• Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
Platings and pairings logo.
Start Here
All Recipes
Perfect Pairings
Wine Travel
About
Home

Cold Peanut Noodle Salad (Easy 15-Minute Recipe)

Jump to Recipe

|

Posted by:

Erin Lynch

|

Updated:

February 28, 2025

|

5 from 9 votes

This site runs ads and generates income from affiliate links. Disclosure policy.

Cold peanut noodle salad pinterest image.
  • Facebook
  • Flipboard
  • Email

This 15-minute cold Peanut Noodle Salad features a Thai-style creamy peanut sauce, crunchy red cabbage and quick-pickled cucumbers. (Vegetarian)

Overhead closeup of cold peanut noodle salad with chopsticks.

Save This Recipe!

Enter your email address to get a link to this post conveniently in your inbox!

Save Recipe

Table of Contents

  • What is Peanut Dressing Made Of? 
  • How to Make Thai Peanut Noodle Salad
  • Variations
  • What to Serve with It
  • Wine Pairings
  • Full Recipe

I’m always on the hunt for easy recipes that take 30 minutes or less. And here’s a delicious cold peanut salad recipe that takes just 15 minutes.

This salad is crunchy, creamy, a little spicy, and delicious! 

It’s the perfect compliment to a simple grilled chicken breast dinner. It’s also perfect for meal prep, since you can make it ahead of time and keep it on hand for up to three days in the fridge. 

Or, try bringing it along to your next potluck. This salad is a guaranteed crowd pleaser! Just take note, you may want to double the recipe, because it’s going to be gobbled up immediately! 

Cold peanut noodles in bowl sprinkled with black sesame seeds.

Things couldn’t be easier with this dish. While your noodles boil away, you’ll quick-pickle some cucumbers and make a delicious, creamy peanut  sauce.  

Let’s talk about those noodles…

I went with udon noodles for this recipe. 

Why? 

They’re perfectly chewy, with just the right texture and they’re just so irresistibly slurpable! I love that they cook up quick + easy, so I keep them on hand at all times for recipes like my Ginger Veggie Stir Fry and Kung Pao Noodles. 

You’ll find them in your grocery store’s produce section. 

And what about that peanut sauce? 

It’s tangy, creamy and can be made with ingredients you likely may already have in your cupboard. A bit of red wine vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, peanut butter, and just a bit of hot chili oil for some heat.

I kept things on the mild side here. However, if you like things extra spicy (like me) feel free to customize your bowl by drizzling a bit of extra chili oil over the top at the end.

Ingredients for cold peanut noodle salad on counter.

What is Peanut Dressing Made Of? 

  • Garlic
  • Peanut butter
  • Red wine vinegar
  • Sesame oil 
  • Soy sauce
  • Hot chili oil
  • Honey
  • Vegetable oil

How to Make Thai Peanut Noodle Salad

  • Make the pickled cucumbers. Thin slice cucumbers and place in a simple brine while you prepare the rest of the salad ingredients. 
  • Cook the noodles until al dente, about 3 minutes. Rinse with cold water. 
  • Make the peanut sauce. Whisk together all the ingredients until smooth and combined. 
  • Slice the cabbage. 
  • Toss the noodles and cabbage with the spicy peanut sauce. 
  • Garnish with pickled cucumbers, green onions, sesame seeds + additional hot chili oil. 
  • Enjoy! 

Variations

  • Tofu: This spicy peanut tofu is delicious on top of this udon noodle salad. 
  • Chicken: Slice up a cooked chicken breast and add it to the top of your noodles. 
  • Shrimp: Sauteed shrimp would be delicious on top. 
Side view of noodles in bowl.

What to Serve with It

  • Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad
  • Daikon Radish Salad
  • Smashed Cucumber Salad
  • Tomato Cucumber Salad
  • Cucumber Salad with Peanuts
  • Asian Cucumber Salad

Wine Pairings

  • Riesling, Gewürztraminer: Look for a white wine with just a hint of sweetness to it – It’s a great way to tame down the heat in this peanut pasta salad.
  • Rosé is another great match – It’s acidity, and light body will pair nicely with the peanut sauce. (Here are some great rosé wines under $10)

More Recipes Featuring Peanut Sauce

  • Spicy Peanut Tofu Bowls
  • Peanut Noodles with Chicken
  • Grilled Chicken with Peanut Sauce
  • Tan Tan Noodles
Overhead shot of cold peanut noodle salad in white bowl next to small bowl of pickled cucumbers.

More Flavorful Noodles to Try

  • Kung Pao Noodles
  • Cumin Lamb Noodles
  • Thai Noodle Soup
  • Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao)

Did you make these cold peanut noodles?

If you loved this peanut udon noodle salad I would appreciate it so much if you would give it a star review! Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.

For more great Platings and Pairings recipes, be sure to follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok.

Save This Recipe!

Enter your email address to get a link to this post conveniently in your inbox!

Save Recipe – Before Recipe Card

Overhead shot of cold peanut noodle salad in white bowl next to small bowl of pickled cucumbers.

Full Recipe

Cold Peanut Noodle Salad

This 15-minute cold Peanut Noodle Salad features a Thai-style creamy peanut sauce, crunchy red cabbage and quick-pickled cucumbers.
5 from 9 votes
Print Pin
Serves 4 people
Created by Platings and Pairings
Prep Time: 10 minutes mins
Cook Time: 5 minutes mins
Total Time: 15 minutes mins

Ingredients

Pickled Cucumbers:

  • ½ English cucumber (thinly sliced)
  • 2 Tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 Tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 cloves garlic (grated or minced)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Noodles:

  • 3 7.27 oz. packages udon noodles
  • ½ cup peanut butter
  • 2 cloves garlic (grated or minced)
  • ⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce
  • ¼ cup rice wine vinegar
  • 1 Tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 Tablespoon honey
  • 2 teaspoons hot chili oil (plus additional for serving)
  • 3 Tablespoons vegetable oil
  • ¼ cup water
  • 2 cups shredded red cabbage
  • 4 scallions (thinly sliced)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • Black sesame seeds (to garnish)

Instructions

Pickled Cucumbers:

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, garlic and salt. Add the cucumber slices and toss to combine. Set aside in the refrigerator while you prepare the noodles. Note: These can be prepared up to 2 days ahead.

Noodles:

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
  • Cook noodles in boiling water for about 3 minutes, until al dente.
  • Meanwhile, combine peanut butter, garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, chili oil, honey, vegetable oil and ¼ cup water in a large bowl. Whisk until combined.
  • Drain noodles and rinse with cold water to cool them down. Add the noodles and cabbage to the bowl with the sauce and toss to combine. Serve garnished with pickled cucumbers, green onions, sesame seeds and additional hot chili oil, if desired.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 394kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Sodium: 1756mg | Potassium: 465mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 656IU | Vitamin C: 29mg | Calcium: 64mg | Iron: 2mg
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!

This post was originally published in 2022. It was updated in 2024 to add new information. The peanut udon noodle salad recipe remains the same. Enjoy!

  • Facebook
  • Flipboard
  • Email
5 from 9 votes (8 ratings without comment)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

2 responses

  1. Sarah
    July 19, 2023

    5 stars
    This is great! I was craving a peanut dressing and ended up having only cashew butter- still delicious. Love the pickled cucumbers as an accompaniment.

    Reply
    1. Erin
      July 25, 2023

      Thanks Sarah!

      Reply

Hi, I’m Erin!

Can I pour you a glass of wine? Let’s have some fun in the kitchen! Maybe some pasta? A juicy steak? I’ve got loads of yummy, easy recipes for you! Because cooking should feel as comfy as your favorite yoga pants. ♥

Know More

Follow Me on Social!

  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • X
  • YouTube

Recent Recipes

  • Crispy Smashed Broccoli with Parmesan + Sriracha Ranch
  • Raspberry Italian Cream Soda Recipe
  • Carrot Top Pesto
  • Cucumber Salsa
  • Balsamic Reduction (Balsamic Glaze)
  • Shake and Bake Potatoes
  • Cod Piccata 
  • Greek Chicken Quinoa Salad

Dish Type

30 Minute Meals
Appetizer Recipes
Cocktail Recipes
Dessert Recipes
Healthy Recipes

Cooking Method

Air Fryer Recipes
Grilling Recipes
Instant Pot Recipes
Slow Cooker Recipes
Sous Vide Recipes

Ingredient

Beef Recipes
Chicken Recipes
Lamb Recipes
Pork Recipes
Seafood Recipes

Cocktails

Classic
Gin
Margarita
Moscow Mule
Vodka

Sides

Bread
Potatoes
Rice
Salad
Vegetables

Travel

Australia
California
Europe
Hawaii
Italy
About Me
Contact
Privacy Policy

© All Rights Reserved.

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.