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Craving a protein-packed Thai pasta salad? This vibrant, incredible recipe features a spicy peanut dressing and crunchy veggies for perfect meal prep.

Protein-Packed Thai Pasta Salad

A vibrant, high-protein meal prep solution featuring crunchy vegetables, edamame noodles, and a rich, spicy peanut dressing.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American, Thai-Inspired
Calories: 485
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Salad Base
  • 8 oz Edamame spaghetti or black bean pasta Dry weight
  • 1 cup Red bell pepper Julienned
  • 1 cup Purple cabbage Finely shredded
  • 1 cup Carrots Shredded or matchsticks
  • 1 cup Snap peas Sliced in half
  • 0.5 cup Fresh cilantro Roughly chopped
  • 0.25 cup Green onions Sliced
  • 0.25 cup Roasted peanuts Crushed, for garnish
Spicy Peanut Dressing
  • 0.5 cup Natural creamy peanut butter Unsweetened
  • 3 tbsp Low-sodium soy sauce Or tamari
  • 2 tbsp Rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Toasted sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp Fresh lime juice
  • 1 tbsp Maple syrup Or honey
  • 1 tbsp Fresh ginger Grated
  • 1 tbsp Sriracha Adjust to taste
  • 2 tbsp Warm water To thin, as needed

Method
 

  1. Boil a large pot of generously salted water. Cook the edamame pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
  2. Immediately drain the pasta and rinse thoroughly under cold running water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch. Set aside.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, lime juice, maple syrup, grated ginger, and sriracha until completely smooth. If the dressing is too thick, whisk in warm water one tablespoon at a time until pourable.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cold noodles, bell pepper, cabbage, carrots, and snap peas.
  5. Pour the peanut dressing over the salad and toss vigorously with tongs until all ingredients are evenly coated.
  6. Fold in the cilantro and green onions. Garnish with crushed peanuts and chill for 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Chef Luna's Expert Tip: Do not skip the cold water rinse for your pasta. Failing to rinse legume-based pasta will cause it to congeal into a starchy block. Rinsing ensures distinct, perfectly textured noodles that hold the dressing beautifully.