Name: Thai Prawn Noodle Salad Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 4 medium wholewheat egg noodle nests (250g) (or chow mein noodles); 1/2 tablespoon groundnut (vegetable or sunflower) oil; 300 g peeled & cooked prawns (shrimp), frozen and defrosted; 300 g carrots, peeled and grated; 150 g edamame beans, shelled; 3 spring onions, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons finely chopped coriander; 80 g unsalted & roasted peanuts; 1 tablespoon fish sauce; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 2 tablespoons groundnut (vegetable or sunflower) oil; 1 1/2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil; 2 teaspoons honey (or agave nectar); Salt to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 2 reviews

If you love vibrant flavors and crave a dish that’s both refreshing and satisfying, then this Thai Prawn Noodle Salad Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Bursting with textures from tender prawns to crunchy peanuts, and a lively dressing that perfectly balances tangy lime and sweet honey, this salad is a celebration of the best ingredients working in harmony. It’s incredibly quick to prepare, making it an ideal meal whether you’re whipping up a weekday lunch or impressing friends at a casual dinner party.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large white bowl holds a layered dish starting with a base of pale noodles mixed with thin orange carrot strips scattered evenly throughout. Small pale pink shrimp are mixed inside the noodles, along with bright green edamame beans and small white nuts spread across the dish. On top, a bunch of fresh green cilantro sits in the center. Three thin, bright green lime slices rest on one side above the noodles. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, with a blurred background showing a halved lime, a small bowl with nuts, a glass of amber liquid, and fresh cilantro. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is surprisingly simple but absolutely essential to achieving the authentic taste and inviting texture of this salad. Each component brings something special—whether it’s the nuttiness of the peanuts, the fresh crunch of edamame beans, or the aromatic punch of coriander—all combining to create an irresistible dish.

Wholewheat egg noodle nests (4 medium, 250g): Provides a hearty, chewy base that absorbs the dressing beautifully.
Groundnut (vegetable or sunflower) oil (1/2 tablespoon + 2 tablespoons): Keeps the noodles from sticking and adds a subtle nutty flavor.
Peeled & cooked prawns (300g): The star protein with a delicate sweetness and satisfying bite.
Carrots (300g, peeled and grated): Adds vibrant color and refreshing crunch.
Edamame beans (150g, shelled): Brings a lovely pop of green and a tender, nutty taste.
Spring onions (3, thinly sliced): Infuses mild sharpness and freshness.
Coriander (2 tablespoons, finely chopped): Offers a signature herby brightness that lifts the entire dish.
Unsalted & roasted peanuts (80g): Provides that addictive crunch and deep roasted flavor.
Fish sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds authentic umami depth to the dressing.
Lime juice (2 tablespoons): Delivers zesty acidity that balances sweetness.
Toasted sesame oil (1 1/2 teaspoons): Gives a fragrant, toasty richness.
Honey or agave nectar (2 teaspoons): Adds a gentle sweetness that harmonizes the flavors.
Salt to taste: Enhances all the ingredients, making the flavors pop.

How to Make Thai Prawn Noodle Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook Your Noodles

Start by cooking the wholewheat egg noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and keep them from clumping. Toss the cooled noodles with half a tablespoon of the groundnut oil while still in a large bowl. This little step keeps the noodles silky and separate when mixed with the other ingredients later.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, lime juice, the remaining groundnut oil, toasted sesame oil, and honey until fully combined. The key here is to get a balanced dressing that hits salty, sweet, and tangy notes all at once—this dressing will coat every ingredient with vibrant flavor, so don’t skip this part!

Step 3: Combine the Salad Components

In the same large bowl with the noodles, add the peeled cooked prawns, grated carrots, shelled edamame beans, sliced spring onions, chopped coriander, and roasted peanuts. Pour over the dressing and gently toss everything together to ensure every bite is packed with flavor and that pleasing variety of textures.

Step 4: Final Taste and Adjust

Give your salad a quick taste and add a pinch of salt if needed. The beauty of this Thai Prawn Noodle Salad Recipe is its freshness and balance, so aim for a harmony of all the ingredients and adjust accordingly before serving.

How to Serve Thai Prawn Noodle Salad Recipe

A large white bowl filled with a colorful mix of thin, curly, light tan noodles as the base layer, mixed with small orange carrot sticks, pale pink small shrimp, green edamame beans, and light beige peanuts evenly spread throughout. On top at the center are three thin, bright green lime slices arranged in a slight overlap, surrounded by a small bunch of fresh dark green cilantro leaves. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, next to halved limes showing bright green and pale yellow interiors, a small white bowl filled with light beige peanuts, a glass bottle with amber liquid, fresh green cilantro sprigs, and two wooden serving spoons with a natural texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate the visual appeal and add an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle some additional fresh coriander leaves or chopped spring onions on top. A wedge of lime on the side invites guests to add a personal zing. For an extra crunch, toss on a handful of toasted peanuts just before serving.

Side Dishes

This salad shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with light Asian-inspired sides like steamed dumplings or a simple cucumber pickled salad. A refreshing cold beer or an aromatic jasmine tea also complements the dish beautifully, enhancing the Thai vibes in every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or family gathering, serve this Thai Prawn Noodle Salad Recipe in individual glass bowls or clear jars to showcase its colorful layers. Alternatively, pile the salad atop crispy lettuce leaves for a delightful finger-food experience that’s sure to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Thai Prawn Noodle Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the salad fresh, it’s best to store the dressing separately and toss just before serving, as the noodles can soak it up and become a bit soggy over time.

Freezing

This salad is not suitable for freezing because the fresh vegetables and noodles lose their texture when thawed. The best approach is to prepare only what you need or freeze leftover prawns separately for use in other dishes.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy the salad warm, gently reheat the noodles and prawns in a skillet with a small splash of oil, then combine with fresh vegetables and dressing afterward. This keeps the salad from becoming soggy and retains the crispness of the fresh ingredients.

FAQs

Can I use other types of noodles in this recipe?

Absolutely! While wholewheat egg noodles are traditional and add a lovely chew, you can substitute with chow mein noodles, rice noodles, or even soba for a different texture and taste.

Is it possible to make this vegetarian?

Yes, just swap the prawns with tofu or grilled vegetables and replace the fish sauce with a vegetarian alternative like soy sauce or tamari to keep the flavor punch.

How spicy is the Thai Prawn Noodle Salad Recipe?

The recipe as is has no added chili, making it mild and accessible for most palates. However, you can easily add fresh sliced red chilies or a dash of chili flakes to bring some heat.

What’s the best type of peanuts to use?

Unsalted and roasted peanuts work best to add crunch without overpowering saltiness. You can crush them lightly to create a varied texture that complements the salad perfectly.

Can I prepare this salad in advance for a picnic?

Yes, but to keep the freshness intact, pack the dressing separately and toss the salad just before eating. This helps maintain the crispness of the vegetables and the perfect bite of the noodles.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Thai Prawn Noodle Salad Recipe, you’ll understand why it’s a beloved quick meal full of fresh flavors and textures. It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and perfect for anytime you want a taste of Thailand without the fuss. Go ahead, give it a whirl—you might just have a new favorite to share with friends and family!

Thai Prawn Noodle Salad Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need