Peanut Sesame Noodle Salad

Saucy and refreshing, this Peanut Sesame Noodle Salad is the perfect lunch recipe to enjoy cold or warm.

This salad is a refreshing combination of nutty richness and fresh, crisp vegetables. Better yet, add some fresh herbs and sliced chicken to make this a satisfying, flavourful meal.

Perfect for a quick weekday lunch or a refreshing side dish at your next gathering, this Peanut Sesame Noodle Salad makes is a great recipe to have at your fingertips. The purpose of this recipe was to have a great meal-prep friendly meal that I know everyone would love. And it is just that!

Peanut Sesame Noodle Salad

Serves: 4

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

2 chicken breasts

½ teaspoon seasoning salt

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon sesame oil

Rice noodles

1 carrot, sliced julienne

1 tablespoon oil

½ cucumber, finely sliced

1 cup cabbage or coleslaw mix

chopped fresh basil or parsley, for topping

Peanut Sesame Sauce

¼ cup honey

¼ cup peanut butter

1 tablespoon sesame oil

2 tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons sriracha

½ cup water

2 teaspoons sesame seeds

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

¼ teaspoon seasoning salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Directions

1. Preheat to 350°F and bring a skillet to medium-high heat with the sesame oil. Meanwhile, slice the chicken breasts horizontally in half so they're thinner. Season with the garlic powder, seasoning salt, salt, and black pepper on each side and rub into the chicken.

2. When the skillet is hot and oil is shimmering, add the chicken and sear each side until golden, about 2-3 minutes per side. Place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.

3. While the chicken cooks, bring a medium pot filled with water to a boil over high heat. When boiling, add the rice noodles and boil until al dente, or about 10 minutes, adding the carrots in with the noodles 5 minutes in. Then remove from heat and toss in 1 tablespoon of oil.

4. While the noodles are boiling, make the peanut sesame sauce.

5. To assemble, slice the chicken and add to the noodles with cucumbers, sliced cabbage or coleslaw mix, and toss in the peanut sesame sauce. To serve, top with chopped fresh herbs and sesame seeds.

6. Enjoy immediately and warm or refrigerate to enjoy as a cold lunch!