Spicy Thai Pasta Salad – A Bold, Fresh, and Guilt-Free Delight

This Spicy Thai Pasta Salad is bursting with bold flavors, vibrant veggies, and a creamy, spicy peanut dressing that brings everything together. It’s light, satisfying, and perfect for warm weather, meal prep, or potlucks. Made with wholesome ingredients and balanced with spice, crunch, and zest, this dish proves that healthy eating can still be exciting and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Big Thai Flavor: Creamy, zesty, and lightly spicy with a rich peanut dressing.
Colorful & Crunchy: Loaded with crisp veggies for taste and texture.
Lighter Twist: Uses whole grain pasta and a lightened-up dressing.
Perfect Make-Ahead Meal: Tastes even better after chilling.

Ingredients

Salad:

• 8 oz whole wheat or high-fiber pasta (rotini or penne work well)
• 1 cup shredded red cabbage
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)

Dressing:

• 3 tbsp powdered peanut butter (or 2 tbsp natural peanut butter)
• 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp lime juice (fresh)
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp sesame oil (optional, for added depth)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp grated ginger
• 1–2 tsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
• 2–3 tbsp warm water (to thin dressing as needed)

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta
Boil the pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.

2. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and sriracha. Add water 1 tablespoon at a time until the dressing reaches your desired consistency.

3. Combine Salad Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cabbage, bell pepper, carrots, cucumber, green onions, and cilantro.

4. Add the Dressing
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated. Chill for at least 30 minutes for best flavor, or serve immediately.

5. Serve
Top with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for a little extra crunch, if desired.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

Calories: 210
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 6g
Protein: 8g
Fiber: 4g

Tips for Success

• Use Powdered Peanut Butter: Cuts calories while keeping peanut flavor.
• Customize Veggies: Snap peas, edamame, or shredded napa cabbage are great add-ins.
• Add Protein: Toss in grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp to make it a full meal.
• Control the Spice: Start with less sriracha and add more to taste.

Why This Recipe Works

This salad blends satisfying carbs, fresh produce, and a spicy-sweet peanut sauce into a meal that’s full of flavor and texture. It’s an energizing dish that feels indulgent while staying mindful of ingredients and balance.

Spicy Thai Pasta Salad is everything you want in a healthy dish: bold, colorful, and completely satisfying. Whether it’s for lunch prep, a side dish at your next BBQ, or a light dinner, this recipe delivers on flavor and freshness with every bite—no compromise required.