Cold Peanut Noodle Bowl

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cold Peanut Noodle Bowl is the ultimate comfort food that’s light yet satisfying. The combination of soft noodles, a creamy, savory peanut sauce, and crunchy vegetables creates a delightful contrast in texture. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also highly customizable—add more vegetables, protein, or spice to suit your taste. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick meal, something for meal prep, or a refreshing dish on a warm day, this bowl has you covered.

Ingredients

• 8 oz noodles (rice noodles, soba noodles, or spaghetti)

• 1 cup shredded carrots

• 1/2 cucumber, julienned

• 1/2 bell pepper, thinly sliced

• 1/4 cup green onions, sliced

• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

For the peanut sauce:

• 3 tbsp peanut butter (smooth or chunky)

• 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup

• 1 tsp grated ginger

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1/2 tsp sriracha or chili paste (optional, for spice)

• 1-2 tbsp warm water (to thin the sauce to your desired consistency)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey (or maple syrup), grated ginger, garlic, and sriracha (if using) until smooth.

3. Add warm water, one tablespoon at a time, to thin the sauce to your desired consistency. It should be creamy but easy to drizzle.

4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chilled noodles, shredded carrots, cucumber, bell pepper, and green onions.

5. Pour the peanut sauce over the noodles and toss everything together until well combined.

6. Garnish with cilantro and sesame seeds if desired.

7. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for 20-30 minutes for a cooler, more refreshing dish.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2-4

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 5 minutes

• Total time: 15 minutes (or up to 30 minutes if chilling)

Variations

• Add protein: Top the noodle bowl with grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or tempeh for a more filling meal.

• Extra crunch: Add chopped peanuts or cashews on top for extra texture.

• More veggies: Add bell peppers, edamame, or snap peas for additional flavor and crunch.

• Spicy kick: Increase the amount of sriracha or add red pepper flakes for extra heat.

• Noodle options: Use other noodles like soba, udon, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative.

Storage/Reheating

• Store leftover Cold Peanut Noodle Bowl in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• This dish is best served cold, and the flavors continue to develop as it sits. The noodles may absorb some of the sauce, so feel free to add a little more water or soy sauce before serving leftovers.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of peanut butter?

Yes, you can use any peanut butter, smooth or chunky. Natural peanut butter works best for a creamy sauce, but you can use any kind you prefer.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish a few hours ahead of time or even the day before. Just keep it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

3. Can I make the peanut sauce spicier?

Absolutely! You can adjust the spice by adding more sriracha, chili paste, or even fresh chili slices for an extra kick.

4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use tamari instead of soy sauce to make the peanut sauce gluten-free. Make sure the noodles you use are also gluten-free (such as rice noodles or gluten-free pasta).

5. Can I use a different type of noodles?

Yes, you can use soba noodles, udon noodles, or any type of pasta. Just make sure to cook them according to the package instructions and rinse them well with cold water to stop the cooking process.

6. How can I make this dish vegan?

This recipe is already vegan, but you can add plant-based protein like tofu, tempeh, or edamame to make it even more filling.

7. Can I add fruit to this salad?

Yes! Adding fruits like mango or pineapple can introduce a nice sweetness that pairs well with the savory peanut sauce.

8. How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover Cold Peanut Noodle Bowl in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. It’s a great dish for meal prep!

9. Can I add more veggies?

Yes! You can add more veggies like cabbage, bell peppers, or spinach for extra crunch and nutrients.

10. Can I make the sauce without sesame oil?

You can, but sesame oil adds a distinctive flavor. If you don’t have it, you can substitute it with olive oil or another mild oil, though the flavor will be different.

Conclusion

Cold Peanut Noodle Bowl is a refreshing, flavorful, and versatile dish that can easily be customized to your preferences. With its creamy peanut sauce, crunchy vegetables, and tender noodles, it’s a satisfying meal that’s perfect for warm weather, meal prepping, or a quick lunch. This dish is as simple as it is delicious, making it a great option for anyone looking for a light, yet filling meal.

Cold Peanut Noodle Bowl

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Cold Peanut Noodle Bowl is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines chilled noodles with a creamy peanut sauce, fresh vegetables, and a hint of spice. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, this dish is quick to make and packs a punch of flavors with each bite.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes (or up to 30 minutes if chilling)
• Yield: 2-4 servings
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: No-cook
• Cuisine: Asian, Fusion

Ingredients

1. 8 oz noodles (rice noodles, soba noodles, or spaghetti)
   
   1 cup shredded carrots
   
   1/2 cucumber, julienned
   
   1/2 bell pepper, thinly sliced
   
   1/4 cup green onions, sliced
   
   1/4 cup cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
   
   1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
   
   For the peanut sauce:
   3 tbsp peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
   
   2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
   
   1 tbsp rice vinegar
   
   1 tbsp sesame oil
   
   1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
   
   1 tsp grated ginger
   
   1 garlic clove, minced
   
   1/2 tsp sriracha or chili paste (optional, for spice)
   
   1–2 tbsp warm water (to thin the sauce to your desired consistency)

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Instructions

Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey (or maple syrup), grated ginger, garlic, and sriracha (if using) until smooth.
2. Add warm water, one tablespoon at a time, to thin the sauce to your desired consistency. It should be creamy but easy to drizzle.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chilled noodles, shredded carrots, cucumber, bell pepper, and green onions.
4. Pour the peanut sauce over the noodles and toss everything together until well combined.
5. Garnish with cilantro and sesame seeds if desired.
6. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for 20-30 minutes for a cooler, more refreshing dish.

Notes

• Add protein: Top the noodle bowl with grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or tempeh for a more filling meal.
• Extra crunch: Add chopped peanuts or cashews on top for extra texture.
• More veggies: Add bell peppers, edamame, or snap peas for additional flavor and crunch.
• Spicy kick: Increase the amount of sriracha or add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Noodle options: Use other noodles like soba, udon, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 0mg