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A top-down shot of a chilled soba noodle salad beautifully arranged in a white ceramic bowl, sitting on a clean white marble countertop. The noodles are mixed with finely grated carrots, fresh chopped cilantro, and sprinkled with coarsely chopped salted peanuts. A lime wedge is placed at the side, enhancing the fresh, zesty appearance of this vibrant and healthy salad.

Thai Noodle Salad Recipe

This Thai Noodle Salad is light, flavorful, and full of crunch. Packed with carrots, peanuts, and fresh herbs, it’s a refreshing meal that’s perfect for warm days or healthy lunches.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course, Salad
Cuisine Asian- Inspired, Thai- Inspired
Servings 8
Calories 242 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot (for boiling noodles)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk or fork (for mixing the dressing)
  • Grater (for carrots and lime zest)
  • Knife and chopping board
  • Salad tongs or serving spoon

Ingredients
  

  • 15 ounces dried soba noodles
  • ⅓ cup rice vinegar
  • ⅓ cup soy sauce
  • 1 lime zested and juiced
  • 1 ½ teaspoons dark sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes or to taste (Optional)
  • 1 cup finely grated carrot
  • ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • ¼ cup coarsely chopped salted peanuts

Instructions
 

  • Boil soba noodles as per package instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water.
    This image shows a top-down view of a silver pot filled with boiling water and light brown soba noodles cooking inside. The noodles are being boiled as per package instructions. The pot is placed over a white marble cooktop, and the scene is clean and minimal, showing the first crucial step of preparing the noodles for a refreshing cold soba salad.
  • In a bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, lime zest and juice, sesame oil, brown sugar, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
    In this image, a clear glass bowl sits on a white marble countertop, filled with unwhisked dressing ingredients: rice vinegar, soy sauce, lime zest and juice, dark sesame oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. A silver whisk lies next to the bowl. This tangy and flavorful dressing will coat the soba noodles for a delicious Asian-inspired salad.
  • Grate the carrots and roughly chop the cilantro and peanuts.
    A clean white cutting board on a white marble surface holds three colorful and essential toppings: freshly grated orange carrots, finely chopped green cilantro, and coarsely chopped salted peanuts. A silver grater and knife rest nearby, indicating that the prep is freshly done. These ingredients add crunch, freshness, and a burst of flavor to the soba noodle salad.
  • In a large bowl, combine noodles, carrots, and cilantro.
    This top-down image shows a large clear glass bowl placed on a white marble countertop filled with cooked soba noodles, finely grated carrots, and freshly chopped cilantro. The ingredients are layered together before tossing. The setup is bright and clean, capturing the step where the vibrant vegetables are mixed with the earthy noodles for a colorful and healthy dish.
  • Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
    Pouring the dark, tangy soy sesame lime dressing into a large glass bowl containing soba noodles, grated carrots, and chopped cilantro. Salad tongs are placed beside the bowl on the white marble surface. This moment captures the merging of flavors as the noodles soak up the zesty dressing, bringing the Asian-style salad to life.
  • Top with chopped peanuts and an extra squeeze of lime if desired.
    This image captures the final garnish step, with coarsely chopped salted peanuts sprinkled generously over the top of the soba noodle salad. A fresh lime wedge sits to the side, ready to be squeezed over. The noodles, carrots, and cilantro are well-tossed and coated in the dressing, making the dish look both nutritious and inviting, ready for serving.
  • Chill for 15 minutes for best flavor, or serve immediately.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge—great for next-day lunches!
    A top-down shot of a chilled soba noodle salad beautifully arranged in a white ceramic bowl, sitting on a clean white marble countertop. The noodles are mixed with finely grated carrots, fresh chopped cilantro, and sprinkled with coarsely chopped salted peanuts. A lime wedge is placed at the side, enhancing the fresh, zesty appearance of this vibrant and healthy salad.