Zesty Peanut Zucchini Noodles (Printable)

Vibrant zucchini noodles coated in creamy peanut sauce with fresh vegetables and herbs.

# Ingredient List:

→ Vegetables

01 - 4 medium zucchini, spiralized
02 - 1 cup shredded carrots
03 - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
04 - 2 scallions, thinly sliced
05 - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
06 - 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

→ Peanut Sauce

07 - 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter (natural, unsweetened preferred)
08 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
09 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
10 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
11 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
12 - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
13 - 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional)
14 - 2 to 4 tablespoons warm water (to thin)

→ Garnish

15 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
16 - Lime wedges

# Steps:

01 - Place spiralized zucchini, shredded carrots, red bell pepper, scallions, and chopped cilantro into a large mixing bowl.
02 - Whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, toasted sesame oil, lime juice, sriracha if using, and 2 tablespoons warm water in a separate bowl until smooth. Add more water as needed to reach a pourable consistency.
03 - Pour the peanut sauce over the vegetable mixture and toss thoroughly to coat evenly.
04 - Add chopped peanuts to the salad and toss again for even distribution.
05 - Transfer the salad to serving bowls or a platter. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and extra peanuts. Garnish with lime wedges and additional fresh cilantro if desired.
06 - Serve immediately chilled as a cold salad, or refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes to enhance flavors.

# Tips from the Pros:

01 -
  • It comes together in 20 minutes flat, no cooking required, perfect when you're hungry but the heat outside won't quit.
  • The sauce is creamy and tangy without any dairy, so it works whether friends have restrictions or you're just feeling lighter.
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day as the noodles soften and soak up all that peanut goodness.
02 -
  • Don't let the spiralized zucchini sit too long before serving or it will release water and make the whole dish soggy, so prep everything else first and spiralize last.
  • The peanut sauce thickens slightly as it cools, so make it a touch thinner than you think you want it if you're chilling the salad.
  • Taste the sauce before tossing and adjust the lime, sriracha, or soy to your preference, since those flavors are what make this dish sing.
03 -
  • Let the peanut sauce come to room temperature before tossing if you've refrigerated it, so it coats the noodles evenly and feels luxurious.
  • Keep extra lime wedges on the table so people can adjust the brightness to their taste, as citrus is what brings this dish to life.
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