Description
This Thai Pasta Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that combines pasta with a tangy, peanut-based dressing and colorful veggies. With a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors, this salad is perfect as a side dish or a light main course. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or any gathering!
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 8 oz pasta (rotini, bowtie, or any pasta you prefer)
- 1 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup cucumber, julienned
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional for garnish)
For the Peanut Dressing:
- 1/4 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan version)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional, for heat)
- 2–3 tablespoons warm water (to thin out the dressing, adjust as needed)
Instructions
-
Cook the pasta:
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it cool completely. -
Prepare the veggies:
While the pasta cools, prep the vegetables. Slice the red bell pepper, julienne the cucumber, shred the carrots, and thinly slice the red onion. Set the veggies aside. -
Make the peanut dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, lime juice, and sriracha (if using).
Slowly add warm water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dressing reaches your desired consistency (smooth and pourable). -
Assemble the salad:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, red bell pepper, shredded carrots, cucumber, and red onion. Toss gently to combine. -
Add the dressing:
Pour the peanut dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated. -
Garnish and serve:
Garnish the salad with chopped fresh cilantro, green onions, and chopped peanuts. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes for an even more refreshing taste.
Notes
- This salad can be made ahead of time! Just keep the dressing separate and add it right before serving to prevent the pasta from getting too soggy.
- For extra protein, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- Feel free to customize the veggies based on what you have on hand. Bell peppers, bean sprouts, and cabbage work great!
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less sriracha or chili garlic sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Salad
- Method: Boiling, Mixing
- Cuisine: Thai, Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4 of the recipe)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0g