Chicken Peanut Udon Noodle Salad recipe has the smooth flavors of sesame oil and peanut butter spiced up with sriracha and lime. One of the prettiest ways to eat your veggies with the bonus of it being a comfort food. You may just want to make a double batch, you will love it that much.

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This Chicken Peanut Udon Noodle Salad recipe is a variation on a Asian pasta salad that my mom and I used to make together. I remember the first time making it with her as a young teen and being blown away that the lime juice and peanut butter could taste so good together. That must have been my introduction into the world of combining flavors. Flavors that you would never think should go together but are amazingly wonderful once they marry. The most satisfying part of this recipe, it has a perfect balance in textures between crunchy and smooth. You will fall in love with the comforting udon noodles vs the crunch of veggies and peanuts.

I love to find ways to sneak more veggies into our diets without feeling like we are turning into rabbits. Not only does this recipe provide that extra boost of veggies but the colors are so bright and cheerful. For this Chicken Peanut Udon Noodle Salad I made carrot ribbons using a vegetable peeler and a few whole carrots. You can absolutely use shredded carrots and have it turn out just as healthy and pretty.

Tips about Chicken Peanut Udon Noodle Salad:

I do believe that for many who are trying to eat clean, there is a certain amount of guilt that comes from eating udon noodles, despite how many veggies we pile on. That is why I was so excited to find this Organic Wide Udon Noodle. The list of ingredients is “Organic heirloom wheat flour, sea salt”. When I saw these noodles , I heard angels sing. What a treat to be able to eat udon and not feel immense guilt. (affiliate)
This recipe is perfect for packing your lunch during the week. There is no heat up involved, just open and eat. If you are trying to steer away from plastic storage containers, these work great. (affiliate)
In my family we are big pasta lovers and we love using these individual pasta bowls. They are beautiful, sleek and incredibly functional. (affiliate)

Top Reasons to Make Chicken Peanut Udon Noodle Salad This Week:

Sneak those extra veggies into your family.
Perfect no-stress cold lunch.
It is just so darn yummy!!!!!!

Variations of this Recipe

Vegetarian Twist- Omit chicken and add tofu cubes or edamame for a protein-packed vegetarian version.
Thai-Inspired Tofu- Replace chicken with marinated and pan-fried tofu, and add a tablespoon of Thai red curry paste for a unique flavor.
Extra crunch- Top the finished salad with chopped roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, or wonton strips.
Shrimp Sensation- Substitute chicken with grilled or sautéed shrimp for a delightful seafood twist.
Spicy Beef Delight- Swap chicken for thinly sliced beef strips and increase the sriracha for a spicy beef udon noodle salad.
Mango Tango- Incorporate diced fresh mango for a sweet and fruity element that complements the savory flavors.
Sesame Soy Delight- Replace peanut butter with tahini and omit sriracha for a milder, sesame-flavored dressing.

Helpful Hints

Add a splash of water to the peanut butter if it’s too thick to easily mix into the dressing.
For an extra burst of freshness, squeeze additional lime juice over the salad just before serving.
To save time, use a rotisserie chicken and pre-shredded vegetables.
If udon noodles are not available, thick rice noodles or soba noodles can be used instead.
To make this peanut-free, almond butter or sunflower seed butter can be substituted for the peanut butter.

Serving Suggestions

Serve as a refreshing lunch or dinner on its own.
Pair with a side of spring rolls for a complete Asian-inspired meal.
Serve alongside grilled teriyaki chicken for a well-rounded dinner.
Bring it to a potluck or picnic for a crowd-pleasing dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute chicken thighs for chicken breast in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs as a delicious alternative to chicken breast.

Can I use regular cabbage instead of red cabbage?

Yes, regular green cabbage can be substituted. The red cabbage simply adds a pop of color.

I can’t find udon noodles. Can I use another type of noodle?

Certainly! Feel free to substitute udon noodles with soba noodles, rice noodles, or even whole wheat noodles based on your preference.

I’m not a fan of spicy food. Can I skip the sriracha in the dressing?

Of course! Adjust the level of spiciness to your liking by reducing or omitting the sriracha. The dressing will still be flavorful without the heat.

Is there a substitute for fish sauce in this recipe?

Yes, soy sauce can be a suitable replacement for fish sauce if you prefer. The flavor profile will be slightly different, but still delicious.

Do the vegetables need to be a certain size?

Cutting the bell peppers and carrots into similar sized strips or ribbons helps everything blend together nicely, but precision isn’t necessary.

Can I use creamy peanut butter instead of crunchy?

Creamy peanut butter can be used, but the crunch from the nuts gives a nice textural contrast.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a party or gathering?

You can prepare the components separately and assemble them just before serving to maintain the freshness and crunch. The dressing can be made in advance and stored separately.

How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if needed, consume within 1-2 days for optimal taste and texture.