Name: Spicy Thai Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 4 h 25 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 12 ounces bowtie pasta; 1 to 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1/3 cup sesame oil; 1/4 cup honey; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 1/2 cup honey roasted peanuts; 1/2 cup sliced green onion

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve been dreaming of a dish that perfectly balances fiery heat, nutty sweetness, and garden-fresh crunch, this Spicy Thai Pasta Salad is guaranteed to deliver. Imagine tender bowtie pasta tossed in a silky, chili-infused sesame dressing, brightened up with cilantro, honey roasted peanuts, and green onions—a fusion that brings pure excitement to every bite. Whether you’re prepping for a family picnic, a potluck with friends, or just spicing up your weeknight dinners, this unbelievably great salad is your ticket to flavor-packed satisfaction.

Spicy Thai Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient for Spicy Thai Pasta Salad plays a starring role, creating a symphony of flavors and colors that never fails to impress. Don’t be intimidated by the list—each component is simple, but when combined, they create the irresistible harmony that makes this dish unforgettable.

Bowtie pasta (12 ounces): The perfect pasta shape for catching every drop of that delicious dressing.
Crushed red pepper flakes (1 to 2 teaspoons): The spicy heart of the dish—adjust the amount to match your heat tolerance.
Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Binds the dressing and helps carry the chili flavors.
Sesame oil (1/3 cup): Adds unmistakable depth and that signature Thai nuttiness.
Honey (1/4 cup): Sweetness to soothe the heat and make the flavors pop.
Soy sauce (1/4 cup): Salty, umami goodness that binds everything together.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances every flavor—just enough to lift the dish.
Chopped fresh cilantro (1/2 cup): Herbaceous brightness that freshens each bite.
Honey roasted peanuts (1/2 cup): Sweet crunch that adds texture and contrast.
Sliced green onion (1/2 cup): Zippy, mild bite to finish the salad with style.

How to Make Spicy Thai Pasta Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until just al dente. Drain thoroughly and give the pasta a gentle rinse under cool water. This step ensures your Spicy Thai Pasta Salad has perfectly cooked pasta that won’t soak up too much dressing later or clump together. Transfer to a big mixing bowl, ready for action.

Step 2: Infuse the Oils with Spice

While the pasta is cooling off, it’s time to build the savory backbone of this salad. Combine the vegetable oil and sesame oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. As soon as the oils are shimmering, add the crushed red pepper flakes. Let them sizzle for about 2 minutes, stirring often—this blooming process infuses the oils with the pepper’s deep, smoky heat. Watch closely and turn off the heat if the flakes start to get too dark; burnt spices can quickly turn bitter.

Step 3: Create the Dressing

With the oils now packing a peppery punch, add honey, soy sauce, and salt straight into the saucepan. Stir well until the honey is dissolved and the mixture is fully unified. There’s nothing quite like that moment when the sweet and spicy aroma hits your nose—you’ll know exactly where all that flavor is coming from. Remove from heat and let the dressing cool for a minute or two before moving on.

Step 4: Dress the Pasta

Pour the warm, aromatic dressing over your slightly cooled pasta. Do this gradually, tossing as you go to make sure the bowties are evenly coated. You want every inch of pasta to soak up that irresistible blend of spicy, sweet, and nutty goodness. Don’t be shy—with all the sauce in, give it one final, thorough toss for even coverage.

Step 5: Chill to Develop Flavor

This is your patience moment, and trust me—it’s worth every minute. Cover your dressed pasta tightly with plastic wrap and place the bowl in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or even better, overnight. This rest time allows all the flavors of your Spicy Thai Pasta Salad to meld beautifully, transforming it from a good salad to unforgettable.

Step 6: Finish and Garnish

When you’re ready to serve, fold in the final trio of cilantro, honey roasted peanuts, and green onions. These finishing touches bring freshness, texture, and that signature crunch. Toss gently to avoid bruising the herbs or crushing the nuts. Serve your Spicy Thai Pasta Salad chilled and prepare for compliments!

How to Serve Spicy Thai Pasta Salad

Garnishes

A handful of extra chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of honey roasted peanuts right before serving take this salad from delicious to absolutely photo-worthy. For an extra pop, toss on a few more sliced green onions or a flicker of additional crushed red pepper.

Side Dishes

This Spicy Thai Pasta Salad is super versatile—it pairs beautifully with grilled chicken skewers, sticky Asian barbecue, or even crispy tofu for a vegetarian spread. Try serving it with a light cucumber salad or a fruit platter for a balanced, crowd-pleasing meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For picnics and parties, portion the salad into individual jars for a grab-and-go option guests will love. Or, mound it up on a pretty platter with lime wedges and a generous herb scatter. It’s gorgeous in a big family-style bowl or even heaped high in lettuce cups for a bite-sized twist on the classic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers of Spicy Thai Pasta Salad will keep beautifully in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors only deepen and intensify, making every bite just as irresistible the next day.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this pasta salad—the fresh herbs and peanuts lose their loveliness, and the dressing can separate. It’s best enjoyed fresh or straight from the fridge within a few days of making.

Reheating

This salad is meant to be eaten chilled, and reheating might muddle the bright, bold flavors and make the pasta go soft. Simply toss any leftovers straight from the fridge and give them a fresh toss before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this Spicy Thai Pasta Salad less spicy?

Absolutely! Simply cut back on the crushed red pepper flakes, or start with half the amount and taste as you go. You can also swap in sweet chili sauce for a milder, slightly different twist.

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Bowtie (farfalle) is ideal because it holds the dressing beautifully, but you can use penne, rotini, or even spaghetti in a pinch—just make sure not to overcook the pasta.

Can I make this recipe gluten free?

Definitely! Swap in your favorite gluten free pasta and use tamari or a gluten free soy sauce. The salad is just as delicious and fully accessible for those avoiding gluten.

Is Spicy Thai Pasta Salad suitable for meal prep?

It’s fantastic for meal prep. In fact, the salad tastes even better after sitting for a day, so go ahead and pack portions for weekday lunches or a make-ahead dinner.

How can I add protein to this dish?

Try tossing in grilled shrimp, cooked chicken, or crispy tofu to turn your Spicy Thai Pasta Salad into a heartier main dish. These proteins soak up the dressing and mesh perfectly with the other ingredients.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Thai Pasta Salad is one of those recipes that everybody should have up their sleeve—bold, fresh, and wildly crave-worthy. Give it a go for your next gathering or meal prep session, and I promise, it’ll become an instant favorite. Can’t wait to hear how you like it!

Spicy Thai Pasta Salad Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 10 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Spicy Thai Pasta Salad is a flavorful and vibrant dish that combines the heat of red pepper flakes with the sweetness of honey and the nuttiness of sesame oil. Tossed with bowtie pasta and garnished with cilantro, peanuts, and green onions, this salad is a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors.

Instructions

Prepare the pasta: Cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and transfer to a mixing bowl.
Infuse spice in oils: Heat vegetable oil and sesame oil, add crushed red pepper flakes, cook for 2 minutes.
Create dressing: Combine honey, soy sauce, and salt in the infused oils.
Dress the pasta: Pour warm dressing over pasta, coat evenly.
Chill for flavor development: Refrigerate covered for at least 4 hours.
Finish and garnish: Before serving, mix in cilantro, peanuts, and green onion. Serve chilled.

Notes

This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing, Chilling
Cuisine: Thai