Okay, let's be real, sometimes we need a hard reset. After a weekend of indulgence, I came home craving something that would make me feel nourished and energized. Enter: this vibrant and absolutely delicious peanut noodle salad! It's my secret weapon for getting back on the healthy track – and it tastes so good, you'd never guess it was good for you.
This isn't your average sad desk lunch. We're talking about a symphony of textures and flavors: tender brown rice noodles, juicy baked chicken, crisp colorful veggies, all tossed in a punchy, Thai-inspired peanut lime dressing. It's the kind of meal that makes you feel good from the inside out, and it's so easy to customize.
The magic is in the dressing – a simple blend of canola oil, garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, honey, sesame oil, lemongrass paste, lime juice, and of course, peanut butter. It's tangy, sweet, and nutty, and coats every single strand of noodle and piece of veggie. I like to use a food processor to blend it all together for a smooth and creamy consistency but you can do it by hand as well.
While the written recipe may look a bit long, trust me, each step is super simple and part of the therapeutic process. You'll feel like you're giving your food the attention it deserves. The best part? It's ready in under 45 minutes.
A few tips for success:
- Don't skimp on the fresh veggies! I used baby kale, carrots, and bell peppers but feel free to swap with your favorites.
- Marinate the chicken with some of the dressing beforehand so it is super flavorful when cooked
- You can find brown rice noodles in most grocery stores, or order online. You can also use soba noodles as a great substitute.
- Make a double batch of the dressing – it will keep in the fridge for a week or so ( just keep it separate from the salad).
- Feel free to add a little siracha or chili flakes if you prefer your dressing to have a kick.
This salad is a cousin to some of my other favorites on the blog, such as the Spicy Peanut Soba Noodle Salad, Thai Chicken Salad, and the Chopped Thai Salad, but this one is special because it's exactly what I was craving at the time – a way to reset to healthy, veggie-and-protein-packed eating that was anything but boring and depressing.
So, ditch the sad desk lunch and join me in enjoying this flavorful and healthy peanut noodle salad. It's the perfect way to get back on track without sacrificing taste.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the dressing:
- 1/2 cup canola oil
- 2 large cloves garlic, peeled
- 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon lemongrass or ginger paste
- A couple of big squeezes of lime juice, to taste
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
For the salad:
- 4 ounces brown rice noodles
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 5-6 cups baby kale or spinach
- 3 large carrots, cut into small thin pieces
- 3 bell peppers, cut into small thin pieces
- 1 cup packed cilantro leaves, chopped
- 4 green onions, green parts only, chopped
- 1/2 cup cashews or peanuts
Instructions:
- Soak the rice noodles in cold water to soften them.
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
- In a food processor (or by hand), pulse all the dressing ingredients EXCEPT peanut butter. Set aside 1/4 to 1/2 cup of this dressing to marinate the chicken.
- Add peanut butter to the remaining dressing and pulse till smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Place the chicken in a plastic bag, pour the reserved dressing over it, and marinate for 15-30 minutes in the fridge.
- Chop all your vegetables and toss together in a large bowl.
- Bake the marinated chicken for 15-20 minutes. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting and adding it to the veggies.
- Drain the noodles and stir fry them in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add some oil and some dressing and cook till soft and pliable. Add a little water if needed.
- Toss the noodles with the chicken and veggie mixture. Serve hot or cold. Top with extra peanuts, cilantro and a squeeze of lime if desired.
Enjoy your delicious and nutritious meal! You got this!