Description
A vibrant and refreshing Cold Peanut Noodle Salad with Lime that combines creamy peanut butter, tangy lime juice, and crunchy fresh vegetables for a quick, easy, and satisfying dish. Perfect as a light lunch, refreshing side, or summer picnic favorite.
Ingredients
Noodles
- Rice noodles – 8 oz
Dressing
- Peanut butter – 1/3 cup
- Lime juice – 2 tbsp, freshly squeezed
- Soy sauce – 2 tbsp
- Honey or maple syrup – 1 tbsp
- Warm water – 2 to 4 tbsp (to adjust consistency)
Vegetables & Herbs
- Cucumber – 1 cup, thinly sliced or julienned
- Carrots – 1 cup, julienned
- Bell peppers – 1 cup, sliced into thin strips
- Fresh cilantro or mint – 1/4 cup, chopped
Garnishes & Optional
- Crushed peanuts – 1/4 cup
- Chili flakes or fresh chili – to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse thoroughly under cold water to stop cooking and cool the noodles completely, keeping them tender yet firm.
- Prepare the peanut dressing: In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, freshly squeezed lime juice, soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, and warm water to loosen the dressing. Stir until smooth and glossy, adjusting thickness as desired.
- Chop the vegetables: While the noodles cool, slice cucumber, carrots, and bell peppers into thin matchsticks or bite-sized pieces. Chop fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for added aroma and freshness.
- Combine salad and dressing: Toss the cold noodles with the peanut dressing, ensuring every strand is coated. Fold in the crunchy vegetables and herbs gently to evenly distribute flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle crushed peanuts and chili flakes on top before serving. Serve chilled for the freshest and most refreshing taste experience.
Notes
- Soak noodles correctly by rinsing with cold water immediately after boiling to avoid overcooking.
- Adjust lime juice and sweetener gradually to balance the dressing perfectly.
- Add dressing just before serving to keep vegetables crisp and noodles from becoming soggy.
- Use crunchy peanut butter or add chopped peanuts to dressing for extra texture.
- Keep all ingredients chilled for a refreshing flavor, especially on hot days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Cold peanut noodle salad, peanut lime salad, summer noodle salad, peanut dressing, gluten free noodle salad, easy peanut noodles