Grape and Feta Pasta Salad Recipe

If you’re craving something vibrant, refreshing, and totally satisfying, my Cold Peanut Noodle Salad is about to become your new go-to lunch or picnic hero. Packed with crunchy veggies, toothsome noodles, and a craveworthy peanut-lime dressing, this salad is bright, zesty, and loaded with flavor in every bite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things simple, but every ingredient is chosen for max flavor, crunch, and color—each one playing a key role in creating that signature Cold Peanut Noodle Salad experience you’ll instantly crave again.

• Whole Wheat Spaghetti: Hearty, nutty noodles provide the perfect bite and wholesome base for the salad.
• Red Cabbage: Adds glorious purple color and an irresistible crunchy texture.
• Carrots: Sprinkle in vibrant orange sweetness and extra crunch—shred them fresh for ultimate flavor.
• Cilantro: Brings bright, slightly citrusy herbs that lift the whole dish.
• Green Onion: Offers mild onion flavor and a pop of green.
• Peanuts: For irresistibly nutty bite and texture throughout—chop them for even distribution.
• Natural-Style Peanut Butter: The base of the luscious dressing—choose one that’s smooth and unsweetened.
• Lime Juice: Adds fresh, tangy brightness that balances the richness of peanuts.
• Brown Sugar: A little sweetness to round out all the bold flavors.
• Fresh Ginger and Garlic: These aromatics are tiny but mighty, making the dressing taste like you ordered it at your favorite restaurant.
• Soy Sauce: A splash for savory depth and salty umami notes.
• Neutral Oil: Makes your dressing creamy without overpowering flavors—avocado, canola, or even grapeseed are great.

Variations

This Cold Peanut Noodle Salad is basically a flavor-packed canvas, ready for your own creative tweaks! These quick variations let you tailor it to your pantry, tastebuds, or dietary preferences—don’t hesitate to experiment and make it your own.

• Swap the Noodles: Use soba, rice noodles, or ramen instead of whole wheat spaghetti for a new spin.
• Go Gluten-Free: Choose gluten-free pasta or noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce.
• Add Protein: Toss in grilled chicken, crispy tofu, shrimp, or edamame for extra staying power.
• More Veggie Power: Try adding bell peppers, snap peas, or even spiralized cucumber for extra crunch and color.
• Spice It Up: Mix a squirt of sriracha, chili-garlic paste, or thinly sliced fresh chili into your dressing for a little heat.

How to Make Cold Peanut Noodle Salad

Step 1: Make the Peanut Lime Dressing

In a medium bowl—or even better, a blender—combine the peanut butter, lime juice, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and your neutral oil. Whisk or blend until completely smooth and creamy. The dressing should be tangy, sweet, nutty, and a little bit luscious—set it aside; this is your flavor bomb!

Step 2: Cook and Cool the Noodles

Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the whole wheat spaghetti, breaking the strands in half so they’re easier to toss later. Cook until just tender, drain, and rinse briefly in cold water to cool everything down and halt the cooking—cold noodles are the secret to that refreshing salad vibe!

Step 3: Prep All the Veggies

Finely shred the red cabbage and carrots (a food processor makes this quick work, but a knife or box grater works too). Roughly chop the cilantro and peanuts, and slice those green onions. Freshness and crunch are key for making every bite exciting!

Step 4: Assemble and Toss

In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled noodles, shredded cabbage, carrots, cilantro, green onions, and chopped peanuts. Pour that dreamy peanut lime dressing over everything and toss until every strand and veggie is delightfully coated and glossy. Serve immediately, or divide up for meal prep.

Step 5: Serve or Store

Enjoy the salad straight away, or portion it out for later—either mixing the dressing in or packing it separately to add just before eating. Cold Peanut Noodle Salad is delicious right from the fridge and ideal for lunches, on-the-go dinners, or easy entertaining!

How to Serve Cold Peanut Noodle Salad

Garnishes

Give your Cold Peanut Noodle Salad some extra flair! Sprinkle with more chopped peanuts, a tangle of extra cilantro, a handful of sliced green onions, or even toasted sesame seeds for that chef’s kiss finish. If you want extra color, a few strips of red bell pepper or a squeeze of lime on top look stunning.

Side Dishes

This salad is truly a meal-in-a-bowl, but it’s also splendid alongside grilled chicken skewers, crispy tofu, spring rolls, or a bowl of soap-simmered edamame. For a light summer dinner, pair it with chilled watermelon wedges or a simple cucumber salad for ultimate refreshment.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, serve in small cups or on lettuce leaves for a fun hand-held version. At picnics, pack the components in jars and shake them up at lunchtime. Or, for a family-style feast, pile the colorful noodle salad high on a big platter and let everyone help themselves—beauty in abundance!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cold Peanut Noodle Salad keeps exceptionally well in the fridge. Store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers for the freshest crunch, or store them mixed for slightly softer, marinated flavors. Either way, it’s delicious for up to 4–5 days—perfect for meal prep lunches or grab-and-go dinners.

Freezing

While this salad loves the fridge, it isn’t a friend of the freezer. The crunch of the veggies and the creamy dressing don’t fare well after thawing—so enjoy it fresh, and consider halving the batch if you think you won’t finish in a few days.

Reheating

This dish is meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, which makes life easier! If you want to take the chill off, just let your portion sit out for 20–30 minutes—no microwave needed. Stir well, add any extra dressing, and enjoy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you taste this Cold Peanut Noodle Salad, it’ll win a spot in your regular rotation. It’s bright, bold, easy, and just so much fun to eat—perfect for busy lunches, relaxed dinners, or sharing with friends. I can’t wait for you to try it and add your own delicious twist!

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