Refreshing Thai Noodle Salad

This refreshing Thai noodle salad is a great way to cool down on a hot day. It's made with rice noodles, shredded carrots, zucchini, red bell pepper, green onions, cilantro, and peanuts, and tossed in a tangy peanut sauce. The salad is light and flavorful, and it's perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.

I first had this salad at a Thai restaurant in New York City. I was immediately hooked on the combination of flavors and textures. The rice noodles were chewy, the vegetables were crisp and refreshing, and the peanut sauce was rich and flavorful. I asked the chef for the recipe, and he was kind enough to share it with me. I've been making this salad ever since, and it's always a hit with my friends and family.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 10 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 package (8 ounces) rice noodles
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup shredded zucchini
• 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup chopped peanuts

Instructions

1. Cook the rice noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. In a large bowl, combine the rice noodles, carrots, zucchini, bell pepper, green onions, cilantro, and peanuts.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the peanut sauce ingredients. Pour the sauce over the noodle mixture and toss to coat.
4. Serve immediately or chill for later.

Why It Works

• The combination of textures in this salad makes it really interesting to eat. The chewy rice noodles provide a hearty base for the salad, while the crisp vegetables add a refreshing crunch.
• The peanut sauce is the perfect complement to the salad. It's tangy and flavorful, but it's not too heavy. It coats the noodles and vegetables evenly, and it adds a delicious savory flavor to the dish.