Dinner · Lunch · Pasta · Asian-Fusion

Cold Peanut Pasta With Shaved Radish And Cucumber

This cold peanut pasta is the perfect quick lunch, featuring crisp vegetables and a rich, savory sauce that comes together in minutes.

4.6(113 reviews)
·By Ethan Brooks·
Cold Peanut Pasta With Shaved Radish And Cucumber — Asian-Fusion Dinner served and photographed from above
Prep
15 min
Cook
8 min
Difficulty
Easy
Serves
4

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Noodle Preparation

  1. 1

    Boil and Chill

    Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente.

    Tip: Rinse immediately under cold running water to stop the cooking and remove excess starch.

Dressing Assembly

  1. 1

    Whisk Sauce

    In a medium bowl, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, vinegar, sweetener, ginger, and garlic.

    Tip: Add warm water one tablespoon at a time until the sauce reaches a pourable, heavy cream consistency.

How to Make Cold Peanut Pasta With Shaved Radish And Cucumber

Total time: 23 min · Yields 4 servings

  1. 1

    Cook the Pasta

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until tender but firm. Drain in a colander and rinse thoroughly with cold water until the noodles feel cool to the touch.

  2. 2

    Prepare the Sauce

    While the pasta cooks, whisk the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, ginger, and garlic in a large mixing bowl. If the mixture is too thick, whisk in warm water until it is smooth and glossy.

  3. 3

    Prepare the Vegetables

    Wash the cucumber and radishes. Use a mandoline or a sharp knife to shave the radishes into translucent rounds. Slice the cucumber into thin half-moons and finely chop the green onions.

  4. 4

    Toss and Combine

    Add the chilled noodles to the large bowl with the peanut dressing. Toss vigorously with tongs to ensure every strand is coated. Fold in the cucumber, half of the radishes, and half of the green onions.

  5. 5

    Final Garnish

    Transfer the pasta to a serving platter or individual bowls. Top with the remaining radishes, green onions, cilantro, and toasted sesame seeds. Add chili crisp if you prefer extra heat.

Chef's Tips

  • Rinsing the pasta is essential for cold dishes to prevent the strands from sticking together.
  • If making ahead, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp.
  • Use natural peanut butter for a deeper roasted flavor, but be sure to whisk thoroughly as it separates more easily.

What to Serve with Cold Peanut Pasta With Shaved Radish And Cucumber

The garlic butter sauce is the star — pick sides that soak it up or balance the richness.

  • Serve in chilled bowls to keep the meal refreshing.
  • Garnish with extra crushed roasted peanuts for added crunch.
  • Pair with a side of smashed cucumber salad.

Recipe Variations

Once you've mastered the base recipe, try these popular twists.

Variation

Add shredded rotisserie chicken for a high-protein version.

Variation

Swap spaghetti for buckwheat soba noodles for an earthier flavor profile.

Variation

Include blanched snap peas or edamame for extra green crunch.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles may absorb the sauce over time, so add a splash of water or lime juice to loosen them up before eating.

Further reading

Frequently asked questions

Can I make cold peanut pasta gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the wheat pasta for brown rice noodles or gluten-free spaghetti and ensure you use tamari instead of soy sauce.

Why is my peanut sauce clumping?

Peanut butter can seize when cold liquids are added. Use room temperature ingredients and whisk in warm water gradually to emulsify the sauce.

Does cold peanut pasta taste better the next day?

The flavors develop significantly overnight, making it a great meal prep option, though the radishes may lose some of their crispness.

How do I prevent the noodles from sticking?

Rinse the cooked pasta under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes the surface starch that causes clumping.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely. Crunchy peanut butter adds a nice textural element to the dish without changing the overall flavor balance.

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