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- 2 medium zucchinis (spiralized into zoodles) - 1 cup carrots (shredded) - 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced) - 1 cup red cabbage (thinly sliced) - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped) - 1/4 cup green onions (chopped) To start our Spicy Peanut Zoodle Salad, we need fresh veggies. Zucchini is the star here. Spiralizing it gives you fun zoodles. These are healthy and light. Carrots add a nice crunch. The bright red bell pepper brings color and sweetness. Red cabbage adds a bit of crunch and a pop of purple. Fresh cilantro and green onions finish off this mix with a burst of flavor. - 1/3 cup natural peanut butter - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon sriracha - Warm water (1-2 tablespoons to thin the dressing) Now, let’s whip up the spicy peanut dressing. Start with peanut butter. It gives a creamy base. Soy sauce adds saltiness. Honey or maple syrup adds sweetness. Rice vinegar gives a tangy twist. Sesame oil adds a nutty flavor. Sriracha? It brings the heat. If the dressing is too thick, warm water helps thin it out. This dressing coats the veggies perfectly, making every bite tasty. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your dressing ingredients. Combine the following in a medium bowl: - 1/3 cup natural peanut butter - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon sriracha Whisk these together until smooth. If your dressing feels thick, add warm water a tablespoon at a time. Keep whisking until you reach a nice, pourable consistency. Now, let’s make the salad! Take a large mixing bowl and add: - 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles - 1 cup shredded carrots - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced - 1 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced Pour the spicy peanut dressing over the veggies. Toss everything gently to ensure all the ingredients are well coated. Next, add in: - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro - 1/4 cup chopped green onions Toss again to mix these fresh herbs evenly. Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes. This waiting time helps the flavors blend and allows the zoodles to soften a bit. Just before serving, give the salad one last toss to refresh it. Enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite! You can change the sriracha amount to suit your taste. If you want more heat, add more sriracha. For less spice, use only a bit. You can also add a splash of lime juice for a bright flavor without the heat. If the salad is too spicy, try adding more zoodles or veggies to balance it out. Garnish the salad with sesame seeds for a nice crunch. Fresh herbs like cilantro or mint make great toppings too. Serve the salad in big bowls to show off its colors. You can also plate it on large platters for gatherings. You can make the salad and dressing ahead of time. Keep the dressing in the fridge for up to a week. Store the salad without dressing to keep it fresh. Toss it with the dressing right before serving. The salad will stay crisp for about two hours after you dress it. Pro Tips Choosing the Right Zucchini: Select firm zucchinis with shiny skin for the best texture and flavor. Avoid any that are soft or wrinkled. Adjusting Spiciness: If you prefer a milder dressing, start with less sriracha and taste as you go. You can always add more for extra heat! Meal Prep Tips: This salad can be made ahead of time. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to maintain the crispness of the veggies. Garnish Ideas: Enhance your salad with toppings like crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, or a squeeze of lime for added flavor and texture. {{image_2}} You can make your Spicy Peanut Zoodle Salad more filling by adding proteins. Shredded chicken, tofu, or chickpeas work well. If you add chicken or chickpeas, I like to keep the dressing as is. For tofu, you may want to add a touch more soy sauce to enhance the flavor. This way, your salad stays tasty and satisfying. Zoodles are great, but you can mix in other veggies too. Try adding bell peppers, snap peas, or radishes. These veggies keep your salad crunchy and fresh. If you want a twist, swap zoodles for spiralized carrots or sweet potatoes. They add unique flavors and colors to your dish. To make your salad gluten-free, choose tamari instead of soy sauce. This simple swap keeps the flavor while meeting dietary needs. For vegan options, stick with maple syrup in the dressing. You can also enhance flavor with lime juice or sesame seeds. These additions make your salad even more delicious and suitable for everyone. To keep your spicy peanut zoodle salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This method prevents moisture loss and keeps the flavors intact. Make sure the salad is cool before sealing the container. Store it in the fridge, where it’s safe and cool. If you do not have an airtight container, you can use plastic wrap. Just cover the bowl tightly to keep out air. You can enjoy the zoodle salad cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it warm, gently reheat it on the stove. Use low heat and stir occasionally to avoid overcooking. You can also add a splash of water to keep it moist. If you have leftover salad, try adding it to an omelet or mixing it with rice. This way, you create a new meal from the leftovers. The spicy peanut zoodle salad lasts about 3-4 days in the fridge. The dressing can stay fresh for up to a week if stored separately. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. Look for any off smells or changes in color. If something seems off, it’s best to throw it away. Keeping track of storage times helps you enjoy your zoodle salad at its best! Yes, you can prepare Spicy Peanut Zoodle Salad in advance. Make the dressing and store it in the fridge. Keep the zoodles and vegetables separate until you are ready to serve. This keeps everything fresh and crunchy. You can mix them together just before eating. If you store it, use an airtight container. It stays fresh for about two hours in the fridge. Yes, this salad is gluten-free. The main ingredients, like zucchini and vegetables, do not contain gluten. The soy sauce can have gluten, so you should use gluten-free soy sauce. This way, everyone can enjoy the salad without worry. Always check labels to be sure. If you need a substitute for peanut butter, try almond butter or sunflower seed butter. Both options work well in the dressing. They add a nice flavor and keep it creamy. If you have a nut allergy, sunflower seed butter is a great choice. You can also use tahini for a different taste. This blog post tackled how to make a vibrant Spicy Peanut Zoodle Salad. We covered fresh veggies, a zesty dressing, and tips for adjustments. You can vary the ingredients to fit your taste and dietary needs. Remember, this salad is easy to prepare and stays fresh for days. Keep it colorful and flavorful, and don’t hesitate to get creative with proteins or spices. Enjoy making this simple, delicious dish that’s perfect for any meal!

Spicy Peanut Zoodle Salad

A refreshing salad made with spiralized zucchini noodles and a spicy peanut dressing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine Fusion
Servings 4
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
  • 1 cup carrots, shredded
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
  • 1 4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 4 cup chopped green onions
  • 1 3 cup natural peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha
  • 1 tablespoon warm water (to thin the dressing if necessary)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preparing the dressing. In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sriracha. Whisk until smooth. If the dressing is too thick, add warm water one tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the spiralized zucchini noodles, shredded carrots, sliced red bell pepper, and red cabbage.
  • Pour the spicy peanut dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to combine, ensuring everything is well coated.
  • Add the chopped cilantro and green onions, tossing again to distribute evenly.
  • Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the zoodles to soften slightly.
  • Give the salad one last toss before serving.

Notes

Serve the zoodle salad in large bowls, garnished with additional cilantro and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a nice crunch. Enjoy immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours for a refreshing cool meal!
Keyword healthy, peanut, salad, spicy, zoodles