Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad

Featured in: Light Bowls, Soups & Sips

This lively bowl blends tender noodles with crisp julienned vegetables like carrot, bell pepper, cucumber, and snap peas. A creamy, spicy peanut dressing made from peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and sriracha brings bright heat and richness. Garnished with roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro, it’s perfect for a quick, light lunch or dinner. Adjustable spice levels and gluten-free options make it versatile and satisfying.

Updated on Mon, 08 Dec 2025 15:45:00 GMT
Steaming Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad, colorful with carrots and peppers, ready to serve with lime wedges. Save
Steaming Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad, colorful with carrots and peppers, ready to serve with lime wedges. | dewhearth.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.

This salad quickly became a staple in my meal rotation due to its perfect balance of spice and creaminess combined with crisp vegetables.

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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Cook Noodles:
Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
Prepare Vegetables:
Prepare all vegetables as directed and set aside.
Make Dressing:
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.
Combine Salad:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles and vegetables. Add the peanut dressing and toss until everything is well coated.
Serve:
Divide the salad among bowls. Top with roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side.
Product image
Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.
Check price on Amazon
Save
| dewhearth.com

My family always gathers around this salad on warm afternoons enjoying its refreshing flavors and easy preparation.

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)

A bowl of Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad with a creamy peanut dressing, sprinkled with roasted peanuts—a flavorful lunch. Save
A bowl of Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad with a creamy peanut dressing, sprinkled with roasted peanuts—a flavorful lunch. | dewhearth.com
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This salad is a refreshing delight that comes together quickly making it perfect for busy weekdays or a casual get-together.

Recipe FAQs

What type of noodles work best?

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

Can the spiciness be adjusted?

Yes, adjust sriracha or chili garlic sauce amounts to increase or decrease heat according to taste.

How to make it gluten-free?

Use rice noodles and replace soy sauce with tamari to make the dish gluten-free.

What are suitable protein additions?

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

How long can leftovers be stored?

Keep leftovers refrigerated and consume within 2 days for best freshness.

Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad

A fresh bowl of noodles paired with crisp veggies and creamy spicy peanut dressing.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Bake Time
10 minutes
Time Needed
30 minutes
Created by Claire Martin

Recipe Category Light Bowls, Soups & Sips

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Asian-Inspired

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Preferences Plant-Based, No Dairy

What You'll 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 1-2 tsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce, to taste
07 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
08 2-4 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

Directions

Step 01

Cook noodles: Boil noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water, then 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 aside.

Step 03

Make dressing: Whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, honey or maple syrup, sriracha, and sesame oil in a medium bowl. Gradually add warm water until smooth and pourable.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Serve: Divide mixture into serving bowls. Top with roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.

Tools Needed

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

Allergy Details

Review each item for allergens and see a medical expert if you're unsure.
  • Contains peanuts, soy, and sesame.
  • May contain gluten depending on noodle and soy sauce choice.

Nutrition Details (for each portion)

Details are informational only and shouldn't replace health advice.
  • Energy: 420
  • Fats: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 58 g
  • Proteins: 12 g