Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad

Featured in: Light Bowls, Greens & Everyday Sides

This dish features tender noodles combined with crisp carrots, bell peppers, cucumber, sugar snap peas, and fresh cilantro. The creamy peanut dressing, enriched with soy sauce, lime juice, and sriracha, coats the ingredients beautifully, delivering a balanced blend of spice and richness. Topped with roasted peanuts and sesame seeds, it offers satisfying crunch and depth. Ideal for a quick, refreshing lunch or light dinner, it can be customized with your choice of protein or made gluten-free by selecting the right noodles and tamari.

Updated on Mon, 08 Dec 2025 11:12:00 GMT
A colorful bowl of Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad with fresh vegetables and creamy dressing. Save
A colorful bowl of Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad with fresh vegetables and creamy dressing. | amberspill.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 served this to friends looking for a light vegan dish, and they loved the balance of creamy and spicy flavors that come together perfectly.

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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Keeps spices within easy reach while cooking, helping you season dishes quickly during everyday meal prep.
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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.
Product image
Keeps spices within easy reach while cooking, helping you season dishes quickly during everyday meal prep.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Keeps spices within easy reach while cooking, helping you season dishes quickly during everyday meal prep.
Check price on Amazon
Close-up of a Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad, showcasing noodles, peanuts, and vibrant veggies. Save
Close-up of a Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad, showcasing noodles, peanuts, and vibrant veggies. | amberspill.com

This salad quickly became a family favorite for light lunches and quick dinners during busy weeknights.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains peanuts, soy, and sesame. May contain gluten depending on noodle choice and soy sauce. Always check labels for potential allergens if unsure.

Nutritional Information

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

Refreshing and flavorful Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad, ready to enjoy with a squeeze of lime. Save
Refreshing and flavorful Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad, ready to enjoy with a squeeze of lime. | amberspill.com
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Measure spices, liquids, and baking ingredients accurately for consistent results in cooking and baking.
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This recipe is a perfect balance of fresh vegetables and spicy peanut dressing, making every bite flavorful and satisfying.

Recipe FAQs

What noodles work best for this dish?

Rice noodles or soba noodles are great choices; both cook quickly and absorb the dressing well.

How can I adjust the spiciness?

Modify the sriracha or chili garlic sauce amounts to suit your preferred heat level.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, it keeps well refrigerated for up to 2 days, though fresh toppings are best added just before serving.

Is there a way to make this gluten-free?

Use rice noodles and tamari instead of regular soy sauce to avoid gluten.

What proteins pair well with this dish?

Grilled tofu, chicken, or shrimp can be added for extra protein and flavor.

What are some suitable garnishes?

Roasted peanuts, toasted sesame seeds, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges enhance texture and brightness.

Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad

Noodles tossed with crisp vegetables and a creamy, spicy peanut dressing for a fresh, flavorful meal.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Overall Time
30 minutes


Level Easy

Cuisine Asian-Inspired

Portions 4 Serving Size

Diet Preferences Vegetarian-Friendly, 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 Make

Step 01

Prepare noodles: Cook noodles following package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water, then set aside.

Step 02

Prep 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 peanut dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, honey or maple syrup, sriracha, and toasted sesame oil. Gradually add warm water until smooth and pourable.

Step 04

Combine salad: In a large bowl, toss cooked noodles with prepared vegetables. Add peanut dressing and mix well to coat evenly.

Step 05

Serve with toppings: Divide salad among plates, garnish with roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.

Equipment Needed

  • Large pot for boiling noodles
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Knife and cutting board

Allergy Details

Always check each item in your recipe for allergens. Reach out to a health expert with any concerns.
  • Contains peanuts, soy, and sesame.
  • May contain gluten depending on noodle and soy sauce choice.

Nutrition Per Serving

Nutritional values are for reference and not a substitute for advice from a doctor.
  • Calories: 420
  • Fats: 16 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 58 grams
  • Proteins: 12 grams