If you are craving a vibrant, fresh, and irresistibly flavorful dish, then the Noodle Salad With Creamy Sesame Peanut Dressing Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. This salad perfectly balances the nutty richness of peanut butter with the zesty brightness of lime and the gentle heat of sriracha, all wrapped up in tender noodles and crisp vegetables. Every bite bursts with texture and a harmonious mix of sweet, savory, and spicy notes that feels like a celebration in your mouth. Whether you want a light lunch, a colorful side, or a dish to impress friends, this noodle salad is both simple to pull together and endlessly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this salad truly shine. Each one plays a special role, from the creamy peanut butter that forms the luxurious dressing base to the fresh vegetables that add crunch and color. These straightforward ingredients come together effortlessly but deliver complex layers of flavor and texture that will keep you coming back for more.
- 1/4 cup peanut butter: Preferably smooth for easy mixing and that rich, nutty foundation.
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil: Adds a deep, smoky aroma that makes the dressing pop.
- 1 tbsp canola oil: A neutral oil to help balance and smooth out the dressing.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce: Brings a salty umami depth essential for that savory punch.
- 2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce: Injects a gentle sweetness and subtle heat.
- 1 tbsp sriracha: Provides a spicy kick—adjust to your liking.
- 2 tbsp lime juice: Or rice/cider vinegar for that bright, tangy lift.
- 1 garlic clove, minced: Infuses the dressing with a fragrant, savory note.
- 2 to 4 tbsp water: To thin the dressing so it coats the noodles perfectly.
- 350g / 12 oz fresh egg noodles: About 4 cups packed, the chewy base that holds all those flavors together.
- 1.5 cups julienned carrot: Adds a pleasant crunch and vibrant orange hue.
- 2 cups beansprouts: Bring fresh crispness and a delicate earthiness.
- 1.5 cups green beans, halved: Slightly cooked to tender-crisp perfection for texture.
- 1.5 cups red bell pepper, finely sliced: Sweet, juicy, and colorful for the eye and palate.
- 3 green onion stems, sliced diagonally: Mild onion flavor that ties the veggies together.
- 1 tbsp white sesame seeds, toasted: Adds delightful nutty crunch as a finishing touch.
How to Make Noodle Salad With Creamy Sesame Peanut Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
Start by soaking your fresh egg noodles in hot water following the package directions—this usually takes just a few minutes. Once tender yet firm, drain and rinse them under cold water to stop cooking and cool them down. Set them aside, allowing the noodles to rest and absorb the dressing later on without getting mushy.
Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Dressing
In a bowl, combine your peanut butter, toasted sesame oil, canola oil, soy sauce, sweet chilli sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and minced garlic. Mix thoroughly until you have a luscious, creamy dressing. If it feels too thick for tossing, slowly add 2 to 4 tablespoons of water until it coats the noodles smoothly but isn’t watery. Taste and tweak the sriracha or lime juice for your perfect balance of heat and tang.
Step 3: Cook and Cool the Beans
Lightly steam or boil the green beans until they are tender but still maintain a good crunch—this usually takes a couple of minutes. Drain the beans and rinse with cold water to halt cooking and preserve their vibrant color and texture. This step ensures your salad stays fresh and crisp every time.
Step 4: Toss It All Together
Gather your noodles, tender green beans, beansprouts, julienned carrots, red bell peppers, and sliced green onions in a large mixing bowl. Pour your creamy sesame peanut dressing over the top. Gently toss everything together so every strand and bite is beautifully coated with that flavorful dressing. This step is where all the magic comes alive!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle toasted white sesame seeds generously over your tossed salad. This not only adds a little crunch but also that irresistible nutty aroma. Serve the salad at room temperature, so the flavors meld nicely, making every forkful a joy to eat. Plus, this salad keeps beautifully for up to four days in the fridge, which means you can enjoy it all week.
How to Serve Noodle Salad With Creamy Sesame Peanut Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted white sesame seeds is essential for adding that irresistible crunch and nutty flavor that complements the creamy dressing perfectly. Feel free to add chopped fresh cilantro or a few chopped peanuts for added texture and a fresh herbal note.
Side Dishes
This noodle salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, tofu skewers, or even crispy spring rolls for a complete meal. Its fresh, vibrant flavors also make it a perfect light side alongside a bowl of hot miso soup or a delicate Asian-inspired dumpling platter.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this salad in individual mason jars for easy grab-and-go lunches or as an eye-catching appetizer at your next gathering. You can also lay it over a bed of mixed greens or shredded cabbage to add extra crunch and boost the salad’s color palette.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover noodle salad stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Keep it chilled but bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor. If the dressing thickens on standing, a quick toss with a splash of water or lime juice helps revitalize it.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated, as freezing it can alter the texture of the noodles and fresh vegetables, making them mushy upon thawing. For the freshest results, avoid freezing the assembled dish.
Reheating
Since this salad is served cold or at room temperature, reheating is generally not recommended. However, if you prefer it slightly warm, gently toss the noodles and vegetables with the dressing at room temperature instead of heating.
FAQs
Can I use peanut butter with chunks instead of smooth?
Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter will add extra texture and nuttiness to the dressing, giving your noodle salad even more character. Just make sure to mix well so the dressing is evenly coated.
Is there a substitute for fresh egg noodles?
If you can’t find fresh egg noodles, dried ramen or soba noodles make an excellent alternative. Just cook them according to package instructions and rinse with cold water before using.
How can I make this salad vegan?
This recipe is already vegan-friendly if you choose vegan sweet chilli sauce and verify that your soy sauce does not contain any fish products. The rest of the ingredients are plant-based and naturally delicious.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, tofu, shrimp, or even boiled eggs pair well with the creamy sesame peanut dressing and make the salad more filling and protein-packed.
What’s the best way to adjust the spiciness?
Control the heat by adjusting the amount of sriracha in the dressing. Start with a smaller amount if you prefer mild, and add more gradually until it reaches your preferred level of spice.
Final Thoughts
I’m genuinely excited for you to try this Noodle Salad With Creamy Sesame Peanut Dressing Recipe because it’s one of those dishes that feels special yet comes together in no time. It’s fresh, flavorful, and full of personality—exactly what you want from a salad that also doubles as a satisfying meal. Whip it up, share it with friends or family, and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen rotation.
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Noodle Salad With Creamy Sesame Peanut Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (for steaming green beans)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This vibrant Noodle Salad with Creamy Sesame Peanut Dressing is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for a light lunch or side. Featuring fresh egg noodles, crisp vegetables, and a rich, tangy dressing made from peanut butter, sesame oil, and lime juice, this salad combines Asian-inspired ingredients for a delightful, easy-to-prepare meal. Ready in just 15 minutes with no cooking required beyond simple soaking and steaming, it makes a nutritious and satisfying choice that keeps well for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1/4 cup peanut butter, preferably smooth
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tbsp canola oil or other neutral oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust spiciness to taste)
- 2 tbsp lime juice (substitute rice or cider vinegar)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 to 4 tbsp water, if needed to loosen dressing
Salad
- 350g / 12 oz fresh egg noodles (about 4 cups packed)
- 1.5 cups carrot, julienned (1 large or 2 small carrots)
- 2 cups beansprouts
- 1.5 cups green beans, halved
- 1.5 cups red bell pepper/capsicum, finely sliced (1 large)
- 3 green onion stems, finely sliced on the diagonal
- 1 tbsp white sesame seeds, preferably toasted
Instructions
- Prepare the noodles: Soak or cook the fresh egg noodles according to the package directions, typically by soaking in hot water. Once softened, drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking, then set aside to cool.
- Make the dressing: In a bowl, combine the peanut butter, toasted sesame oil, canola oil, soy sauce, sweet chilli sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and minced garlic. Mix thoroughly until smooth. Add 2 to 4 tablespoons of water gradually to loosen the dressing to a pourable consistency suitable for tossing with the salad. Adjust lime juice or sriracha to balance tanginess and spice.
- Cook the green beans: Steam or boil the halved green beans until they are just tender but still have a crisp texture. Immediately drain and rinse them under cold running water to cool and preserve their color and crunch.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled noodles, julienned carrots, beansprouts, cooled green beans, sliced red bell pepper, and sliced green onions. Pour the creamy sesame peanut dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly to evenly coat all ingredients.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the toasted white sesame seeds over the top of the salad for extra texture and flavor. Serve the noodle salad at room temperature. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Notes
- Use smooth peanut butter for the creamiest dressing texture.
- To toast sesame oil, gently heat unrefined sesame oil until fragrant or purchase pre-toasted sesame oil for authentic flavor.
- Adjust sriracha according to your preferred spice level; a milder dressing might benefit from extra lime juice to maintain balance.
- Fresh egg noodles hydrate quickly, ensuring the salad remains light and tender without becoming mushy.
- Steaming green beans preserves their crispness and bright color better than prolonged boiling.
- This salad can be prepared ahead and keeps well refrigerated for up to 4 days, making it great for meal prep.
