Name: Thai Noodle Salad with Sesame Peanut Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 24 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1/4 cup Soy Sauce; 1/4 cup Sweet Chili Sauce; 3 Tbsp Sesame Oil; 2 Tbsp Peanut Butter; 2 Tbsp Seasoned Rice Wine Vinegar; 1 Tbsp Crispy Chili Oil; 4 cloves Garlic (minced); 1 large Lime (juiced); 1 lb Preferred Noodle (linguine recommended); 1 medium Red Bell Pepper (finely chopped); 1 cup Shredded Carrots (finely chopped); 1 bunch Cilantro (finely chopped); 1/2 cup Green Onion (finely chopped); 1/2 medium Red Onion (finely chopped)

Jump to Recipe·4 from 90 reviews

If you are craving a vibrant, fresh, and satisfyingly bold dish, this Thai Noodle Salad with Sesame Peanut Sauce Recipe is an absolute must-try. Bursting with a perfect harmony of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors, this salad pairs tender noodles with crunchy veggies and a luscious peanut sauce that sets it apart. It’s a beautiful balance of textures and colors that feels light but still leaves you full and happy. Whether you’re cooking for friends, meal prepping for the week, or just want to treat yourself to something special, this recipe will become one of your favorites in no time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A shiny mixing bowl filled with five distinct layers: pale beige cooked noodles at the bottom right, finely chopped bright red bell peppers next to the noodles, shredded orange carrots layered beside the bell peppers, finely chopped light purple onions on the edge near the carrots, and fresh green cilantro filling the bowl's upper edge. A thick brown sauce with visible bits is being poured from a clear measuring cup into the center of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and a woman's hand holds the measuring cup. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Thai noodle salad lies not just in the technique but in the quality and simplicity of the ingredients. Each item plays a critical role, from the nutty richness of the peanut butter to the fresh brightness of lime juice and the satisfying crunch of fresh vegetables. Gathering these essentials is the first step toward a colorful and flavorful dish that everyone will love.

Soy Sauce: Adds a salty, umami depth that forms the base of the sauce’s savory profile.
Sweet Chili Sauce: Brings a gentle sweetness with just the right kick to keep things exciting.
Sesame Oil: Delivers a toasty, aromatic fragrance that makes the salad truly irresistible.
Peanut Butter: Creates creamy richness and binds the sauce with its signature nutty flavor.
Seasoned Rice Wine Vinegar: Offers a gentle tang to balance the richness with a light, acidic lift.
Crispy Chili Oil: Infuses heat and texture, perfect for those who love a little spice.
Garlic (minced): Gives the sauce a punch of aromatic intensity.
Lime (juiced): Brightens every bite with refreshing citrus zing.
Preferred Noodles (I used linguine): The tender but firm noodles soak up the sauce beautifully.
Red Bell Pepper (finely chopped): Provides sweet crunch and vibrant color contrast.
Shredded Carrots (finely chopped): Adds sweetness and a crisp texture for balance.
Cilantro (finely chopped): Brings fresh herbal notes that make each forkful pop.
Green Onion (finely chopped): Introduces a mild sharpness that complements the other veggies.
Red Onion (finely chopped): Adds bite and a touch of pungency that keeps the flavors dynamic.

How to Make Thai Noodle Salad with Sesame Peanut Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Start by boiling your preferred noodles (linguine works wonderfully) until al dente, according to the package instructions. Cooking them just right ensures they’re tender but still firm enough to hold the creamy sauce without getting mushy.

Step 2: Rinse the Noodles

Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools the noodles so they’re ready to absorb the flavorful sauce without overcooking in the heat.

Step 3: Whisk the Sauce

While the noodles cook, in a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, sesame oil, peanut butter, seasoned rice wine vinegar, crispy chili oil, minced garlic, and freshly squeezed lime juice. Whisk thoroughly until the sauce is luxuriously smooth and creamy. Don’t be shy to adjust the seasoning here to make it your own — maybe a bit more lime for freshness or extra chili oil for heat.

Step 4: Combine Noodles and Veggies

Transfer the cooled noodles into a large serving bowl. Add in the finely chopped red bell pepper, shredded carrots, cilantro, green onions, and red onion. Each vegetable adds not only nutritional value but also delightful crunch and bursts of freshness.

Step 5: Toss with the Sauce

Pour the creamy sesame peanut sauce over the noodle and veggie mixture. Gently toss everything together until every strand of noodle and bit of vegetable is luxuriously coated with the sauce. This is when the magic truly happens, bringing all the elements into harmonious flavor. Serve immediately for the freshest taste, or refrigerate and enjoy later.

How to Serve Thai Noodle Salad with Sesame Peanut Sauce Recipe

A large white bowl filled with long, light brown noodles mixed with finely chopped vegetables including green onions, red bell peppers, orange carrots, and green herbs scattered throughout. The noodles have a glossy texture and are twisted together in loose layers, with the colorful vegetables evenly distributed on top and within. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and in the blurred background, there are yellow-handled utensils resting on the same surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your serving, sprinkle the salad with toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for extra texture and nuttiness. Fresh lime wedges work beautifully, too, giving anyone the option to add just a hint more citrus brightness right before eating. A few extra cilantro leaves on top makes for a pretty and fragrant presentation.

Side Dishes

This Thai noodle salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu, making it a versatile companion for lighter proteins. For a vegetarian touch, serve alongside edamame or a simple cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar and a splash of chili oil. These sides enhance the meal without overpowering the lovely complexity of the peanut sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Beyond the classic bowl, try serving this salad in lettuce wraps for a fun handheld option. It’s also fantastic chilled as a picnic or potluck dish. For a vibrant party platter, arrange the noodles on a large serving tray and scatter all the veggies and sauce attractively over the top, inviting everyone to dig in family-style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Thai Noodle Salad with Sesame Peanut Sauce Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers a delightful lunch or light dinner option.

Freezing

Because this salad relies on fresh vegetables and cooked noodles with a no-cook sauce, freezing is not recommended. The texture of the noodles and veggies could become mushy upon thawing, detracting from the salad’s fresh appeal.

Reheating

If you prefer the salad warm, gently reheat a portion in the microwave or on the stovetop. Consider adding a splash of water or a bit more sesame oil to keep the noodles from drying out. Otherwise, it’s perfectly delicious served cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use other types of noodles?

Absolutely! While linguine works perfectly, you can easily swap in rice noodles, soba, or even spaghetti. The key is to cook until al dente so they hold up well with the sauce and veggies.

Is this salad spicy?

The spice level is flexible. The crispy chili oil adds heat, but you can adjust it by using less or more according to your taste. It’s easy to customize this Thai Noodle Salad with Sesame Peanut Sauce Recipe to be mild or fiery.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes! This salad is naturally vegan-friendly as long as you use a plant-based peanut butter and ensure your chili and soy sauces do not contain fish products. It’s a great option for plant-based diets.

How long does this salad last in the fridge?

You can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors meld nicely over time, and the dish keeps well chilled, making it great for meal prep.

What can I serve with this Thai Noodle Salad?

Try pairing it with grilled meats, tofu, or a light soup. Jasmine rice or simple steamed vegetables also complement it nicely without overpowering the lively peanut sauce flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Thai Noodle Salad with Sesame Peanut Sauce Recipe truly feels like a celebration of fresh, bold flavors and satisfying textures all in one bowl. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough to wow guests. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how quickly it becomes a beloved favorite in your kitchen, just like it did in mine!