Description
A vibrant and flavorful Thai Pasta Salad featuring cooked pasta tossed with fresh vegetables and a creamy peanut butter dressing. Perfect as a refreshing side dish or a light meal, this salad combines crunchy cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, and cucumber with an aromatic peanut sauce, garnished with cilantro and roasted peanuts.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta Salad
- 12 oz cooked pasta (rotini, bow tie, or rice noodles)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded purple cabbage
- 1 cup julienned carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts (plus more for garnish)
Dressing
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2–4 tablespoons warm water (to thin dressing)
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Prepare the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and rinse under cold water to cool completely and stop the cooking process.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, shredded purple cabbage, julienned carrots, thinly sliced red bell pepper, chopped cucumber, green onions, cilantro, and chopped roasted peanuts.
- Make the dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey or maple syrup, rice vinegar, lime juice, grated fresh ginger, and minced garlic until smooth. Gradually add warm water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dressing achieves a pourable consistency.
- Dress the salad: Pour the peanut dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle additional roasted peanuts and fresh cilantro on top for garnish. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- This salad can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For added protein, include cooked shredded chicken or tofu according to preference.
- Adjust the spice level by mixing sriracha or chili flakes into the dressing to taste.
