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Crispy, light, sweet, and savory, this cold noodle salad is a filling main course that’s ready to eat in less than 25 minutes. Simple to prepare, it’s naturally dairy-free, egg-free, and high in protein. With simple swaps it can also be gluten free and peanut-free, if needed. Perfect for meal prep, as the salad tastes even better the next day.

Prep: 15 minsCook: 8-10 minsTotal: 23-25 mins
Servings: 5-6 servings 1x

Ingredients

For the Salad:

  • 2 (2.8-ounce) packages ramen noodles
  • 3 cups thinly sliced napa or savoy cabbage (may substitute green cabbage or kale)
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced into thin, short strips (1 heaping cup)
  • 1 cup shelled edamame, thawed if frozen
  • ½ cup very roughly chopped fresh cilantro 
  • ½ cup julienned or shredded carrot
  • 6 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2½ cups cooked, chopped or shredded chicken breast or thigh meat (may use rotisserie chicken)
  • cup chopped dry roasted peanuts
  • Optional for garnish: additional cilantro, sesame seeds, lime wedges

For the Dressing:

  • ⅓ cup creamy natural peanut butter (one with a drizzly consistency works best)
  • ¼ cup rice vinegar
  • Zest and juice of 1 small or ½ medium lime (1 teaspoon zest + 2 tablespoons lime juice)
  • 2 tablespoons coconut aminos**
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon Sriracha (omit for less spice or increase for more)
  • 1 small garlic clove, grated
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • Pinch of fine salt, if needed (omit if using soy sauce or tamari)

Instructions

  1. Cook the noodles according to package directions, then drain and cool to room temperature
  2. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, rice vinegar, lime juice, coconut aminos, sesame oil, Sriracha, garlic, and ginger until well combined. Taste and season with salt as needed.
  3. If the dressing is too thick (not pourable), whisk in 1-2 tablespoons of water; set aside.
  4. To a large bowl, add the cabbage, bell pepper, edamame, cilantro, carrots, and green onions; toss to combine.
  5. Add the cooked chicken, noodles, and dressing to the bowl and gently toss until everything is well mixed and coated. 
  6. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts, additional cilantro, and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve or chill until ready to serve.
  7. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Notes

*Use any favorite ramen noodles. If there are seasoning packets, you can discard them. I like these gluten-free ramen noodles and these wider gluten-free ramen noodles. For gluten-free ramen noodles without seasoning packets, I use two of the ramen cakes from this pack

**May sub soy sauce or tamari for the coconut aminos. To replace 2 tablespoons coconut aminos, mix 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari with 1 tablespoon water.

For gluten free, use gluten-free ramen noodles (like those suggested above), plus use coconut aminos or tamari instead of soy sauce

For peanut free, use another favorite natural nut or seed butter with a drizzly consistency. Also, omit the chopped peanuts or replace with another chopped nut or seeds.

Nutrition Information

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe (1 1/2 cups)
  • Calories: 365
  • Fat: 15 g
  • (Sat Fat: 2 g)
  • Sodium: 963 mg
  • Carbohydrate: 40 g
  • (Fiber: 6 g
  • Sugar: 5 g)
  • Protein: 23 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg

Dietary

© The Real Food Dietitians
Recipe By: Jessica Beacom