Chili Garlic Asian Noodle Salad

$- Rice Noodles: Start with 8 oz of rice noodles. They add texture and soak up flavor. - Fresh Vegetables: Use 1 cup each of julienned carrots, thinly sliced red bell pepper, and julienned cucumber. Toss in 1/2 cup of finely shredded red cabbage. These veggies provide color and crunch. - Dressing Components: Prepare the dressing with 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of chili garlic sauce, and 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup. Add 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger. This mix brings heat and sweetness. - Roasted Peanuts: For extra crunch, sprinkle 1/4 cup of crushed roasted peanuts on top. - Fresh Herbs: Add 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor and freshness. Each ingredient plays a role in creating a balanced dish with savory, sweet, and spicy notes. You can mix and match for your taste! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, cook the rice noodles. Follow the package instructions carefully. Once they are soft, drain them in a colander. Rinse the noodles under cold water. This stops the cooking process and keeps them from getting sticky. Set the cooled noodles aside in a large mixing bowl. Next, prepare the chili garlic dressing. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce, honey or maple syrup, and fresh ginger. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth. Taste your dressing and add a pinch of salt if needed. This adds depth to the flavor. Now it’s time to mix the salad. In the bowl with the cooled rice noodles, add the julienned carrots, sliced red bell pepper, julienned cucumber, shredded red cabbage, chopped scallions, and chopped cilantro. Drizzle the chili garlic dressing over the noodles and veggies. Add the sesame oil on top. Using tongs or a large spoon, gently toss everything until all the ingredients are well coated in the dressing. This ensures every bite is full of flavor. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you want it sweeter, add more honey or maple syrup. Let the salad sit at room temperature for about ten minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to blend beautifully. When ready to serve, you can sprinkle crushed roasted peanuts on top for a nice crunch. Enjoy your colorful and fresh dish! To make your Chili Garlic Asian Noodle Salad taste great, balance sweetness and saltiness. Start with the dressing. If it is too salty, add a little more honey or maple syrup. If it is too sweet, a splash of soy sauce can help. Always taste as you go. Allowing the flavors to meld is key. After mixing the salad, let it sit for about 10 minutes. This resting time lets all the flavors blend together. You will notice a big difference in taste after this step. A beautiful salad is more fun to eat. Serve it in a large bowl for family-style dining or on a colorful platter to impress guests. For garnishing, add fresh herbs like cilantro on top. This adds a nice touch of color and freshness. You can also include lemon wedges for a bright pop. If you want extra crunch, sprinkle crushed roasted peanuts over the salad right before serving. This simple touch makes the dish look and taste amazing. Pro Tips Chill the Noodles: After rinsing the noodles under cold water, let them chill for an additional 10 minutes. This will enhance the texture and prevent them from sticking together. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap out or add any seasonal vegetables you have on hand, such as snap peas or radishes, to make the salad your own. Make Ahead: This salad can be made a few hours in advance. Just keep it in the refrigerator and add the crushed peanuts right before serving for the best crunch. Adjust the Spice: If you prefer a milder flavor, start with half the amount of chili garlic sauce, then gradually add more to reach your desired level of heat. {{image_4}} You can change up the veggies in your salad. Here are some ideas: - Alternative vegetables: Try adding snap peas, shredded broccoli, or sliced radishes. Each brings a fresh crunch and new flavor. - Gluten-free options: Use gluten-free rice noodles or zucchini noodles. Both work well and keep the dish light and tasty. Make the dressing your own with these simple swaps: - Vegan-friendly adaptations: Substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan option. This keeps it sweet without any animal products. - Adjusting spice levels: If you like things mild, use less chili garlic sauce. You can also mix in some extra soy sauce for flavor without the heat. To store leftovers of your Chili Garlic Asian Noodle Salad, place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and flavorful. Ensure you let the salad cool to room temperature before sealing it. This helps avoid condensation, which can make the noodles soggy. For the best taste, eat the salad within three days. The fresh vegetables will stay crispy for this time. After three days, the salad may lose its crunch and flavor. You can enjoy this salad cold or at room temperature. If you want to warm it up, use the microwave. Heat it for about 30 seconds, then stir. Check if it's warm enough. Repeat if needed. If you prefer to serve it chilled, take it out of the fridge about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors pop. Remember, this salad is best enjoyed fresh, so try not to reheat more than once. Yes, you can use different noodles. If you want to switch it up, try soba, udon, or even whole wheat noodles. Rice noodles give a light texture, while soba adds a nutty flavor. Udon noodles are thicker and chewier, perfect for a hearty bite. Just be sure to cook them as needed. Drain and rinse as usual to keep them fresh. Chili garlic sauce has a medium heat level. It packs a punch but is not overwhelming. If you enjoy spice, you will love it. If you prefer milder flavors, you can use less sauce or mix in some more honey. This way, you can make it just right for your taste buds. You can make this salad ahead! Prep it up to a day before serving. Just keep the dressing separate until you are ready to eat. This keeps the noodles and veggies fresh and crunchy. Mix everything together right before serving for the best taste. Enjoy your meal prep! In this blog post, we explored how to make a delicious rice noodle salad. We discussed key ingredients, like fresh vegetables and a tasty chili garlic dressing. I shared simple steps for cooking noodles and mixing the salad. You can adjust flavors and try different ingredients for your liking. Remember to store leftovers properly and reheat them gently. This easy recipe is perfect for quick meals or gatherings. Enjoy making this salad your way!$

Chili Garlic Asian Noodle Salad

A refreshing and spicy noodle salad with vibrant vegetables and a flavorful chili garlic dressing.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

8 oz rice noodles
1 cup carrots, julienned
1 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 cup cucumber, julienned
0.5 cup red cabbage, finely shredded
0.25 cup scallions, chopped
0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
0.25 cup roasted peanuts, crushed (optional, for garnish)
2 tablespoons sesame oil
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (for a vegan option)
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
to taste salt

Instructions

Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Once they are tender, drain them in a colander, then rinse thoroughly under cold running water to halt the cooking process. Set the noodles aside in a large mixing bowl.
In a separate small bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce, honey or maple syrup, and grated ginger. Whisk these ingredients together until well blended, and season with a pinch of salt to taste. Set the dressing aside.
In the bowl with the cooled rice noodles, add in the julienned carrots, thinly sliced red bell pepper, julienned cucumber, shredded red cabbage, chopped scallions, and chopped cilantro.
Drizzle the prepared chili garlic dressing over the noodle and vegetable mixture. Add the sesame oil on top. Using tongs or a large spoon, gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated in the dressing.
Taste your salad and adjust the seasoning as necessary. If you prefer a touch more sweetness, you can add a little extra honey or maple syrup, and enhance the flavor with a pinch more salt if needed.
Allow the salad to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This resting time will give the flavors a chance to meld together beautifully.
When ready to serve, optionally sprinkle crushed roasted peanuts on top for an added crunch and nutty flavor.

Notes

Optional to add crushed roasted peanuts for garnish.

Keyword noodles, salad, spicy, vegetarian