Imagine a dish that combines the vibrant crunch of fresh vegetables, the silky smoothness of rice noodles, and a mind-blowing peanut lime dressing that will transport your palate straight to the bustling streets of Southeast Asia. This Cold Rice Noodle Salad isn't just a recipe—it's a culinary adventure that promises to cool you down, satisfy your hunger, and elevate your home cooking game in just 25 minutes flat!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz rice noodles
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup cucumber, julienned
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup peanuts, chopped
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 3 tbsp peanut butter
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Typically, this involves boiling water, adding the noodles, and cooking them for about 5-7 minutes until tender. Once cooked, drain and rinse the noodles under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool them down. Set aside.
- While the noodles are cooking, prepare the vegetables. Use a vegetable peeler or grater to shred the carrots. Slice the red bell pepper into thin strips. For the cucumber, cut it in half lengthwise, remove the seeds with a spoon, and then julienne it into thin strips. Place all the prepared vegetables into a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the peanut lime dressing. Combine the peanut butter, lime juice, soy sauce, honey, and minced garlic. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth and well combined. If the dressing is too thick, you can add a little water to reach your desired consistency.
- Add the cooled rice noodles to the bowl with the vegetables. Pour the peanut lime dressing over the noodles and vegetables. Using tongs or two large forks, gently toss everything together until the noodles and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Once everything is well mixed, fold in the chopped fresh cilantro and chopped peanuts for added flavor and crunch. Toss gently to combine.
- Transfer the cold rice noodle salad to a serving platter or individual bowls. You can garnish with additional cilantro and peanuts if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- This dish can be enjoyed as a refreshing side or a light main course. Enjoy your Cold Rice Noodle Salad with Peanut Lime Dressing!
Tips
- Noodle Cooling Hack: Rinse your rice noodles in cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Dressing Consistency: If your peanut lime dressing feels too thick, don't panic! Simply add a tablespoon of water at a time until you reach your desired smooth, drizzle-able consistency.
- Prep Ahead: This salad is perfect for meal prep! You can chop all vegetables and make the dressing a day in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator.
- Protein Power-Up: Want to make this a more substantial meal? Add grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp to transform it into a complete protein-packed dish.
- Customize Your Crunch: Feel free to swap peanuts with cashews or almonds if you prefer, or add extra nuts for more texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
