Quick and Easy Noodle Salad with Sesame Peanut Dressing

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Looking for a tasty and easy lunch idea? This Noodle Salad with Sesame Peanut Dressing is perfect for you! It’s packed with veggies and coated in a creamy, nutty dressing that will make your taste buds dance. The best part? You can make it ahead and it stays fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.

You’ll love how quick this salad comes together. In just 15 minutes, you can whip up a delicious meal that’s great for work lunches or as a side dish for Asian-inspired dinners. The mix of textures from crunchy veggies and soft noodles, plus the blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors in the dressing, make this salad a real winner.

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty noodle salad with sesame peanut dressing. The ingredients are split into two parts: the dressing and the salad itself.

Dressing

For the dressing, gather these items:

• 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 1 tbsp canola oil (or another neutral oil)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
• 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsp lime juice (or rice/cider vinegar)
• 1 minced garlic clove
• 2-4 tbsp water (if needed)

Mix these together for a creamy, flavorful dressing that ties the whole salad together.

Salad

For the salad portion, you’ll need:

• 350g (12 oz) fresh egg noodles
• 1.5 cups julienned carrots
• 2 cups bean sprouts
• 1.5 cups halved green beans
• 1.5 cups finely sliced red bell pepper
• 3 finely sliced green onion stems
• 1 tbsp toasted white sesame seeds

These fresh ingredients create a colorful, crunchy base for your noodle salad. The mix of textures and flavors makes each bite exciting.

Instructions

You’ll start by preparing the noodles. Follow the directions on the package – most just need a soak in hot water. Once done, drain and rinse them. Set them aside to cool.

Next, mix up the dressing. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl. If it’s too thick, add a bit of water to loosen it up. Taste and adjust the lime or sriracha as needed.

For the green beans, give them a quick steam or boil. You want them tender but still crisp. Cool them down under running water when they’re done.

Now it’s time to put it all together. Grab a big bowl and toss in all your salad ingredients. Pour the dressing over top and mix everything well.

Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a nice finishing touch. Your salad is ready to serve at room temperature.

Don’t worry if you have leftovers – this salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days./

Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations

You can easily change up this noodle salad to suit your tastes or use what you have on hand. Try these swaps:

Noodles: Use soba, rice noodles, or even spaghetti
Veggies: Swap in cucumbers, snow peas, or edamame
Protein: Add shredded chicken, tofu, or grilled shrimp

For the dressing, you have options too:

• No peanut butter? Use almond or sunflower seed butter
• Replace soy sauce with tamari for gluten-free
• Swap lime juice for rice vinegar

Want it spicier? Add more sriracha or some red pepper flakes. For a milder version, cut back on the chili sauce.

Make it your own by adding:

• Chopped peanuts or cashews for crunch
• Fresh herbs like cilantro or mint
• A drizzle of chili oil on top

You can serve this salad warm, room temp, or cold. It’s great for meal prep and tastes even better the next day!

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Make this noodle salad your own by swapping ingredients. Try edamame instead of green beans, or add shredded chicken for extra protein.

For meal prep, cook the noodles and veggies ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge. Mix everything with the dressing just before eating.

You can make the dressing up to a week in advance. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. Give it a good shake before using.

To save time, use pre-cut veggies from the grocery store. This works great for carrots and bell peppers.

For a crunchier salad, add roasted peanuts or cashews on top when serving.

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days. The flavors often get better after a day or two!

If the noodles absorb too much dressing, add a splash of lime juice or water to loosen them up before eating.