Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad

Featured in: Fresh Greens, Grains & Bowl Recipes

This vibrant dish combines tender rice or soba noodles with crisp carrots, bell peppers, cucumber, and sugar snap peas. A creamy, spicy peanut dressing with soy, lime, and sesame oil ties the flavors together. Topped with roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro, it offers a refreshing, energizing meal with an Asian-inspired flair. Prep and cook times are quick, making it perfect for a busy lunch or light dinner.

Updated on Mon, 08 Dec 2025 10:32:00 GMT
A colorful bowl of Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad, glistening with a creamy, flavorful dressing. Save to Pinterest
A colorful bowl of Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad, glistening with a creamy, flavorful dressing. | olivefrost.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.

I first enjoyed this salad on a hot summer day and loved how the spicy peanut dressing added both creaminess and a kick.

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

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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.
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Wash produce, prep ingredients, rinse cookware, and streamline cooking tasks with an all-in-one sink workstation.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Wash produce, prep ingredients, rinse cookware, and streamline cooking tasks with an all-in-one sink workstation.
Check price on Amazon
Delectable vegetarian Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad, featuring vibrant veggies, perfect for a fresh lunch. Save to Pinterest
Delectable vegetarian Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad, featuring vibrant veggies, perfect for a fresh lunch. | olivefrost.com

This salad is a favorite at family gatherings because it is light yet satisfying, and everyone enjoys the balance of spicy and creamy flavors.

Notes

For extra protein, add grilled tofu, chicken, or shrimp. Make it gluten-free by using rice noodles and tamari. Adjust spice level to taste by increasing or decreasing sriracha. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Required Tools

Large pot (for boiling noodles), Mixing bowls, Whisk, Knife and cutting board

Nutritional Information

Calories 420, Total Fat 16 g, Carbohydrates 58 g, Protein 12 g per serving

Close-up of Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad, showcasing crunchy peanuts and fresh cilantro garnish, ready to eat. Save to Pinterest
Close-up of Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad, showcasing crunchy peanuts and fresh cilantro garnish, ready to eat. | olivefrost.com
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Quickly chop vegetables, blend sauces, and prepare dips or dressings for fast, everyday meal prep.
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This spicy peanut noodle salad is quick to prepare and perfect for a nutritious meal any day of the week.

Recipe FAQs

What noodles work best for this salad?

Rice noodles or soba noodles are ideal due to their texture and ability to absorb the peanut dressing well.

How can I adjust the spice level?

Modify the sriracha or chili garlic sauce quantity to increase or decrease the heat to your preference.

Can this dish be made gluten-free?

Yes, using tamari instead of soy sauce and choosing gluten-free rice noodles keeps it gluten-free.

What are good protein additions?

Add grilled tofu, chicken, or shrimp to boost protein and make it more filling.

How to store leftovers properly?

Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container and consume within two days for best freshness.

Does the dressing separate when stored?

The peanut dressing may thicken or separate; whisk gently with a little warm water before serving to restore smoothness.

Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad

Tender noodles tossed with crisp vegetables and a creamy, spicy peanut dressing for a fresh, flavorful bowl.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Time to Cook
10 minutes
Overall Duration
30 minutes
Recipe by Natalie Wilson


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Asian-Inspired

Serves 4 Portions

Dietary Info Plant-Based, No Dairy

What You 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 (use tamari for gluten-free)
03 1 tbsp rice vinegar
04 1 tbsp lime juice
05 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
06 1 to 2 tsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce, to taste
07 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
08 2 to 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

How-To Steps

Step 01

Cook noodles: Boil noodles following package directions, then drain and rinse with cold water. 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 together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, honey or maple syrup, sriracha, and sesame oil. Gradually add warm water until dressing is smooth and pourable.

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

What You'll Need

  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Knife and cutting board

Allergy Details

Be sure to check ingredients for allergens and ask your doctor if you’re not sure.
  • Contains peanuts, soy, and sesame.
  • May contain gluten depending on noodle and soy sauce choice.
  • Check labels for potential allergens if unsure.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Intended only for informational use, not medical advice.
  • Calories: 420
  • Fats: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 58 g
  • Proteins: 12 g