This cold noodle salad with peanut sauce is a refreshing, easy-to-make dish perfect for hot days. With a savory-sweet dressing and crunchy vegetables, it’s a satisfying, high-protein meal that can be prepared in just 30 minutes. Add shredded chicken to make it even more filling. It’s perfect for meal prep and will hold up for several days in the fridge.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 2 (2.8-ounce) packages ramen noodles (discard seasoning packet)

• 3 cups thinly sliced napa or savoy cabbage (or green cabbage/kale)

• 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips (about 1 cup)

• 1 cup shelled edamame (thawed if frozen)

• ½ cup very roughly chopped fresh cilantro

• ½ cup julienned or shredded carrot

• 6 green onions, thinly sliced

• 2½ cups cooked, chopped or shredded chicken breast or thigh meat (or rotisserie chicken)

• ⅓ cup chopped dry roasted peanuts (for garnish)

• Optional garnish: cilantro, sesame seeds, lime wedges

For the Dressing:

• ⅓ cup creamy natural peanut butter

• ¼ cup rice vinegar

• Zest and juice of 1 small or ½ medium lime

• 2 tablespoons coconut aminos (or soy sauce)

• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

• 1 teaspoon Sriracha (optional, for more spice)

• 1 small garlic clove, grated

• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)

• 2 tablespoons water

• Pinch of fine salt (if needed)

Directions

1. Cook the noodles: Cook the ramen noodles according to package instructions. Drain and cool to room temperature.

2. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, rice vinegar, lime juice, coconut aminos, sesame oil, Sriracha, garlic, and ginger. Add water to thin the dressing to a pourable consistency. Taste and adjust salt if necessary.

3. Prepare the salad: In a large bowl, add the cabbage, bell pepper, edamame, cilantro, carrots, and green onions. Toss to combine.

4. Assemble the salad: Add the cooked chicken and noodles to the bowl with the veggies. Pour the dressing over the top and toss everything together until well mixed and coated.

5. Garnish and serve: Top with chopped peanuts, additional cilantro, and sesame seeds. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

• Calories: 365 kcal

• Fat: 15g (Saturated Fat: 2g)

• Sodium: 963mg

• Carbohydrates: 40g (Fiber: 6g, Sugar: 5g)

• Protein: 23g

• Cholesterol: 25mg

The Key Ingredients That Make the Salad Special

The base of this cold noodle salad is, of course, the ramen noodles. While often associated with a quick soup meal, ramen noodles are an excellent choice for salads because they hold up well when served cold. By discarding the seasoning packet that typically comes with ramen, you avoid the heavy sodium and instead create a clean canvas for the flavorful dressing.

The vegetables used in this salad add both color and crunch, elevating the texture and making each bite more exciting. Napa cabbage or savoy cabbage, with their tender leaves and subtle flavor, serve as the main leafy base of the salad. They’re complemented by red bell peppers for sweetness, edamame for a pop of color and protein, and shredded carrots for a fresh crunch. Green onions add a mild onion flavor, while fresh cilantro brings a fragrant herbaceous note that lifts the entire dish.

Chicken is optional but highly recommended for those looking to add more protein and make the salad more filling. You can use leftover chicken breast, thigh meat, or even store-bought rotisserie chicken for convenience. The chicken combines beautifully with the noodles and vegetables, ensuring that the salad is not only delicious but also a satisfying, complete meal.

The Creamy Peanut Sauce: A Perfect Blend of Savory and Sweet

What truly makes this cold noodle salad shine is the creamy peanut dressing. The peanut butter provides a rich, nutty base that pairs perfectly with the tangy lime juice and rice vinegar. The combination of ingredients in the dressing creates a harmonious balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors that coat the noodles and vegetables beautifully.

Coconut aminos or soy sauce adds a salty depth to the dressing, while toasted sesame oil introduces a slightly smoky, nutty undertone that enhances the overall flavor profile. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, the addition of Sriracha brings a touch of spice to the dressing, making it more complex and exciting. Fresh garlic and ginger contribute aromatic warmth, rounding out the dressing with a vibrant kick.

The dressing is designed to be easily adjustable. You can thin it out with water to reach your desired consistency, whether you prefer a lighter drizzle or a thicker coating. Taste testing and adjusting the seasoning is crucial, as it allows you to fine-tune the flavors to your liking, ensuring the dressing is perfectly balanced.

Versatility and Customization of the Salad

One of the best aspects of this cold noodle salad with peanut sauce is its versatility. While the recipe as written is already packed with flavor and texture, you can easily swap or add ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. For example, if you prefer a different vegetable base, you can substitute the napa cabbage for kale or green cabbage. These variations still provide the same satisfying crunch and fresh flavor that complements the creamy peanut sauce.

The protein in this salad is also highly customizable. If chicken isn’t your choice, you can substitute it with tofu for a vegetarian option or shrimp for a seafood twist. Grilled steak, pork, or even crispy tempeh can be used to add different flavors and textures, allowing you to tailor the salad to fit your dietary needs or cravings. Additionally, for a lower-calorie version, you can skip the noodles altogether and use zucchini noodles or a different vegetable noodle, keeping the salad light and refreshing.

Health Benefits and Nutritional Profile

This cold noodle salad with peanut sauce is not only delicious but also packs a nutritious punch. The combination of ramen noodles, vegetables, and chicken (if included) makes this salad a well-rounded meal. The vegetables are rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, which support overall health and digestion. Napa cabbage, for instance, is a low-calorie vegetable that provides essential nutrients like vitamin K, vitamin C, and folate. Red bell peppers are high in vitamin A and C, while carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene.

Edamame, a key ingredient in the salad, adds a good amount of plant-based protein and fiber, making it an excellent choice for boosting the nutritional content of the dish. The addition of chicken (or other protein sources) further enhances the protein profile, making the salad filling and supportive of muscle repair and growth.

The peanut sauce, while indulgent, provides healthy fats from the peanut butter and sesame oil, which are beneficial for heart health. The healthy fats also help your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins from the vegetables in the salad. However, if you’re concerned about calories or fat content, you can adjust the peanut butter portion or substitute it with a lower-fat alternative, such as a peanut butter powder or light peanut butter.

Meal Prep Friendly and Make-Ahead

This cold noodle salad with peanut sauce is an excellent choice for meal prep. It holds up well in the refrigerator for several days, making it an ideal dish for preparing in advance. You can prepare the noodles, vegetables, and chicken ahead of time, storing them separately from the dressing. This will keep the vegetables fresh and the noodles from becoming soggy. When you’re ready to eat, simply toss everything together, add the dressing, and garnish with peanuts and sesame seeds.

The salad is not only great for meal prep, but it can also be served as a make-ahead dish for picnics, potlucks, or barbecues. Since it can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, it’s perfect for outdoor gatherings, providing a cool and refreshing option for guests. The crunchy vegetables and flavorful dressing make it a standout dish that everyone will enjoy, and it’s easy to scale up for larger groups.

Garnishes and Serving Suggestions

Garnishing your cold noodle salad with peanut sauce adds a finishing touch that enhances both the presentation and flavor of the dish. Chopped peanuts give a delightful crunch that contrasts with the softness of the noodles and vegetables. A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds an extra layer of nuttiness, while additional cilantro provides a burst of freshness.

Lime wedges are another optional garnish that can add a squeeze of extra citrus for those who prefer a more pronounced tang. These garnishes not only make the salad look more appealing but also allow your guests to customize their servings to their taste.

You can serve this salad as a light meal on its own or pair it with other dishes for a more substantial spread. It’s an excellent accompaniment to grilled meats, fish, or a variety of appetizers. Its fresh flavors and satisfying ingredients make it a versatile dish that can be enjoyed year-round.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this cold noodle salad with peanut sauce is a simple yet flavorful dish that is perfect for hot days or anytime you’re craving a refreshing, satisfying meal. The combination of tender ramen noodles, fresh vegetables, and a creamy, tangy peanut dressing creates a balanced and delicious salad that’s high in protein and full of vibrant flavors. Its versatility allows for endless customization, making it suitable for a variety of dietary preferences. Whether you’re looking to meal prep for the week, serve a crowd, or enjoy a light yet filling dish, this cold noodle salad is an excellent choice that will leave you feeling satisfied and refreshed.