: Absolutely! This recipe is all about using your favorite vegetables and seasonings. Feel free to add or subtract whatever you like.

Q: How long does this recipe take?

A: This recipe is ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or weekends.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can make this salad up to 5 days in advance and store it in the fridge for later.

Q: Is this recipe healthy?

A: Yes! This salad is packed with fiber from the vegetables and protein from the noodles, making it a nutritious choice.

Q: Can I take this salad on the go?

A: Yes! This salad makes great packed lunches or snacks on-the-go.

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