Chilled Salad with Spicy Peanut Dressing: A Refreshing Bowl of Bold Flavor (Page 2 ) | July 9, 2025

 

Instructions

Assembly:

Make the Dressing
In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, soy sauce, vinegar/lime juice, honey, sesame oil, and sriracha. Slowly whisk in warm water until smooth and pourable. Taste and adjust for heat, salt, or sweetness.
Prepare the Salad Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine all vegetables, cooked noodles, cilantro, and green onions.
Add the Dressing
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well until everything is evenly coated. For best results, chill for 15–30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Garnish and Serve
Top with crushed peanuts and a few cilantro leaves. Serve cold, optionally with lime wedges on the side.
Customizations and Variations

Make It Vegan

This salad is naturally vegan-friendly—just make sure your sweetener is vegan (like maple syrup instead of honey).

Make It Sweeter or Milder

Add more sweetener or use less sriracha if you’re heat-sensitive. A touch of coconut milk in the dressing can also mellow the spice.

Nut-Free Option

Substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini and use seeds instead of peanuts for garnish.

Meal Prep Ready

This salad stores beautifully in the fridge. Keep the dressing separate for longer freshness and toss together just before eating.

Nutrition Benefits

This chilled salad isn’t just tasty—it’s a powerhouse of nutrients:

Cabbage and carrots deliver fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.

Peanut dressing provides healthy fats and plant-based protein.

Cilantro and green onions are rich in phytonutrients.

Noodles offer satisfying carbs for energy.

It’s a well-rounded dish that’s light yet filling, and perfect for vegetarians or anyone looking to eat more mindfully without sacrificing flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve as a main dish with added protein.

Use as a side salad alongside grilled meats, spring rolls, or dumplings.

Pack it for picnics, potlucks, or office lunches—it travels well and doesn’t require reheating.

You can even repurpose leftovers as a lettuce wrap filling, taco-style, or topped with a fried egg for an Asian-inspired breakfast twist.

Final Thoughts: Spice Up Your Salad Game

If you’re tired of bland salads or looking for something new to add to your recipe rotation, this Chilled Salad with Spicy Peanut Dressing is a must-try. It’s proof that healthy can be craveable, that cold food can be comforting, and that simple ingredients can combine to create something extraordinar

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