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Experience the vibrant flavors of our Keto Asian Rainbow Noodle Salad, a colorful dish that brings together a medley of fresh vegetables and an irresistibly tasty dressing. This salad is perfect as a low-carb side dish or a satisfying main course—simply add grilled chicken or salmon for an extra protein boost! With its vegan and gluten-free ingredients, this rainbow salad is not only visually stunning but also packed with deliciousness in every bite.
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Keto Asian Rainbow Noodle Salad: A Flavorful Low-Carb Delight!
Before I went low-carb, I was absolutely obsessed with noodle salads. I love Asian flavors and anything that involves noodles. While the Asian flavors aren’t too problematic on a low-carb diet, the noodles themselves? Yup, there's my dilemma.
Since then, I’ve adapted to zoodles, butternut squash noodles, spaghetti squash “noodles,” and even cauliflower in some recipes, but none of those really satisfied my cravings in this dish.
One day, I was standing over yet another attempt to recreate my carby favorite when my husband noticed the strange look on my face and asked what was wrong. I told him the flavors were great, but I just wasn’t feeling the noodle substitute I had used.
Then he said, "Well, did you try those hearts of palm noodles? The ones you used for your lasagna and chicken tetrazzini?"
I stood there for a moment, unable to believe that this man—who is so not keto—could come up with the perfect solution while I, the one who lives and breathes this stuff, had missed it!
A win for Kevin and an epic fail for me!
Luckily, I had some Palmini noodles in the pantry, so I quickly threw together my shopping list to make this version. Once we both tasted it, we knew we had a winner on our hands.
Let my multiple recipe tests and epic fail be your gain—make this Keto Asian Rainbow Noodle Salad ASAP and share it with as many people as you can. They will thank you for it!
This salad is also fantastic for meal prep, making it a great option for a light lunch or snack. If you’re looking for a heartier meal, feel free to add chicken or salmon for a terrific light dinner idea!
This salad truly is a winner. My photographer shared it with her neighbors, and they clamored to take the leftovers home—none of whom were keto!
I call that a huge win, don’t you?
Are you a salad lover like me? Awesome! Then give this Spicy Peanut Cucumber Noodle Salad or Loaded Broccoli Salad a try! If you are looking for a heartier salad recipe, how about trying this Low-Carb Shrimp Louie Salad or Buffalo Chicken Chopped Salad?
🍽️✨ Don't forget to share your delightful creations with us on Instagram using #BobbisKozyKitchen for a chance to be featured in our newsletter! 📸
Why You'll Love Keto Asian Rainbow Noodle Salad
- Bursting with Flavor: This salad is a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables and bold Asian flavors, complemented by a delicious dressing. Each bite is a taste sensation that will leave your taste buds craving more!
- Low-Carb and Guilt-Free: Made with Palmini noodles, this salad is an excellent low-carb option that fits perfectly into a keto lifestyle. You can enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal without the guilt of traditional pasta.
- Quick and Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep time and straightforward instructions, this salad is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. You can whip it up in no time and have a delicious dish ready for lunch or dinner.
In This Post
🥘Ingredient Notes
- Palmini Angel Hair Noodles: These noodles, made from hearts of palm, are a fantastic low-carb substitute for traditional pasta. They offer a similar texture without the carbs, making them ideal for a keto diet.
- Mini Sweet Bell Peppers: These colorful peppers add a sweet crunch to the salad and are rich in vitamins A and C. Their vibrant colors enhance the visual appeal of the dish.
- English Cucumber: Known for its refreshing taste and crisp texture, the English cucumber adds a hydrating element to the salad. Its thin skin means you don’t need to peel it, making preparation easier.
- Napa Cabbage: This tender, mild cabbage adds volume and crunch without being overpowering. Due to its delicate texture and subtle flavor, it's an excellent base for salads.
- Purple Cabbage: Adding purple cabbage not only contributes to the beautiful rainbow of colors but also provides extra crunch and a slightly sweet flavor. It's packed with antioxidants, making it a nutritious addition.
- Baby Kale: Baby kale is more tender and less bitter than mature kale, adding a nutritious green element to the salad. It’s a good source of vitamins K and A, as well as iron.
- Frozen Edamame: Edamame adds protein and a nice pop of texture. Make sure to defrost it before adding to the salad. It’s a great way to incorporate plant-based protein into the dish.
- Tamari or Coconut Aminos: Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, while coconut aminos offer a slightly sweeter flavor. Both add a savory umami element to the dressing without adding too many carbs.
- Wholesome Yum No-Sugar Honey: This sugar-free honey alternative provides sweetness without the carbs, making it a perfect fit for a keto lifestyle.
- Gluten-Free Hoisin Sauce: This sauce adds sweetness and depth to the dressing. Ensure it’s gluten-free to maintain the integrity of the recipe.
- Yondu Vegetable Umami (or Fish Sauce): This ingredient enhances the savory flavor profile of the dressing. If you’re keeping it vegan, opt for the vegetable umami; otherwise, fish sauce can provide a depth of flavor.
The printable recipe card at the bottom of the page contains a detailed list of measurements and instructions.
🔪How to Make Keto Asian Rainbow Noodle Salad
These are four steps to making Keto Asian Rainbow Noodle Salad. The full directions are in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Place the oil, Tamari, rice wine vinegar, honey, ginger, sesame oil, garlic, hoisin sauce, fish sauce, and sriracha in a mason jar.
In a large bowl, combine the Palmini noodles, peppers, cucumbers, green onions, cilantro, napa cabbage, purple cabbage, edamame, and kale.
Pour the dressing over the salad.
Add the peanuts and toss well to combine.
Helpful Hint: 💡 To enhance the flavors of your Keto Asian Rainbow Noodle Salad, consider preparing the dressing ahead of time and letting it sit for at least 30 minutes. This allows the ingredients to meld together, resulting in a more robust and delicious dressing when you combine it with the salad.
Substitutions
- Palmini Noodles: If you can’t find Palmini noodles, you can use zucchini noodles (zoodles) or spiralized cucumbers for a fresh, low-carb alternative.
- Purple Cabbage: Green cabbage can be used if purple cabbage isn't available. It will change the color but not the taste.
- Roasted Peanuts: If you're allergic to peanuts, try using sunflower seeds or sliced almonds for a nut-free option. You can also omit them entirely for a lower-calorie salad.
🍽Equipment Needed
This is the equipment you will need to make Keto Asian Rainbow Noodle Salad.
Storage Instructions
Refrigeration: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad will keep well, but the texture of the vegetables may soften over time.
Keep Dressing Separate: If possible, store the dressing separately from the salad until you’re ready to eat. This helps maintain the crunchiness of the vegetables and prevents the noodles from becoming soggy.
Serving: Before serving leftovers, give the salad a good toss to redistribute the dressing and flavors.
💭Top tip
Feel free to personalize your salad by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins. Grilled chicken or salmon can make this dish a hearty main course, while swapping in seasonal veggies can keep things fresh and exciting. This salad is versatile, so get creative and make it your own!
FAQ about Keto Asian Rainbow Noodle Salad
While many ingredients are low in carbs, individual dietary needs may vary. Ingredients like Palmini noodles, fresh vegetables, and healthy fats are generally considered keto-friendly. However, if you’re following a strict keto diet for health reasons, it's best to consult your doctor or a nutritionist for personalized advice. Feel free to adjust the recipe by omitting any ingredients that don’t fit your specific dietary plan.
Absolutely! In fact, making the Keto Asian Rainbow Noodle Salad ahead of time allows the flavors to meld together, making it even tastier. You can prepare the salad and store it in the refrigerator for an easy meal prep option.
If you can’t find Palmini noodles, you can substitute them with zucchini noodles (zoodles) or even spiralized cucumbers for a refreshing alternative. Just note that this will slightly change the flavor and texture of the salad.
More Delicious Salad Recipes...
Keto Asian Rainbow Noodle Salad
Ingredients
For the salad
- 1 (12-ounce) pouch Palmini angel hair noodles
- 15 mini sweet bell peppers sliced
- 1 large English cucumber halved and sliced
- 4 green onions sliced
- 1 handful of fresh cilantro chopped
- 1/2 head napa cabbage thinly sliced
- 1/4 head purple cabbage thinly sliced
- 2 cups baby kale
- 1 cup frozen edamame defrosted
- 1 cup roasted peanuts chopped plus more for garnish
For the dressing
- 1/4 cup avocado or olive oil
- 3 tbsp Tamari or coconut aminos
- 2 tbsp rice wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp Wholesome Yum keto honey
- 1 tbsp ginger paste or 1 inch ginger root grated
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 tsp garlic paste 2 cloves grated
- 1 tbsp gluten-free hoisin sauce
- 1/2 tsp Yondu Vegetable Umami or fish sauce if not vegan
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine the Palmini noodles, peppers, cucumbers, green onions, cilantro, napa cabbage, purple cabbage, edamame, and kale. Add the peanuts and toss together well.
- For the dressing: place the oil, Tamari, rice wine vinegar, honey, ginger, sesame oil, garlic, hoisin sauce, fish sauce, and sriracha, in a mason jar, and shake until well blended.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well.
- Transfer to a salad bowl and top with the chopped peanuts.
Disclaimer
Most of my recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them. Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs will not be included as it has a glycemic index of 0 (meaning it does not spike blood sugar) and it’s not metabolized. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.
Nutrition
Food safety
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
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Jejakterkini
I like this food
Chef Mimi
I have no idea what keto is, or the palmini noodles, but this is one gorgeous salad!