Forget everything you know about boring salads! This Ramen Noodles Salad with Peanut Dressing is about to revolutionize your lunch game with an irresistible combination of crunchy vegetables, slurp-worthy noodles, and a creamy, nutty dressing that will make your taste buds dance. In just 20 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that's both incredibly delicious and ridiculously easy to make. Whether you're a busy professional, a student, or just someone who loves amazing food, this recipe is your ticket to a quick, satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 packs of ramen noodles
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients and equipment. You will need a large pot for cooking the ramen noodles, a mixing bowl for the dressing, and a large salad bowl for combining the salad.
- Fill the large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the ramen noodles. Cook according to the package instructions, typically around 3-5 minutes, until the noodles are tender but still slightly firm.
- While the noodles are cooking, prepare the vegetables. Wash and shred the carrots, slice the bell peppers into thin strips, and chop the green onions and cilantro. Set all the vegetables aside in a large mixing bowl.
- Once the ramen noodles are cooked, drain them in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool them down. Let them drain well.
- In a separate mixing bowl, prepare the peanut dressing. Combine the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and honey. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. If the dressing is too thick, you can add a little water to reach your desired consistency.
- In the large salad bowl, combine the cooled ramen noodles with the shredded carrots, sliced bell peppers, chopped green onions, and cilantro.
- Pour the peanut dressing over the noodle and vegetable mixture. Toss everything together gently until the noodles and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Once combined, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more soy sauce or a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor.
- Serve the ramen noodles salad immediately, or refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This salad can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
- Garnish with additional chopped cilantro or sesame seeds if desired before serving. Enjoy your delicious Ramen Noodles Salad with Peanut Dressing!
Tips
- For the best texture, rinse your cooked noodles with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Use fresh vegetables for maximum crunch and flavor - don't be afraid to substitute with what you have on hand.
- If your peanut dressing is too thick, thin it out with a little water or extra rice vinegar.
- For extra protein, consider adding grilled chicken, tofu, or shredded rotisserie chicken.
- This salad tastes even better after sitting for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- For a spicy kick, add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the dressing.
- Toast some sesame seeds or crushed peanuts as a final garnish for added texture and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 0mg
