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To make the Spicy Cashew Noodle Salad, you will need these ingredients: - 200g rice noodles - 1 cup raw cashews - 1 red bell pepper, julienned - 1 medium cucumber, julienned - 1 cup shredded carrots - 3 green onions, thinly sliced - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust based on spice preference) - 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - Juice of 1 lime - 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan option) - Salt and pepper to taste - Sesame seeds for garnish You can easily swap some ingredients. Here are a few ideas: - Rice noodles: Use whole wheat noodles or gluten-free pasta. - Cashews: Almonds or peanuts work well too. - Soy sauce: Coconut aminos is a great gluten-free option. - Sriracha: Try chili paste or hot sauce if you prefer. - Honey: Use agave syrup for a vegan choice. - Veggies: Add bell peppers, snap peas, or cabbage for more crunch. Each serving of Spicy Cashew Noodle Salad offers: - Calories: Approximately 350 - Protein: 10g - Carbs: 45g - Fats: 15g - Fiber: 5g This salad is full of healthy fats, fiber, and protein! It’s a tasty way to enjoy a meal while being kind to your body. For the complete recipe and steps, check the Full Recipe. To start, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 200g of rice noodles. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes, or as the package says. You want them tender but firm. Drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water. This stops the cooking and keeps them from getting sticky. Set the noodles aside while you prepare the other ingredients. Next, take a skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add 1 cup of raw cashews to the pan. Toast them for 5-7 minutes. Stir them often to make sure they don’t burn. You want them to turn golden brown and smell good. Once done, remove them from the heat and let them cool a bit. After that, roughly chop the cashews for the salad. In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing. Combine 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of sriracha, and 2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter. Add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, the juice of 1 lime, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Mix until it’s smooth. This dressing packs a punch and ties the salad together. Now it’s time to mix everything. In a large bowl, add the cooked noodles. Then, toss in 1 red bell pepper, 1 medium cucumber, 1 cup of shredded carrots, and 3 sliced green onions. Don’t forget to add 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro. Pour the dressing over the noodles and veggies. Gently toss everything until well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Now, you’re ready to enjoy a fresh and vibrant Spicy Cashew Noodle Salad. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide. You can change the heat in the salad to fit your taste. If you like it mild, cut the sriracha to one tablespoon. For more heat, add an extra tablespoon. Always taste as you go. That way, you can find the right level of spice for you. A great-looking salad makes it more fun to eat. Use a colorful bowl to serve. Arrange the veggies in a bright pattern. You can layer the carrots, cucumber, and bell pepper to create a rainbow effect. Finish by garnishing with extra cilantro and sesame seeds for a lovely touch. This salad is perfect on its own or as a side. Serve it with grilled chicken or shrimp for a full meal. You can also pair it with spring rolls for a fun lunch. For a quick snack, enjoy it cold right from the fridge. Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas! {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegan. Swap honey for maple syrup. This simple change keeps the sweetness while keeping it plant-based. You can also use vegan creamy peanut butter. Look for brands without added sugars or oils. These swaps make your salad just as tasty. To make your salad gluten-free, choose tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari has a similar taste but is safe for gluten-free diets. Be sure to check the rice noodles for gluten. Most brands are gluten-free, but it's good to double-check. These easy swaps keep the flavor while making it safe for all. Want to make your salad heartier? Consider adding proteins like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. These options bring extra flavor and texture. You can also toss in more veggies. Try snap peas, broccoli, or bell peppers. Each adds a nice crunch. Feel free to mix and match to suit your taste. You can store leftover spicy cashew noodle salad in the fridge. Use an airtight container. It stays fresh for about three days. Keep the salad cool and avoid leaving it out too long. If you want to keep the cashews crunchy, store them separately. This way, they stay nice and crisp. For longer storage, consider freezing the noodles. Cook the noodles and let them cool. Place them in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible. They can last up to three months in the freezer. However, the veggies and dressing do not freeze well. It’s best to use fresh ingredients when you plan to eat the salad. When you’re ready to enjoy your salad, if using frozen noodles, thaw them first. You can do this overnight in the fridge or use the microwave. After thawing, heat them in a pan over low heat. You can add a splash of water or oil to keep them moist. If you prefer, enjoy the salad cold. Just mix it well and add fresh toppings. You can find the full recipe to make this dish again and enjoy it fresh! You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein. Grilled chicken gives a nice flavor. Shrimp adds a lovely texture. Tofu is great for a plant-based option. Each choice will boost the protein without changing the salad's fun taste. The salad lasts about three days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. This keeps the salad fresh and tasty. The veggies may lose some crunch, but the flavors will still shine. Yes, you can make the dressing ahead of time. It keeps well in the fridge for about a week. Just give it a stir before using. This saves time when you want to enjoy the salad quickly. You can find the full recipe for Spicy Cashew Noodle Salad above in the article. It includes all the steps and tips for making this delightful dish. Enjoy making it! This blog post covered how to make a tasty Spicy Cashew Noodle Salad. We discussed the key ingredients and easy substitutions. The step-by-step guide makes cooking simple. Tips helped with presentation and spice levels for your taste. In the variations section, you learned about vegan and gluten-free options. Finally, I shared storage tips for keeping your salad fresh. Now, you have all the tools to enjoy a great dish any time. Dive in and start creating!

Spicy Cashew Noodle Salad

Savor the bold flavors of our Spicy Cashew Noodle Salad that's perfect for any meal! This refreshing dish blends tender rice noodles with crunchy veggies, toasted cashews, and a zesty dressing. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's a quick, nutritious option your taste buds will love. Dive into the full recipe and unlock the secrets to this delicious salad that packs a spicy punch. Click to explore and elevate your dining experience!
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Ingredients
  

200g rice noodles

1 cup raw cashews

1 red bell pepper, julienned

1 medium cucumber, julienned

1 cup shredded carrots

3 green onions, thinly sliced

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust based on spice preference)

2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter

1 tablespoon sesame oil

Juice of 1 lime

1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)

Salt and pepper to taste

Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add rice noodles and cook according to package instructions (usually about 4-5 minutes), until tender. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

    Toast the Cashews: In a skillet over medium heat, add the raw cashews. Toast them for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and fragrant, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly before roughly chopping.

      Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sriracha, peanut butter, sesame oil, lime juice, and honey until smooth.

        Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked noodles, julienned bell pepper, cucumber, shredded carrots, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro.

          Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the noodle mixture. Gently toss everything together until well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

            Serve and Garnish: Divide the salad into serving bowls and top with the toasted cashews and sesame seeds for an added crunch.

              - Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a colorful bowl, and sprinkle extra cilantro and sesame seeds on top for visual appeal. Consider arranging the veggies in a rainbow pattern for an attractive presentation.