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Thai Pasta Salad


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  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

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

Scale

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)
  • 23 tablespoons warm water (to thin out the dressing, adjust as needed)

Instructions

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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).

  4. 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.

  5. Add the dressing:
    Pour the peanut dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.

  6. 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