Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad
Prep Time
10 minsCook Time
16 minsFree Time
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Not sure what to make for dinner tonight? This cold spicy peanut noodle salad might just do the trick. And guess what? You probably already have all the ingredients you need to make it in your pantry. While this dish is traditionally made with rice noodles, feel free to use any long pasta you have available just like we did in this case (with whole-grain spaghetti!). Don't hesitate to add other veggies that you have on hand and be sure to take advantage of your freezer to build a flavorful and satisfying meal. Get ready to enjoy a delicious fusion of flavors in practically no time at all!
All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
The Large Deep Dish
The Strainer
Introducing: The Strainer! Flexible-yet-sturdy clips attach this clever ‘colander’ onto your Anyday dish, making it a master multitasker. Use this strainer on any size or shape Anyday dish.
The Anyhand Mitts
Ingredients
- 8 ounces (225g) whole grain spaghetti, or another long pasta shape
- 3 cups (720ml) water
- ½ cup (2.4oz-70g) frozen edamame beans
- 1 cup (1.2oz-40g) broccoli florets, frozen or fresh
- ½ cup (2.10z-60g) red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup (1oz-30g) cucumbers, diced or sliced
- 1 scallion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons crunchy peanut butter
- 2 teaspoons chili crunch, or chili crisp
- 4 tablespoons ginger and sesame dressing, store-bought
Preparation
- Break the pasta in half and place it and the water in the Anyday dish making sure the water covers the pasta.
- Cook in the microwave uncovered for 13-14 minutes, then add the edamame and broccoli florets and continue cooking uncovered for 3 minutes, or until the noodles are cooked but slightly al dente.
- Using the Anyday Strainer, strain any excess water before and allow it to fully cool.
- Once cool, add the pasta back into the Anyday dish along with the remaining ingredients. Mix until everything is fully incorporated. For easier mixing, blend the peanut butter with the dressing before adding it to the dish.
Serving suggestions & tips
- Homemade sesame dressing: Make your own by blending 5 tablespoons soy sauce, 3 tablespoons rice vinegar, 2½ tablespoons toasted sesame oil, 1½ tablespoons maple syrup, 1 tablespoon grated ginger, and 2 cloves of garlic for a flavorful dressing.
- Crunchy addition: Toss in shredded cabbage and carrots for an extra layer of crunch and freshness.
- Protein boost: Mix in shredded chicken or cooked tofu for a complete, satisfying meal.
- Herb freshness: Stir in fresh cilantro, Thai basil, or mint for a burst of herbal flavor.
Recipe notes
- After mixing the salad, it will remain fresh for up to 3 days, making it an ideal recipe to prepare in advance.
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.
All You Need to Know About Making Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad in the Microwave
What is a spicy peanut noodle salad?
This spicy peanut noodle salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish inspired by classic udon noodles salads, tailored to be easily made in the microwave using Anyday cookware. Our recipe incorporates whole-grain pasta as a hearty base, blending it with a rich, store-bought ginger dressing that infuses the dish with depth and warmth. Crunchy peanuts add texture and nuttiness, while a mix of fresh vegetables lend this dish a burst of freshness and color. For more pasta salad ideas check out our Dill Pickle Pasta Salad and our Mediterranean-Inspired Pasta Salad.
Can I make pasta salad in the microwave?
Absolutely! One of the great benefits of using the Anyday dish to cook pasta is that you don't need to wait for water to boil. Simply add the pasta and water to the dish and cook it in the microwave. After the pasta is cooked, strain it, let it cool, and then place it back in the Anyday dish. Add your dressing ingredients, securely press on the lid, and give it a good shake to mix everything evenly. This method not only saves time but also simplifies the preparation process, making it a breeze to whip up a delicious pasta salad.
What is the best way to store this noodle salad?
This cold noodle salad salad can be stored for up to 3 days in the refrigerator when kept in an Anyday dish with the lid pressed down. This ensures the cold noodle salad remains fresh and tasty. Freezing this pasta salad is not recommended, as veggie-based pasta salads do not respond well to freezing and thawing, often resulting in undesirable changes in texture and consistency. For the best flavor and texture, it's ideal to enjoy pasta salads fresh out of the fridge.
How do I keep pasta salad from drying out?
To ensure your salad stays moist, keep the Anyday lid securely in place after mixing. If you're preparing the salad ahead of time or storing it overnight, give it a good stir or shake just before serving, as the dressing may have settled at the bottom. If the salad still appears too dry, consider adding a bit more dressing just before serving. Keep in mind that the pasta will continue to absorb the dressing as it sits, so a little extra can help maintain the perfect consistency.
