Description
This Thai Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish combining perfectly cooked pasta with crunchy vegetables and a creamy peanut dressing. Packed with colorful ingredients like purple cabbage, carrots, and red bell pepper, it’s an easy-to-make, vegetarian-friendly salad that delivers bold Thai-inspired flavors. The creamy peanut dressing balanced with lime juice and ginger makes it a delightful meal prep option or a satisfying side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 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 Ingredients
- 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)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Prepare the pasta according to package directions. Once cooked, drain it and rinse under cold water to cool completely and stop the cooking process.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta with shredded purple cabbage, julienned carrots, thinly sliced red bell pepper, chopped cucumber, green onions, cilantro, and chopped roasted peanuts.
- Prepare 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 to achieve a pourable consistency.
- Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Toss thoroughly until every ingredient is well coated with the dressing.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with additional roasted peanuts and fresh cilantro before serving to enhance texture and flavor.
Notes
- This salad can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
- For added protein, mix in cooked shredded chicken or tofu.
- Adjust the spice level of the dressing by adding sriracha or chili flakes to taste.
