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Shrimp Noodle Salad with Peanut Dressing

This shrimp noodle salad with peanut dressing is a fresh, vibrant dish inspired by Southeast Asian flavors. It combines tender, juicy shrimp with soft rice noodles and a colorful mix of crisp vegetables like cucumber, carrots, and bell peppers, all tossed together with fragrant herbs for brightness and freshness.

The real star of this recipe is the creamy peanut dressing. Made with peanut butter, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of sweetness, it creates a rich, nutty, and slightly tangy sauce that coats every bite perfectly. It balances freshness with indulgence, making the salad both satisfying and light at the same time.

This dish is perfect for warm weather, quick lunches, or easy weeknight dinners. It comes together in under 30 minutes and can be served cold or at room temperature, making it ideal for meal prep or even last minute hosting. You can also customize it easily by adding extra vegetables, swapping proteins, or adjusting the spice level.

Whether you’re looking for a healthy noodle bowl, a refreshing summer salad, or a quick high-protein meal, this shrimp noodle salad delivers bold flavor, great texture, and effortless freshness in every bite.

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 5 mins
Total Time 25 mins
Courses: , ,
Difficulty: Beginner
Servings: 4
Best Season: Summer, Spring
Description

A refreshing shrimp noodle salad tossed with crisp vegetables and a creamy peanut dressing. Easy, healthy, and perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.

Ingredients
    🍀 Shrimp
  • 400 grams shrimp (peeled, deveined)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and Black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 🍜 Noodle Salad Base
  • 200 grams rice noodles
  • 1 large carrot (julienne)
  • 1 large cucumber (julienne)
  • 1/2 red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
  • 1/2 cup purple cabbage (thinly sliced)
  • 3 spring onions (sliced)
  • Handful of fresh cilantro leaves
  • 1/4 cup peanuts (toasted and crushed)
    • πŸ₯œ Creamy Peanut Dressing
  • 3 tablespoons peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 garlic clove (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
  • 5 tablespoons warm water
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
  1. 1
    Cook the noodles

    Cook noodles according to package instructions.
    Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.

  2. 2
    Cook the shrimp
    • Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
    • Add the shrimp, salt, pepper, chili flakes and garlic powder.
    • Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Set aside.
  3. 3
    Make peanut dressing:

    In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and warm water until smooth and creamy.
    Adjust thickness with more water if needed.

  4. 4
    Assemble the salad
    • In a large bowl, combine noodles, cucumber, carrots, bell pepper, spring onions, and cilantro.
    • Top with cooked shrimp, drizzle with peanut dressing, and toss gently to combine.
    • Sprinkle with crushed peanuts and extra cilantro. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Note

πŸ’‘ Tips & Variations

  • Swap shrimp for chicken
  • Add edamame for extra protein
  • Use soba noodles for a nuttier/deeper flavor
  • Make dressing ahead for quick meal prep
Keywords: shrimp noodle salad, Asian shrimp salad, cold noodle salad recipe, healthy noodle bowl, shrimp salad with peanut dressing, Thai-inspired shrimp salad
Read it online: https://jessicacooks.com/recipe/shrimp-noodle-salad-with-peanut-dressing/
Jessica
Food Blogger