For months, the allure of the Pioneer Woman Asian Noodle Salad has been irresistible. The thought of a vibrant mix of noodles, crisp cabbage, fresh spinach, colorful peppers, crunchy bean sprouts, scallions, cool cucumbers, fragrant cilantro, and satisfying peanuts all in one bowl? Absolutely! This salad promises an explosion of flavors and textures that’s hard to ignore.
Initially, the idea of buying a full array of ingredients just for a salad seemed a bit much, especially knowing it might be a solo indulgence. But the visual appeal alone was captivating. And then there’s the dressing – a zesty blend of lime juice, olive oil, sesame oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, spicy serrano peppers, and even more fresh cilantro. This dressing is a flavor powerhouse designed to perfectly complement the crunchy vegetables and noodles.
To make this culinary vision a reality, a strategic “Reverse Leftover Plan” was hatched. By planning meals around ingredients needed for the salad – fish tacos, quesadillas, stir-fries – the path to enjoying this Pioneer Woman creation became clear. A quick trip to pick up bean sprouts, and the salad adventure was on.
And was it worth it? Without a doubt. This Asian Noodle Salad is a revelation. The combination of crunchy, spicy, and utterly slurpable elements makes it incredibly satisfying. It’s the kind of salad you crave, the kind you happily take second helpings of.
Even the skeptics might be converted. In a surprising turn, even a self-proclaimed salad-averse eater couldn’t resist a bite – and enjoyed it! That’s a true testament to the deliciousness of this salad. If you’re looking for a salad that’s anything but ordinary, the Pioneer Woman Asian Noodle Salad is a must-try. It’s quite possibly the best salad ever.
Pioneer Woman Asian Noodle Salad: A vibrant and colorful dish featuring linguine noodles, purple cabbage, spinach, bell peppers, bean sprouts, and a flavorful Asian dressing, topped with crushed peanuts.
Pioneer Woman Inspired Asian Noodle Salad Recipe
Adapted From Ree Drummond (ThePioneerWoman.com)
Salad Ingredients:
- 1 package linguine noodles, cooked, rinsed, and cooled
- 1/2 head sliced purple cabbage
- 1/2 bag baby spinach
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 small bag bean sprouts
- 3 scallions, sliced
- 1 cucumber, peeled and sliced
- Up to 1 bunch chopped cilantro
- 1/2 can crushed peanuts, lightly toasted
Dressing Ingredients:
- Juice of 1 lime
- 8 tablespoons olive oil
- 2-3 tablespoons sesame oil
- 8 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons fresh ginger, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 serrano peppers, chopped
- Chopped cilantro (to taste)
Instructions:
- Combine all salad ingredients in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss well to combine, ensuring every component is coated in the flavorful dressing.
Storage Tips: The dressing can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days (without cilantro). Add fresh cilantro just before serving for the best flavor.
