A cold noodle salad with crisp vegetables and a bold dressing is hard to say no to!
The sesame-soy dressing clings to the noodles, soaking into every strand for the best balance of salty, sweet, and tangy.
Fresh cilantro and green onions add brightness, while toasted sesame seeds give a nutty, aromatic finish.
I like to slice the veggies thin so they blend well with the noodles instead of overwhelming the dish.
A handful of crushed peanuts or cashews on top seals the deal with an extra layer of crunch!
How to Make Pioneer Woman Asian Noodle Salad
Ingredients
- 1 lb Spaghetti
- 1 cup Carrots (shredded)
- 1 cup Bell Peppers (sliced)
- 1 cup Bean Sprouts
- 1 cup Cucumbers (sliced)
- 1 cup Scallions (sliced)
- 1/2 cup Cilantro (chopped)
- 1 cup Napa Cabbage (shredded)
- 1 cup Purple Cabbage (shredded)
- 1 cup Kale (chopped)
- 1/2 cup Peanuts (chopped)
- 1/2 cup Soy Sauce
- 1/4 cup Rice Vinegar
- 1/4 cup Sugar
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil
- 3 tsp Ginger (minced)
- 3 tsp Garlic (minced)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Bring a pot of water to a boil, and cook the spaghetti according to the package directions.
Drain the pasta, rinse it under cold water, and set it aside to cool.
Step 2:
Mix together the cooked spaghetti, carrots, bell peppers, bean sprouts, cucumbers, scallions, cilantro, napa cabbage, purple cabbage, and kale in a large bowl.
Step 3:
In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, olive oil, ginger, and garlic to make the dressing.
Step 4:
Pour the dressing over the noodle and vegetable mixture, and toss everything together until well coated.
Step 5:
Add the chopped peanuts to the salad for a crunchy finish.
Toss everything once more before serving.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Use Fresh Ingredients
Opt for the freshest vegetables you can find to make the salad crisp and vibrant.
This really enhances the texture and taste of the salad.
Customize the Vegetables
Feel free to swap or add any vegetables you like, such as sugar snap peas or edamame.
Adding more variety can offer more vibrant flavors and textures.
Make it Ahead
You can prepare the salad ahead of time and keep it in the fridge.
Just wait to add the dressing until just before serving to keep things fresh.
Adjust the Dressing
If you prefer a sweeter dressing, increase the amount of sugar slightly.
Similarly, adjust the soy sauce for saltiness to match your personal taste.
Serve Chilled
This dish tastes best when served chilled.
Allowing it to sit in the fridge for a bit before serving really brings out the flavors.
What to Serve with Pioneer Woman Asian Noodle Salad
Steamed Dumplings
You can’t go wrong with a side of steamed dumplings!
They bring a tender and flavorful bite, pairing brilliantly with the tangy crunch of the noodle salad.
Try a variety of fillings like pork, chicken, or even vegetable!
Fried Rice
Fried rice is another fantastic option, adding heartiness to your meal.
Packed with stir-fried vegetables and your choice of protein, it complements the salad perfectly.
The savory notes balance out the fresh flavors of the noodles.
Mongolian Beef
For something a bit more indulgent, consider Mongolian beef.
This dish brings rich, caramelized flavors that add a luxurious touch to your meal.
It’s a great contrast to the crisp, light taste of the salad.
Sautéed Bok Choy
If you’re looking for something green, sautéed bok choy is a great fit.
The earthy crunch, especially when cooked with garlic, pairs well with the Asian noodle salad.
It’s a simple yet flavorful choice.
Grilled Pineapple
Unexpected yet refreshing, grilled pineapple really adds a sweet and smoky flavor.
This tropical fruit balances beautifully with the savory elements of your main dish.
Trust me, it’s worth trying!
Edamame
A bowl of edamame is another great addition.
These little green gems are not only healthy but also an excellent finger food.
Season them with a sprinkle of sea salt or a hint of chili for a little kick!
Enjoy crafting these side dishes to serve alongside your Asian Noodle Salad!
They’re guaranteed to make your meal more exciting and complete.
Variations and Substitutions
Noodle Choices
You don’t have to stick to the same noodles used in the recipe.
Feel free to swap in rice noodles, soba noodles, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand.
Each will provide a slightly different texture, making it fun to experiment.
Protein Additions
Adding some protein can make this dish more nutritious.
Grilled chicken or shrimp work wonderfully.
Tofu is a great vegetarian option if you’re looking to keep it meat-free.
Vegetables
Got some extra veggies in the fridge?
Toss them in!
Try snap peas, edamame, or bell peppers for added crunch and color.
The more, the merrier!
Dressing Alternatives
Mix up the dressing for a twist on flavor.
Add a bit of peanut butter for a creamy touch.
You can also use rice vinegar for a tangy variation.
Get creative and match it to your taste!
How to Store Leftover Pioneer Woman Asian Noodle Salad
Refrigeration Tips
You want to keep the flavors fresh, so store the leftover salad in an airtight container.
This prevents the salad from absorbing other odors in the fridge and keeps it tasty.
Tossing the salad before storing can help retain its flavor better, but remember not to add extra dressing.
Dressing Considerations
Keep the dressing separate if you’re storing without dressing.
Mix the dressing with the salad just before serving to ensure crispness.
This helps maintain the right texture and prevents the noodles from becoming soggy.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy your salad within a day or two for the best flavor.
After a couple of days, the noodles might lose some texture, but the taste should still be enjoyable.
If you mix the ingredients before storing, give the salad a good toss before eating to blend the flavors again.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not Toasting the Ramen and Cashews
You might skip toasting the ramen and cashews, but that step is important for flavor.
Toasting gives them a nice crunch and a nutty flavor that enhances the salad.
Be sure to watch them closely in the oven to prevent burning!
Ignoring the Seasoning Packets
Many people toss the seasoning packets aside, forgetting they add a lot to the dish.
Using the seasoning from the ramen packets can infuse the salad with more flavor.
Feel free to adjust the amount according to your taste preferences.
Overcooking the Noodle Noodles
Cooking the noodles too long ruins their texture and makes them too soft.
It’s crucial to cook them just until they’re al dente.
This way, they maintain a bit of firmness and don’t become mushy in the salad.
Pioneer Woman Asian Noodle Salad Recipe
- 1 lb Spaghetti
- 1 cup Carrots shredded
- 1 cup Bell Peppers sliced
- 1 cup Bean Sprouts
- 1 cup Cucumbers sliced
- 1 cup Scallions sliced
- 1/2 cup Cilantro chopped
- 1 cup Napa Cabbage shredded
- 1 cup Purple Cabbage shredded
- 1 cup Kale chopped
- 1/2 cup Peanuts chopped
- 1/2 cup Soy Sauce
- 1/4 cup Rice Vinegar
- 1/4 cup Sugar
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil
- 3 tsp Ginger minced
- 3 tsp Garlic minced
- Bring a pot of water to a boil, and cook the spaghetti according to the package directions.
- Drain the pasta, rinse it under cold water, and set it aside to cool.
- Mix together the cooked spaghetti, carrots, bell peppers, bean sprouts, cucumbers, scallions, cilantro, napa cabbage, purple cabbage, and kale in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, olive oil, ginger, and garlic to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the noodle and vegetable mixture, and toss everything together until well coated.
- Add the chopped peanuts to the salad for a crunchy finish.
- Toss everything once more before serving.
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