Description
If you love fresh, vibrant flavors with a creamy peanut sauce, this Thai Pasta Salad is the perfect dish!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta Salad:
- 8 oz gluten-free pasta (or regular pasta, tortellini, or rice noodles)
- 1 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced into half-moons
- ½ cup purple cabbage, shredded
- ½ cup edamame or chickpeas (for protein)
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ¼ cup crushed peanuts (for topping)
For the Easy Peanut Sauce:
- ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free option)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon sriracha or red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- ¼ cup water (adjust for desired consistency)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Cook the pasta or tortellini according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside to cool.
Step 2: Make the Easy Peanut Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, maple syrup, lime juice, sesame oil, and sriracha.
- Add water gradually, whisking until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine pasta, bell peppers, carrots, cucumber, cabbage, edamame, and green onions.
- Pour the peanut sauce over the salad and toss to coat.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro, crushed peanuts, and extra lime juice.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
- Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes for enhanced flavors.
- Enjoy as a main dish or side salad!
Notes
- Use rice noodles for an authentic Thai twist – Instead of regular pasta.
- Make it extra crunchy – Add red cabbage, snap peas, or crushed cashews.
- For extra protein – Add tofu, tempeh, grilled shrimp, or shredded chicken.
- Adjust sauce consistency – Add more water for a thinner dressing or peanut butter for a thicker sauce.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 190
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 8g
Keywords: Thai Pasta Salad