Spicy Thai Zucchini Noodle Salad with Peanut Dressing

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing Thai-inspired salad featuring spiralized zucchini noodles tossed in a creamy, spicy peanut dressing with fresh herbs and lime. This thai-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs medium zucchinis, spiralized, carrot, julienned, red bell pepper, thinly sliced into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups spiralized medium zucchinis, 1 medium julienned carrot, 1 thinly sliced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves, and 2 tablespoons sliced green onions.
  2. Step 2: In a separate small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons roasted peanut butter, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce, 2 tablespoons water, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil until smooth and creamy.
  3. Step 3: Pour the peanut dressing over the zucchini and vegetables; toss gently but thoroughly until every strand is coated.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons crushed peanuts over the salad for added crunch.
  5. Step 5: Let the salad rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving chilled or at room temperature.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Thai Zucchini Noodle Salad with Peanut Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Spicy Thai Zucchini Noodle Salad with Peanut Dressing?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep medium zucchinis, spiralized from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Thai Zucchini Noodle Salad with Peanut Dressing?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Spicy Thai Zucchini Noodle Salad with Peanut Dressing for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Spicy Thai Zucchini Noodle Salad with Peanut Dressing vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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