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Thai cuisine is celebrated for its vibrant flavors, aromatic spices, and fresh ingredients that create a symphony of tastes in every dish. Among the plethora of Thai culinary delights, noodle salads occupy a special place, offering a refreshing twist that perfectly balances taste and texture. The Easy Thai Peanut Noodle Salad is a prime example, combining the delicate chewiness of rice noodles with a medley of crisp vegetables and a rich, creamy peanut sauce. This dish has gained immense popularity not only for its mouthwatering flavors but also for its versatility, making it an ideal choice for various occasions.

Easy Thai Peanut Noodle Salad

Discover the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine with this Easy Thai Peanut Noodle Salad. This refreshing dish combines chewy rice noodles, crisp fresh vegetables, and a rich peanut sauce that’s vegan and gluten-free friendly. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light dinner, this salad is as nutritious as it is delicious. Learn how to whip up this delightful meal that everyone will love, and impress your friends with its colorful presentation and tantalizing taste.
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Ingredients
  

8 oz rice noodles

1 cup shredded carrots

1 red or yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced

1 cup red cabbage, shredded

1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced

1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1/4 cup green onions, sliced

1/4 cup unsalted peanuts, chopped (optional, for garnish)

For the Peanut Sauce:

1/3 cup creamy peanut butter

2 tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons lime juice

1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

1 clove garlic, minced

1 teaspoon grated ginger

2-3 tablespoons water (to adjust for desired consistency)

Red pepper flakes (to taste, optional for spice)

Instructions
 

Cook the Noodles: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rice noodles and cook according to the package instructions until tender, usually around 4-6 minutes. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them thoroughly under cold running water to halt the cooking process and cool them down. Set aside in a large bowl.

    Prepare the Salad Base: In another large mixing bowl, combine the shredded carrots, thinly sliced bell pepper, shredded red cabbage, sliced cucumber, chopped cilantro, and sliced green onions. Gently toss the ingredients together until well mixed, taking care to keep the vegetables intact and crunchy.

      Make the Peanut Sauce: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, and grated ginger. If you like a touch of heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes. Gradually add water, one tablespoon at a time, whisking until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency - smooth and pourable.

        Combine Everything: Add the cooled rice noodles to the bowl of mixed vegetables. Drizzle the peanut sauce over the salad. Using tongs or two forks, gently toss the ingredients together until everything is well coated in the sauce and evenly distributed.

          Serve: Transfer the vibrant salad to serving bowls or a large serving platter. If desired, sprinkle chopped peanuts over the top for an extra layer of crunch and flavor.

            Enjoy: This refreshing salad can be enjoyed immediately, or for enhanced flavor, cover and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This allows the ingredients to marinate and develop a delightful meld of flavors.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                Presentation Tips: To elevate the visual appeal, serve the salad in colorful bowls, and garnish with additional cilantro leaves and a lime wedge on the side. This not only adds charm but also allows guests to add an extra splash of lime for a zesty kick!