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🥜 Peanut Pasta Salad (with Leftover Spaghetti Noodles)

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect way to use leftover spaghetti
• Creamy, nutty, slightly tangy & sweet flavor
• Great for meal prep, lunch, or light dinner
• Can be made healthy / Weight Watchers friendly

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🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

🥗 For the Salad:

• 3 cups cooked spaghetti noodles (leftover works best)
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup purple cabbage, shredded
• ½ cup cucumber, julienned
• ¼ cup green onions, chopped
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro

🥜 For the Peanut Sauce:

• ¼ cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium)
• 1 tbsp honey (or low-cal sweetener for WW)
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1–2 tbsp warm water (to thin sauce)
• 1 tsp garlic, minced
• ½ tsp ginger, grated

🌿 Optional Toppings:

• Crushed peanuts
• Sesame seeds
• Chili flakes
• Edamame or grilled chicken (for protein)

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the noodles

• If using leftover spaghetti, loosen them with a splash of warm water
• If fresh, cook → drain → rinse with cold water (for salad texture)

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2️⃣ Chop fresh vegetables

• Slice all veggies thin for better texture
• Keep colors vibrant for a beautiful dish

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3️⃣ Make the peanut sauce

In a bowl, whisk together:

• Peanut butter
• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Lime juice
• Garlic & ginger

👉 Add warm water slowly until smooth and creamy

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4️⃣ Combine everything

• In a large bowl, add noodles + veggies
• Pour peanut sauce over
• Toss well until everything is coated evenly

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5️⃣ Add toppings

• Sprinkle peanuts, sesame seeds & cilantro
• Add chili flakes if you like a spicy kick 🌶️

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6️⃣ Chill & serve

• Refrigerate for 15–30 minutes (best flavor!)
• Serve cold or slightly chilled

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📊 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

👉 To reduce points:

• Use powdered peanut butter
• Skip sesame oil
• Use sugar-free sweetener

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💡 Pro Tips for Best Flavor

✔ Use cold noodles → better texture
✔ Add sauce gradually → avoid soggy pasta
✔ Let it sit → flavors deepen
✔ Add protein → turns into full meal

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🔥 Variations

• 🍗 Add grilled chicken → high-protein meal
• 🥑 Add avocado → creamy twist
• 🌱 Vegan → already plant-based (just use maple syrup)
• 🌶️ Spicy → add sriracha or chili oil

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❤️ Storage Tips

• Store in airtight container → lasts 2–3 days in fridge
• Stir before serving (sauce thickens over time)

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😍 Perfect For:

• Lunch boxes
• Light dinners
• Potlucks & gatherings
• Healthy meal prep