Discovering the Perfect Summer Salad
My Favorite is Chilled Peanut Noodle Salad and I remember the first time I made Chilled Peanut Noodle Salad. It was a sweltering summer day, and I was craving something light but satisfying. I wanted a dish that could cool me down and also be easy to prepare. I had just returned from a local farmer’s market with a bounty of fresh vegetables and was pondering what to do with them. That’s when I thought of soba noodles, which I had recently tried and loved. Combining them with a rich, creamy peanut sauce seemed like the perfect idea.
The Joy of Mixing Flavors
In my kitchen, the process began with boiling the soba noodles. As they cooked, the aroma of sesame oil and minced garlic filled the room, instantly making it feel like a cozy and inviting space. While the noodles were cooling, I blended peanut butter with low-sodium soy sauce and a hint of sriracha. The vibrant mix of spicy and nutty scents was just what I needed to lift my spirits. I then chopped fresh vegetables—green cabbage, red bell pepper, and carrots—into crisp, colorful pieces that would add a satisfying crunch to the salad.
An Easy Crowd-Pleaser
When I tossed everything together in a big mixing bowl, I couldn’t help but admire the vibrant colors of the salad. The creamy peanut sauce coated the soba noodles and vegetables perfectly, making each bite a delightful combination of flavors and textures. I sprinkled some sesame seeds on top for an added crunch and a touch of elegance. As I took my first bite, I realized how simple yet delicious this dish was. It wasn’t just about the taste; it was also about how it made me feel—cool, refreshed, and satisfied.
A Versatile Favorite
Ever since that day, Chilled Peanut Noodle Salad has become one of my go-to recipes for hot summer days and casual gatherings. It’s versatile enough to serve as a main course or a side dish, and it’s always a hit whether I’m serving it at a picnic, a barbecue, or just as a quick lunch. The recipe is so forgiving, allowing for modifications based on what’s in season or what I have on hand. Each time I make it, I’m reminded of how food can bring a touch of joy and comfort to even the warmest of days.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes-Chilled Peanut Noodle Salad
- If you prefer a milder flavor, start with less sriracha and add more gradually. You can also omit the jalapeño if you’re sensitive to heat.
- For an extra crunch, consider adding chopped peanuts or cashews on top just before serving.
- This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled tofu or chicken. Simply add your protein of choice to make it a heartier meal.
- When preparing in advance, store the peanut sauce separately and toss with the noodles and vegetables right before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
- Feel free to mix in other vegetables like snap peas or cucumber to enhance the salad’s texture and flavor.
Chilled Peanut Noodle Salad
Dive into this Chilled Peanut Noodle Salad, a vibrant mix of crunchy vegetables and tender soba noodles, all tossed in the most irresistible peanut sauce! Perfect for meal prep or a quick, healthy dinner, this dish is a crowd-pleaser every time. Get ready to impress your friends with this simple yet flavorful recipe!
4
bowls20
minutes10
minutes360
kcal30
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- Noodles
8 ounces soba noodles
- Peanut Sauce
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 small jalapeño, seeded and chopped
1-2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
- Vegetables
1/2 head green cabbage, finely shredded
1/2 head purple cabbage, finely shredded
2 large carrots, peeled and julienned
1 bunch green onions, thinly sliced
1 bunch cilantro, chopped
1 red bell pepper, julienned
- Garnish
Sesame seeds for serving
Directions
- Cook Noodles – Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the soba noodles and cook according to the package instructions (usually about 6-8 minutes). Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Prepare Peanut Sauce – In a food processor, combine peanut butter, low-sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped jalapeño, and sriracha. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Chop Vegetables – While the noodles are cooking and the sauce is blending, finely shred the green and purple cabbage. Peel and julienne the carrots. Thinly slice the green onions and chop the cilantro. Julienne the red bell pepper.
- Assemble Salad – In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked soba noodles and chopped vegetables. Pour half of the peanut sauce over the mixture and toss well to combine. Add more sauce as needed to taste.
- Serve and Garnish – Transfer the salad to serving bowls. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and additional chopped cilantro if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
Equipment
- food processor
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- mixing bowls
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 360kcal
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Protein: 14g
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Potassium: 450mg
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 6g
- Vitamin A: 120IU
- Vitamin C: 80mg
- Calcium: 10mg
- Iron: 15mg
FAQ- Chilled Peanut Noodle Salad
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the noodles and chop the vegetables in advance. For the best results, store the peanut sauce separately and combine everything just before serving.
What can I use instead of soba noodles?
You can substitute soba noodles with rice noodles, whole wheat spaghetti, or any other pasta you prefer. Adjust cooking times as needed.
How can I make this salad gluten-free?
Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce and ensure that the soba noodles you choose are gluten-free.
Can I freeze this salad?
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and may not freeze well due to the texture of the vegetables. However, you can freeze the peanut sauce separately and thaw it before using.
What if I have a nut allergy?
Substitute the peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version. Adjust the flavor accordingly by tasting and tweaking as needed.
