Description
A vibrant and satisfying salad with a perfect balance of flavors—rich and creamy peanut sauce, tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and hearty soba noodles. This spicy dish is packed with protein, crunch, and a burst of freshness, perfect for a light meal or a vibrant side dish!
Ingredients
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For the Spicy Peanut Sauce:
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5 tablespoons peanut butter
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5 tablespoons water
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5 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
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2 tablespoons sesame oil (optional, for flavor)
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2 tablespoons honey
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Juice of 1 lime
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1 clove garlic, minced
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¼ cup chili sauce (like sriracha, adjust to taste for spice level)
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½ cup peanuts (for texture)
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For the Salad:
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1 lb. chicken breast
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1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
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3–4 cups chopped purple cabbage
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10 ounces soba noodles
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¼ cup fresh cilantro or basil (to taste)
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¼ cup crushed peanuts (for topping)
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Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken:
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Cook the chicken breasts by grilling, baking, or pan-searing until fully cooked. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
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Make the Spicy Peanut Sauce:
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In a blender or food processor, combine peanut butter, water, soy sauce (or tamari), sesame oil (if using), honey, lime juice, minced garlic, and chili sauce.
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Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the spice level by adding more chili sauce if desired. If the sauce is too thick, add more water to reach your preferred consistency.
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Stir in the peanuts for a bit of texture.
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Cook the Soba Noodles:
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Cook soba noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
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Assemble the Salad:
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In a large bowl, combine the cooked soba noodles, sliced red bell pepper, and chopped purple cabbage.
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Add the sliced chicken and toss everything together.
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Add the Peanut Sauce:
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Pour the peanut sauce over the salad ingredients and toss everything together until well coated.
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Serve:
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Garnish the salad with fresh cilantro or basil and a generous sprinkle of crushed peanuts.
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Serve chilled or at room temperature.
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Notes
For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh.
Feel free to adjust the level of heat by adding more or less sriracha based on your spice preference.
This salad can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days, making it great for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Salad
- Method: Stovetop, No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Keywords: Soba noodles, spicy peanut sauce, salad, chicken, healthy meal, gluten-free, meal prep