Rainbow Peanut Noodle Salad with Chicken

This salad has all the colors of the rainbow, tons of protein, and a creamy homemade dressing. Try the Rainbow Peanut Noodle Salad with Chicken today.

Jump to Recipe

What is a Rainbow Peanut Noodle Salad with Chicken?

A Rainbow Peanut Noodle Salad is a salad inspired by Pad Thai. It is a fresh colorful lunch full of fresh veggies, a creamy peanut sauce, and delicious, soft noodles. 

The delicious brightness of this salad is irresistible. Make this a delectable side dish or a filling main by adding some protein. Don't wait to try this amazing, nutritious dish!

Rainbow Peanut Noodle Salad with Chicken

This Rainbow Peanut Noodle Salad with Chicken is the perfect salad going into spring and summer! It is full of nutty flavors and natural sweetness. With a homemade creamy peanut sauce, this nutritious meal is sure to be a hit with the whole family and a delicious weeknight dinner.

Tender chicken, edamame, cabbage, carrots, and peppers - there are rainbow veggies galore in this scrumptious salad. Something about me is I love a filling, vegetable-rich salad and this is surely that! Try this nutritious meal today, and make it for meal prep to enjoy for the entire week. 

Rainbow Peanut Noodle Salad with Chicken ingredients

Here are all the nutritious ingredients  you'll need to make this delicious salad and creamy peanut dressing:

Salad ingredients

• brown rice noodles
• purple cabbage
• carrots
• edamame
• red bell pepper
• cilantro
• green onion
• chicken 

Peanut dressing

• peanut butter
• soy sauce
• rice vinegar
• maple syrup
• sesame oil
• sriracha
• garlic powder
• water

How to make a rainbow peanut noodle salad with chicken

Follow these easy instructions to make these yummy rainbow peanut noodles. Happy cooking!

• Gather all ingredients.
• Start by adding all peanut dressing ingredients (besides water) to a small bowl. Mix really well. Slowly stir in water, mixing well as you add. Set aside.
• Prepare all vegetables — wash and chop purple cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, cilantro, and green onion.
• Heat a pot of water and cook brown rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain, rise, and set aside to let cool.
• In a large mixing bowl, add all of the vegetables. shredded chicken, and cooled noodles. Mix.
• Add dressing and stir until everything is evenly coated.
• Store in the fridge.
• Enjoy!

Rainbow peanut noodle salad with chicken substitution ideas

Here are some substitutions ideas for you to think about: 

• Chicken: Chicken is going to taste best in the salad for your protein, but use whichever cut you like best! Chicken breast, chicken thighs, even rotisserie chicken will do the trick!
• Cabbage: Instead of purple cabbage, you could substitute green or red cabbage.
• Noodles: Use your favorite noodle! You could substitute soba noodles, ramen noodles, or any kind of veggie noodles for this recipe. 
• Soy sauce: Try coconut aminos for a gluten-free version. 
• Veggies: Use frozen edamame, snow peas, or add red onion. You can really add or substitute any vegetable, the ones I picked are just most traditional to a peanut noodle bowl. 
• Toppings: Some yummy toppings to consider: sesame seeds, red pepper flakes, lime wedges, or a tiny bit of grated fresh ginger. 

How long does a rainbow peanut noodle salad with chicken last in the fridge?

This rainbow noodle salad will last for up to five days in your fridge. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container. 

How to meal prep a rainbow peanut noodle salad with chicken

This is a great recipe for meal prep. Simply make according to instructions. Then store in the fridge in one big airtight container or split into equal servings to store. 

You may want to keep the dressing separate from the salad until you're just about to eat. When you're ready to eat, serve the noodle salad cold. Enjoy this delicious recipe all week long!

What goes well with a rainbow peanut noodle salad with chicken

As far as sides go, some fresh fruit would taste great alongside this noodle salad. Try some pineapple, watermelon, or make your own fruit salad to accompany the noodle dish. 

How healthy is this rainbow peanut noodle salad with chicken?

Healthy is a subjective term and means something different to everyone. Healthy for you may be different for me based on our bodies, health goals, and workout routines. 

Something I love to do is look at the individual ingredients to see how they support my body. For example, edamame is high in protein, fiber and vitamin C. Protein and fiber help keep you fuller for longer and Vitamin C is great at supporting your immune system. The chicken in this recipe is a fantastic source of lean protein. This means that the meat has a lot of protein and not a lot of fat.

Another example is red bell peppers. They are extremely high in Vitamin C and Vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for vision and cell health and growth. 

How do peanut noodles taste?

​Peanut noodles have a rich, nutty flavor. They are often described as tangy or savory, as the flavor is enhanced by whatever dressing or sauce you add. 

You can add a bit of spice, too! Try some red pepper flakes on top of the salad if that's your thing!

What is the origin of peanut noodles?

The origin of these noodles is unclear. Likely, they originated in China or Thailand. 

​In the popular Thai dish, Pad Thai, there is a peanut sauce used as well as peanut toppings. Some claim the noodles came from the South of China and a popular chain restaurant. 

What sides go with peanut noodles?

Some yummy sides would be fresh fruit or even more vegetables! Think cucumber, extra snap peas, or pickled radishes. Have fun and make it your own! 

Other delicious salad ideas:

​In need of some salad inspo? Look no further than these delicious salads right here at Jordo's World:

• Greek Chicken Salad in Jar
• Thai Chicken Salad
• Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad