Who said salad has to be lettuce based? I've got a brand new recipe for cold noodle salad that's gonna be a summer staple. Inspired by traditional Thai noodle salad, this recipe explodes with flavor. I can't wait for you to try it!
What is noodle salad?
...And why is it cold?! Noodle salads can be found in many different regions around the world. Hot and cold, mayonnaise based as well as drenched in Italian dressing, a salad with noodles is a tried and true dish that lots of people love.
I love Thai peanut sauce, and it works seamlessly in this version of a Thai-inspired salad. Because there are several sauces + more processed ingredients in this salad, it is higher in sodium. If you need to cut back, then try using dried red pepper flakes with a bit of olive oil instead of the chili sauce. The flavor does change, yet the sodium content goes down.
What noodles should I use?
Now onto the ever important question of what noodles to use. Here are my top picks: millet and brown rice ramen, egg noodles, soba noodles, fresh pasta noodles and rice noodles.
All of these options are a bit different, yet delicious. Make this cold noodle salad your own with your fav option.
Cold noodle salad recipe
This colorful salad uses a mix of raw and cooked ingredients; typical of many noodle salads. If you'd like a hot option, then check out my vegetarian ramen recipe.
If you are able, make this salad a day ahead, then refrigerate. Giving the sauce + ingredients a bit of time to marinate really takes the whole dish to the next level. If you'd like to make this salad for a party, then don't be afraid to double the recipe.
Tips for making a great salad
Pick noodles you love- I used egg noodles for my salad, yet I've also made this with gluten free ramen. It tastes great with both!
Pre-mixed cabbage slaw- When in a pinch, go for the pre-mixed slaw mix. Trader Joe's has a great slaw mix that doesn't already have the dressing mixed in. It's just shredded cabbage and carrots. Using pre-cut veggies shortens your prep time as well as cuts down on dishes. #winwin
Fresh or frozen green beans work- I look at canned green beans as a last resort, and instead go for fresh or frozen. The flavor just can't be beat!
Swaps for peanut butter- If peanut butter doesn't work for you, then swap in almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower butter.
Soy free option- If you're looking for a soy free cold noodle salad, then swap the tamari for coconut aminos. They have a slightly different flavor, yet work great in this sauce.
Vegetarian Noodle Salad
Rate this Recipe Print RecipeIngredients
For Dressing:
- ¼ cup peanut butter
- 2 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 3 tablespoon tamari
- 2 tablespoon sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 2 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon ginger root (grated)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoon water (more if needed)
For Salad:
- 6 oz asian noodles (egg, lo mein, ramen, etc)
- 1.5 cups carrot (julienned)
- 2 cups bean sprouts
- 1.5 cups green beans (fresh + halved)
- 1 red bell pepper (finely sliced)
- 2 cups cabbage (shredded (red or green))
- 3 green onions (stems finely sliced on the diagonal)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (preferably toasted)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro (on top)
Instructions
- Prepare noodles according to the packet directions. Drain, rinse and set aside to cool.
For Dressing
- Mix together all dressing ingredients, using water only if needed to loosen.
- Steam green beans until just cooked, tender but still crisp. Drain under running water to cool.
- Chop and slice salad veggies while green beans are cooking.
- Place salad ingredients in a big bowl and toss with dressing.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and cilantro, then serve at room temp. Keeps up to 4 days in fridge.
Video
Notes
- To make sure this salad is gluten free, read the label on the package of noodles to ensure it is certified gluten-free.
- Fresh, raw green beans are preferred, but in a pinch, canned can be used.
Nutrition (estimated)
Great vegetarian side dishes
If you loved this salad (and your guests could believe a vegetarian dish could taste so good!) then I've got some more great recipes for you to try. I love pulling in Thai-inspired flavors to my dishes, as evidenced by this delicious list of recipes:
Hundreds of recipes like these are available through my plant based meal planner, Rawk the Year. I needed something to keep my family eating at home together, and eating healthy meals. So, I created a meal planner full of recipes we actually eat, and I can't wait to share it with you and your family too.
Kim
WOW! This salad is SOOO good. The flavors are on-point & perfect for summer night dinners!
Lisa
This is delish. Made it several times for different people and everyone loved it. I personally don't think it needs the maple syrup but its great either way you fix it. You can add chicken too 🙂
Simple Green Smoothies
You are so right, Lisa! We're def not opposed to some chicken in this salad if that floats your boat!
Sarah Mitchel
I love the new food recipes you've been sharing— esp when they have some asian fusion. That's my fav. Thank you so much! Can't wait to make this.
Danielle
I have never bought egg noodles. Where do I even find them? Can I swap for other kinds or will it mess it up?
Simple Green Smoothies
Egg noodles are commonly found in the international foods aisle of your local grocery store, along with other Asian food items. You can totally swap for other types of noodles like ramen, rice noodles or fresh pasta.
Erin
Just got some millet + brown rice ramen, and I've got fresh green beans from the garden. Can't wait to try this! You had me at peanut butter <3