Craving a dish that's both refreshing and packed with explosive flavors? Look no further than this mouthwatering Thai Noodle Salad that transforms an ordinary Friday night into a culinary adventure! In just 30 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal that dances between tangy, nutty, and vibrant tastes, guaranteed to become your new weekend obsession. Whether you're a busy home cook or a flavor enthusiast, this recipe promises to transport your taste buds straight to the bustling streets of Thailand.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Thai
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rice noodles
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add rice noodles and cook according to package instructions, typically 4-6 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain and rinse immediately with cold water to stop cooking process.
- While noodles are cooking, prepare the vegetables. Wash and julienne the bell pepper into thin strips. Peel and shred carrots using a box grater or food processor. Roughly chop fresh cilantro leaves.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, lime juice, sesame oil, and peanut butter until smooth and well combined. This will create the dressing for the salad.
- Transfer cooled rice noodles to a large serving bowl. Add shredded carrots, sliced bell peppers, and chopped cilantro. Pour the prepared dressing over the ingredients.
- Gently toss all ingredients together, ensuring the noodles and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing. Let the salad sit for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. You can add additional lime juice or soy sauce according to preference.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature. Optional: Garnish with extra cilantro or crushed peanuts for added texture.
Tips
- Noodle Perfection: Always rinse rice noodles in cold water immediately after cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain that perfect al dente texture.
- Dressing Hack: Whisk your dressing ingredients thoroughly to ensure the peanut butter blends smoothly, creating a creamy and well-integrated sauce.
- Prep Ahead: Chop vegetables and prepare the dressing in advance to make assembly quick and effortless.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add protein like grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp to make it a more substantial meal.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh cilantro and squeeze lime juice just before serving to maximize flavor intensity.
- Temperature Tip: This salad tastes amazing both chilled and at room temperature, making it perfect for meal prep and picnics.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
