Save to Pinterest I discovered this recipe during a sweltering July afternoon when my friend showed up with a bag of fresh cilantro and a craving for something cold. We stood in my kitchen, the air conditioning struggling against the heat, and she casually mentioned a peanut noodle dish she'd had in Bangkok. Within minutes, we were throwing together whatever we had—leftover rotisserie chicken, some vegetables from the crisper drawer—and the result was so bright and satisfying that we made it again the next day. Now it's become my go-to when I need something that feels both comforting and refreshing.
I made this for a potluck last summer, and it disappeared before anything else on the table. People kept coming back for seconds, asking what was in the dressing with such genuine curiosity that I realized I'd stumbled onto something special. The combination of lime juice and peanut butter seemed simple on paper, but tasted like a tiny adventure in a bowl.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: Cook them gently so they stay tender—I poach mine in salted water with a bay leaf rather than pan-frying.
- Spaghetti or rice noodles: Rice noodles give a lighter, more delicate texture that works beautifully here, but regular pasta is just as delicious.
- Red bell pepper: The sweetness balances the lime and peanut perfectly; don't skip this one.
- Shredded carrots: They add a subtle sweetness and that satisfying crunch that makes the whole dish feel alive.
- Spring onions: Slice them thin and use both the white and green parts for layers of allium flavor.
- Fresh cilantro: This isn't optional in my version—it's what makes it taste like you actually traveled somewhere.
- Roasted peanuts: The nutty flavor is essential; unsalted works better so you control the salt balance.
- Creamy peanut butter: The foundation of your dressing; make sure there's no added sugar or excessive oil.
- Soy sauce: A few tablespoons is all you need to add umami depth without overpowering the lime.
- Lime juice: Fresh is non-negotiable here; bottled just doesn't have the same brightness.
- Sesame oil: A small amount goes a long way and adds a toasted, almost floral note.
- Fresh ginger: The warmth it brings is subtle but transforms the entire profile of the dish.
- Garlic: One clove minced into the dressing is enough—too much will overpower the delicate balance.
Instructions
- Cook your noodles until just tender:
- Follow the package directions, but aim for that moment when they're cooked through but still have a slight resistance to the bite. Drain and rinse under cold water until they're completely cool—this stops them from continuing to cook.
- Whisk the dressing into silky submission:
- In a bowl, combine your peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. Start whisking, then add warm water a tablespoon at a time until it flows like silk. You want it thick enough to coat but thin enough to reach every noodle.
- Build your salad:
- Toss the cold noodles with the chicken, peppers, carrots, and spring onions in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over everything and mix gently but thoroughly, making sure every strand of noodle gets kissed with that creamy lime sauce.
- Finish with brightness:
- Top with fresh cilantro and crushed peanuts right before serving. The cilantro will stay vibrant and fragrant this way, and the peanuts won't get soggy from the dressing.
- Serve or chill:
- It's delicious immediately when the noodles are still slightly warm against the cold dressing, but it also develops deeper flavor if you let it sit in the fridge for thirty minutes.
Save to Pinterest What strikes me most about this dish is how it bridges seasons and moods. On a hot day, it feels like a cool escape; in winter, it somehow still feels nourishing and satisfying. I've made it for family dinners, lunch box leftovers, and late-night kitchen experiments, and it's never once disappointed.
Why This Works as a Complete Meal
The protein from the chicken, the carbs from the noodles, and the healthy fats from the peanut butter and sesame oil create a dish that actually keeps you full without feeling heavy. The vegetables add fiber and vitamins while the lime juice aids digestion. You're getting nutrition without fussing over a complicated recipe.
Making It Your Own
This recipe loves to be adapted. I've made it with shredded rotisserie chicken when I'm short on time, added crispy tofu for a vegetarian version, thrown in sugar snap peas or broccoli when I had them, and even experimented with pumpkin seeds instead of peanuts. The dressing is forgiving enough that minor swaps won't throw off the whole dish.
Storage and Serving Wisdom
Keep the noodles and dressing slightly separate if you're planning leftovers; this way, the texture stays better for a day or two. It travels beautifully in a container for lunch, though it's best served cool rather than cold from the fridge. The flavors actually improve slightly as they meld, making it even better the next day.
- For a spicier kick, stir in chili flakes or a dash of Sriracha into the dressing instead of sprinkling on top.
- If the dressing seems too thick after sitting, loosen it with a splash of warm water and a squeeze of lime before serving.
- Toast your peanuts lightly in a dry pan before chopping for an even deeper, more complex flavor.
Save to Pinterest This pasta salad has quietly become the recipe I turn to whenever I need comfort and brightness in the same bowl. It's proof that simple ingredients, when balanced with intention, become something memorable.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of noodles work best for this dish?
Spaghetti or rice noodles both work well; rice noodles offer a gluten-free option and absorb the dressing nicely.
- → How can I adjust the spice level?
Add or omit chili flakes or Sriracha according to your preferred heat intensity.
- → Can this dish be served warm?
While traditionally chilled, serving it slightly warm is possible but cooler temperatures enhance the flavors.
- → What substitutes can I use for chicken?
Tofu or edamame make excellent plant-based protein alternatives and keep the dish vibrant and nutritious.
- → Is the peanut lime dressing difficult to prepare?
Not at all; it’s a simple blend of peanut butter, lime juice, soy sauce, and a few flavorful ingredients whisked smooth.
- → How long can leftovers be stored?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days; toss before serving to maintain texture.