There’s something so irresistible about a big bowl of cold peanut noodle salad on a hot day.
The nutty, creamy dressing clings to perfectly chilled noodles, while vibrant veggies and fresh herbs add crunch and brightness in every bite.
It’s a dish I crave all summer long—and once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s on constant rotation in my kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy peanut dressing with a spicy kick
Colorful, crunchy vegetables for freshness and texture
Make-ahead friendly—great chilled from the fridge
Customizable and vegetarian, with plenty of flavor
Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or easy weekday lunches
Ingredient Highlights
Spaghetti – Broken in half and cooked al dente, then rinsed cold for the perfect base.
Red cabbage & carrots – Bright, crisp, and loaded with color and crunch.
Green onions – Add a sharp bite to balance the richness of the peanut sauce.
Roasted peanuts & sesame seeds – Provide irresistible crunch and nuttiness.
Cilantro & basil – Fresh herbs that lift and brighten the whole salad.
Peanut butter dressing – Creamy, tangy, spicy, and totally addictive.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Rinse noodles thoroughly after cooking to stop the cooking and prevent stickiness.
Use smooth peanut butter for the creamiest dressing texture.
Adjust the spice level by tweaking the cayenne pepper to your taste.
Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes for the best flavor.
Add protein like grilled chicken or tofu to make it a full meal.
How to Make Cold Peanut Noodle Salad
Step 1: Make the dressing
In a small bowl, add rice vinegar, vegetable oil, peanut butter, minced garlic, cayenne pepper, and salt.
Use an immersion blender to blend until smooth and emulsified.
If the dressing is too thick, thin it out with a little more oil or vinegar to your preference.
Step 2: Prep the salad ingredients
Cook the spaghetti in salted water until al dente.
Drain and rinse well under cold water until fully cooled.
Transfer to a large bowl.
Step 3: Assemble the salad
Add shredded red cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced green onions, roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, and basil to the bowl with the noodles.
Step 4: Toss and chill
Pour the peanut dressing over the noodle mixture and toss thoroughly to coat everything.
Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve—ideally for 30 minutes or more to let the flavors meld.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy!
Serve cold, topped with extra peanuts, sesame seeds, or fresh herbs if you like!
What to Serve It With
Grilled chicken skewers or tofu for a protein boost
Fresh spring rolls or veggie potstickers on the side
A cool glass of cucumber mint water or Thai iced tea
Pair with a mango salad for a sweet contrast
Variations & Substitutions
Swap spaghetti for rice noodles, soba, or ramen
Add crunch with thinly sliced bell peppers or cucumbers
Make it vegan by using a plant-based oil and skipping any animal proteins
Spice it up with chili crisp, sriracha, or fresh Thai chilis
Try almond butter or tahini for a twist on the classic peanut flavor
Storage & Leftovers
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Toss before serving: Give the salad a quick toss before eating, as the dressing may settle.
Add a splash of vinegar or oil to refresh the noodles if they dry out a bit.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of noodle?
Yes! Rice noodles, soba, or ramen all work well. Just avoid overcooking them.
Is this dish vegan?
It’s vegetarian by default and easily made vegan—just use vegan-friendly ingredients.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better after chilling for a few hours.
What kind of peanut butter should I use?
Smooth, unsweetened peanut butter works best for a creamy, balanced sauce.
Can I use pre-shredded cabbage and carrots?
Yes, store-bought shredded veggies are a great time-saver.
Is it very spicy?
It has a gentle kick from cayenne. Adjust up or down to your spice preference.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Just make sure to scale the dressing and toss everything well.
Final Thoughts
This cold peanut noodle salad is the kind of dish that always delivers.
It’s fresh, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable.
Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or bringing something to share at a summer gathering, this is one of those salads everyone goes back for seconds.
