Cold Noodle Salad with Spicy Peanut Sauce

Updated March 12, 2025

Introduction

This vibrant Cold Noodle Salad with Spicy Peanut Sauce is a refreshing, 20-minute dish that marries crisp, cool vegetables with a rich, spicy-sweet peanut-based sauce. Soba noodles provide a nutty, chewy base, while the peanut sauce balances heat and sweetness, making it ideal for light meals, lunch prep, or quick weeknight dinners.

Total Time

20 minutes | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

Serves 4

Noodles & Base

• 10 ounces soba noodles (buckwheat noodles)

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (for boiling water)

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (for tossing noodles)

Vegetables

• 1 medium zucchini or cucumber (about 6 ounces), cut into ⅛-inch thick rounds, then into thin matchsticks

• 5 radishes (about 4 ounces), thinly sliced and cut into matchsticks

• 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced into ⅛-inch strips

Spicy Peanut Sauce

• ½ cup smooth peanut butter (not natural; processed varieties emulsify better)

• ¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium or regular, to taste)

• 2 tablespoons maple syrup (adjust for sweetness)

• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from 1 medium lime)

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (additional for sauce)

• 2 teaspoons chile oil or hot sauce (adjust to spice tolerance)

• 1 small garlic clove, grated (or ½ teaspoon fresh ginger, optional)

Toppings & Garnishes

• ½ cup roasted salted peanuts (about 2 ounces), roughly chopped

• 2 scallions, trimmed and finely chopped

• Handful of fresh cilantro leaves

• 1 lime, cut into wedges (for serving)

Preparation

Step 1: Cook & Cool Soba Noodles

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Season with 1 teaspoon kosher salt (1 tablespoon salt per quart of water). Add soba noodles, stir briefly to prevent sticking, and cook according to package instructions (typically 5–7 minutes). Test for doneness: noodles should be tender but retain a slight bite. Drain immediately and rinse under cold running water until completely cooled (this stops cooking and prevents sogginess). Drain again and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Spicy Peanut Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, maple syrup, lime juice, sesame oil, chile oil, and grated garlic. Gradually add ¼–½ cup warm water (1 tablespoon at a time), whisking continuously, until the sauce reaches a smooth, pourable consistency (it should coat the back of a spoon). Taste and adjust with extra chile oil, hot sauce, or lime juice if needed. Set aside.

Step 3: Prep Fresh Vegetables

In a large mixing bowl, prepare the vegetables:

• Zucchini/cucumber: Slice into ⅛-inch rounds, then cut into thin matchsticks (2–3 inches long).

• Radishes: Thinly slice, then cut into matchsticks.

• Bell pepper: Slice into ⅛-inch strips.

Combine all vegetables in the bowl and set aside.

Step 4: Combine Noodles & Vegetables

Loosen the cooled soba noodles under cold water, then drain again. Add the noodles to the vegetables and drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon sesame oil. Toss to coat evenly, ensuring noodles and vegetables are well-mixed.

Step 5: Serve

When ready to eat, spoon the noodle-vegetable mixture into serving bowls. Drizzle generously with the spicy peanut sauce, then top with chopped peanuts, scallions, and cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges for squeezing over the dish.

Community Notes & Variations

• Peanut Butter: Processed peanut butters (not natural) emulsify better, but natural peanut butter works too—add 1–2 extra tablespoons of water to reach the desired consistency.

• Ginger: Add 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger to the sauce for a mild, aromatic twist.

• Noodle Substitutions: Use spiralized zucchini/summer squash (zoodles) for a low-carb option; reduce cooking time slightly.

• Meal Prep: For smaller portions (2-oz noodle servings), break noodles into shorter lengths and chop vegetables into small pieces for easy spoon-feeding.

• Leftovers & Protein: Add precooked chicken, tofu, or shrimp for extra protein. The dish keeps well for lunch!

Enjoy this adaptable, flavorful salad—perfect for hot days or quick, satisfying meals!