Zesty Peanut Zucchini Noodles (Print Version)

Spiralized zucchini combined with tangy peanut sauce and crisp vegetables for a vibrant, healthy dish.

# 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 - ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
06 - ¼ cup roasted peanuts, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

→ Peanut Sauce

07 - ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter (natural, unsweetened preferred)
08 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (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 - 2–4 tablespoons warm water (to thin)

→ Garnish

15 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
16 - Lime wedges

# Steps:

01 - Place the spiralized zucchini, shredded carrots, sliced red bell pepper, scallions, and chopped cilantro into a large mixing bowl.
02 - In a separate bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, toasted sesame oil, lime juice, sriracha if using, and 2 tablespoons of warm water. Whisk until smooth, adding more water to reach a pourable consistency.
03 - Pour the peanut sauce over the mixed vegetables and toss thoroughly to ensure even coating.
04 - Incorporate the chopped peanuts into the salad, tossing once more to distribute evenly.
05 - Transfer the salad to individual bowls or a serving platter. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, additional peanuts, and garnish with lime wedges and extra fresh cilantro as desired.
06 - Serve immediately chilled or refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes to intensify the flavors.

# Helpful Hints:

01 -
  • It comes together in twenty minutes and never requires you to stand over a hot pan.
  • The peanut sauce clings to every strand and tastes better than anything you'd get from a takeout container.
  • You can eat it straight from the fridge the next day and it still tastes bright and satisfying.
02 -
  • If you make the sauce ahead, it will thicken in the fridge, just whisk in a splash of warm water to loosen it up again.
  • Toss the zucchini noodles with the sauce right before serving or they'll release water and dilute everything.
03 -
  • Pat the zucchini noodles dry with a clean towel before tossing if they seem watery, it keeps the sauce from getting diluted.
  • Toast your sesame seeds in a dry pan for thirty seconds before sprinkling them on top, the extra flavor is worth the small effort.
Go Back