Sesame Noodle Salad with Carrot-Sesame Vinaigrette

 

A Vietnamese-inspired Salad packed with vibrant fresh veggies and tossed with a sweet and tangy Carrot-Sesame Vinaigrette. Spring has SPRUNG, my friends.

 

 

Spring is finally here, and I couldn’t be happier! After a long, cold winter indulging on all of those heavy, rich and creamy comfort foods, it’s time to lighten things up.

Spicy Thai Noodle Salad with Peanut Dressing

• A tangle of rice noodles and crunchy veggies tossed with a spicy peanut dressing. This is a light, refreshing salad that would go well with grilled chicken, shrimp, or pork skewers.

   

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  I really enjoy Thai food — it is very fresh and vibrant, often spicy, perfectly balanced flavors and textures. It is the kind of food that just makes you feel good.

  Research has shown that spicy foods can make you happy. When you eat capsaicin ( this is what makes chili peppers spicy), your brain thinks that you are in pain which causes your body to release “feel good” endorphins. Hmmmm… Interesting.
  
  
  Spicy Thai Noodle Salad with Peanut Dressing

  Recipe source: A Vintage Kitchen

  serves 4

  Salad:
  
  Ingredients:

  • 1/2 lb. rice stick noodles
    
  • 1 large carrot, shredded
    
  • 4 oz. snow peas, sliced thin
    
  • 4 oz. cucumber, sliced thin
    
  • 3 green onions, sliced thin
    
  • 1 cup thinly shredded cabbage, red or green
    
  • 4 oz. dry roasted peanuts, chopped

   

  Peanut Dressing:

  • 6 Tbsp. all natural peanut butter
    
  • 2 Tbsp. brown sugar
    
  • juice and zest of one lime
    
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp. Thai red curry paste
    
  • 2 tsp.  sesame oil
    
  • 2 Tbsp. Sriracha, or to taste
    
  • 1/4 cup  vegetable oil
    
  • 1 Tbsp. fish sauce
    
  • 1 Tbsp soy sauce
    
  • 1 Tbsp. rice vinegar
    
  • small handful fresh cilantro
    
    about 1/4 cup water or stock, for thinning if needed

Directions:

Pulse all dressing ingredients in blender or food processor until blended. Add 1/4 cup water to thin dressing if needed.

Prepare noodles according to package directions. Rinse and drain under cold water to stop cooking. With a pair of clean scissors, cut up noodles into shorter strands. In a large bowl add noodles, veg, and peanuts. Toss with peanut dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Garnish with peanuts, sliced green onion, and cilantro.