Name: Sriracha Rainbow Noodle Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-Fusion
Ingredients: 8 oz rice noodles; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 orange bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 cup shredded purple cabbage; 2 medium carrots, julienned; 1 cup edamame, shelled; 1/2 cup chopped cilantro; 1/4 cup chopped green onions; 1/4 cup roasted peanuts; 3 tbsp sriracha sauce; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp honey; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 1 lime, juiced; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 tsp grated ginger

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Craving a vibrant, healthy meal that’s bursting with flavor and ready in minutes? Look no further than this Sriracha Rainbow Noodle Salad! This colorful dish is packed with fresh vegetables, satisfying rice noodles, and a zesty sriracha dressing that will awaken your taste buds. Inspired by Asian-fusion cuisine, it’s the perfect dish for a quick lunch, light dinner, or potluck contribution. Let’s bring some color to your plate!

Why You’ll Love This Sriracha Rainbow Noodle Salad

Ready in Under 30 Minutes: Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
A Rainbow of Veggies: Packed with nutrients and vibrant colors from bell peppers, cabbage, and carrots.
Bold Sriracha Flavor: A delicious balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy.
Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients that are easy to find.
Versatile: Enjoy it as a main dish or a side salad.
Easily Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or protein for a personalized twist.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Holds up well in the fridge, making it great for meal prepping.
A Visual Feast: Impress your family and friends with its stunning presentation.

Ingredients Needed

For the Salad:

Rice Noodles: 8 oz (227g). Choose thin rice noodles for the best texture.
Red Bell Pepper: 1 medium, thinly sliced. Look for peppers that are firm and have a vibrant color.
Yellow Bell Pepper: 1 medium, thinly sliced. These add a touch of sweetness to the salad.
Orange Bell Pepper: 1 medium, thinly sliced. Offers a slightly different flavor profile compared to red and yellow.
Shredded Purple Cabbage: 1 cup (85g). Adds a beautiful color and a satisfying crunch.
Carrots: 2 medium, julienned. Use a vegetable peeler or a julienne peeler for easy preparation.
Edamame: 1 cup (170g), shelled. Frozen edamame works perfectly!
Chopped Cilantro: 1/2 cup (15g). Adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
Chopped Green Onions: 1/4 cup (15g). Provides a mild onion flavor.
Roasted Peanuts: 1/4 cup (30g). Adds a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor. You can use other nuts as a substitute!

For the Dressing:

Sriracha Sauce: 3 tbsp. Adjust to your spice preference.
Soy Sauce: 2 tbsp. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness.
Rice Vinegar: 2 tbsp. Adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor.
Honey: 1 tbsp. Can be substituted with maple syrup or agave for a vegan option.
Sesame Oil: 1 tbsp. A little goes a long way – adds a nutty aroma and flavor.
Lime Juice: 1 lime, juiced. Freshly squeezed lime juice is key for the best flavor!
Garlic Clove: 1, minced. Adds a pungent flavor to the dressing.
Grated Ginger: 1 tsp. Adds a warm and slightly spicy flavor.

For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Toasting the sesame seeds lightly can enhance their nutty flavor, adding another layer of complexity to your Sriracha Rainbow Noodle Salad.

YOU MIGHT LOVE: Cheesy Zucchini Breadsticks – A delicious and cheesy side to complement your noodle salad!

Essential Equipment List

Large Mixing Bowl: To toss all the salad ingredients together.
Small Mixing Bowl: To prepare the flavorful sriracha dressing.
Whisk: To emulsify the dressing ingredients for a smooth consistency.
Colander: To drain and rinse the rice noodles after cooking.
Sharp Knife: For safely slicing and dicing the vegetables.
Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for chopping.
Vegetable Peeler: For julienning the carrots.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.

A good knife makes vegetable prep much easier. If you don’t have a julienne peeler, you can slice the carrots into thin matchsticks.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy

This Sriracha Rainbow Noodle Salad recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for larger gatherings. It is perfect for scaling up.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Rice Noodles

Cook rice noodles according to package directions.
Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. This prevents them from sticking together!
Set aside to cool completely. Cooling the noodles is crucial for the salad’s texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

In a large bowl, combine the sliced red, yellow, and orange bell peppers.
Add the shredded purple cabbage, julienned carrots, and shelled edamame.
Incorporate the chopped cilantro and green onions.
Toss gently to combine all the vegetables.

For even more flavor, consider lightly grilling the bell peppers before slicing!

3rd Step: Make the Sriracha Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sriracha sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey.
Add the sesame oil, lime juice, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
Whisk until all ingredients are well combined and emulsified.

Taste and adjust the dressing to your liking. Add more sriracha for extra heat or honey for more sweetness.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Add the cooled rice noodles to the vegetable mixture.
Toss gently to combine, ensuring the noodles and vegetables are evenly distributed.

Step 5: Dress and Chill

Pour the dressing over the noodle and vegetable mixture.
Toss thoroughly to coat everything evenly.
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Chilling enhances the flavors and makes the salad more refreshing.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, garnish with roasted peanuts and additional cilantro, if desired.
Serve chilled as a main dish or side salad.

CHECK OUT: Mediterranean Chickpea Feta Salad – Another vibrant and flavorful salad option!

Tips for Success

Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Overcooked noodles will become mushy and detract from the salad’s texture.
Cool the Noodles Thoroughly: Rinsing the noodles with cold water and allowing them to cool completely prevents them from sticking together and keeps the salad fresh.
Adjust the Dressing to Your Preference: Taste the dressing and adjust the amount of sriracha, honey, or lime juice to suit your taste.
Chill the Salad Before Serving: Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste.

Colorful veggie noodle salad with sriracha dressing.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh, high-quality ingredients will result in a more flavorful and vibrant salad.

For a richer flavor, toast the peanuts lightly before adding them to the salad.

Variations & Substitutions

Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a heartier meal.
Vegetarian Options: Add more edamame or chickpeas for extra protein if you are vegetarian.
Nut-Free: Replace the peanuts with sunflower seeds or toasted sesame seeds.
Different Noodles: Try using soba noodles or glass noodles instead of rice noodles.
Extra Heat: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil to the dressing.

Get creative and customize this Sriracha Rainbow Noodle Salad to your liking!

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Sriracha Rainbow Noodle Salad

Grilled Chicken or Fish: The salad pairs perfectly with grilled protein for a complete meal.
Spring Rolls: Serve alongside fresh spring rolls with peanut sauce.
Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Water: A refreshing bubbly drink complements the flavors of the salad.
As a Side Dish: Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or picnics.

This Sriracha Rainbow Noodle Salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed year-round!

Health Benefits

This Sriracha Rainbow Noodle Salad is packed with nutrients from a variety of colorful vegetables. Bell peppers are rich in vitamin C, while carrots provide vitamin A and fiber. Edamame is a great source of plant-based protein and iron, promoting energy and muscle health. This salad is a healthy and delicious way to enjoy a balanced meal.

Storage & Reheating

Storage: Store the Sriracha Rainbow Noodle Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: This salad is best served cold, so reheating is not recommended.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended as the vegetables may become soggy upon thawing.

To prevent the noodles from becoming too soft, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the salad ahead of time. However, it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to prevent the noodles from becoming soggy.

Can I substitute the honey in the dressing?

Yes, you can substitute the honey with maple syrup, agave, or another sweetener of your choice.

Can I add other vegetables to the salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as cucumbers, bean sprouts, or snap peas.

How spicy is this salad?

The spiciness of the salad depends on the amount of sriracha you add. Adjust the amount of sriracha to your spice preference.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes, this salad can easily be made vegan by substituting the honey with maple syrup or agave.

Can I use a different type of noodle?

Yes, feel free to use other types of noodles, such as soba noodles or glass noodles, instead of rice noodles.

How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?

Rinsing the noodles with cold water after cooking and allowing them to cool completely will prevent them from sticking together.

Nutritional Information

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: Approximately 320

Rainbow noodle salad ingredients: peppers, carrots, noodles.

Protein: 12g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 10g

Please note that nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

More Delicious Dishes to Explore

Looking for more salad inspiration? Here are a few other recipes you might enjoy:

Thai Peanut Noodle Salad – A flavorful and satisfying salad with a creamy peanut dressing.
Quinoa Chickpea Rainbow Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette – A healthy and vibrant salad packed with quinoa, chickpeas, and a zesty lemon dressing.
Mediterranean Chickpea Feta Salad – A fresh and flavorful salad with chickpeas, feta, and a Mediterranean-inspired dressing.

These recipes offer a variety of flavors and ingredients to keep your salad game strong!

Conclusion

This Sriracha Rainbow Noodle Salad is a fast, flavorful, and vibrant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a show-stopping salad for a potluck, this recipe is sure to impress. Whip it up tonight—tag us with your masterpiece!

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Sriracha Rainbow Noodle Salad