Description
This vibrant Thai Pasta Salad combines rotini or rice noodles with fresh shredded red cabbage, carrots, and bell pepper, all tossed in a creamy, tangy peanut dressing. Enhanced with cilantro, green onions, and crunchy peanuts, it delivers a delightful blend of textures and flavors perfect for a light lunch or side dish. The salad can be served chilled or at room temperature, making it highly versatile and ideal for quick meals or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (rotini or rice noodles)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- juice of 1 lime
- 1–2 tablespoons warm water (to thin dressing if needed)
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Prepare the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse thoroughly under cold water to cool and stop cooking. Set aside to drain well.
- Mix Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded red cabbage, shredded carrots, thinly sliced red bell pepper, chopped cilantro, chopped green onions, and the cooled pasta. Toss gently to mix evenly.
- Prepare Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together creamy peanut butter, soy sauce or tamari, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, lime juice, and warm water until the dressing is smooth and creamy. Adjust thickness with warm water if necessary and season with salt to taste.
- Toss Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the mixed salad ingredients. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every bite is coated with the flavorful peanut dressing.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped peanuts and optional sesame seeds over the top for extra crunch and nuttiness. Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature as desired.
Notes
- For added protein, top the salad with grilled chicken, tofu, or edamame.
- Use gluten-free pasta and tamari to make the dish gluten-free.
- Adjust the spice level by adding sriracha or red pepper flakes to the dressing.
- This salad is great for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
