Name: Creamy Peanut Noodles with Crunchy Veggies and Lime
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 8 oz linguine, spaghetti, or rice noodles; 1 tbsp sesame oil (optional, for preventing sticking); 1 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 cup yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 cup shredded carrots; 1 cup purple cabbage, thinly sliced; 2 scallions, thinly sliced (optional); 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter; 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free); 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 2 tbsp lime juice (about 1 lime); 1 tbsp sesame oil; 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup; 1 tbsp sriracha or chili paste (adjust to taste); 1 tsp grated ginger; 1-2 tbsp warm water (to thin the sauce as needed); Fresh cilantro, chopped; Lime wedges; Crushed peanuts (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that’s got all the flavors—creamy, tangy, savory, and just a little bit sweet—then these Creamy Peanut Noodles with Crunchy Veggies and Lime are about to become your new best friend. Imagine perfectly cooked noodles wrapped in a rich, velvety peanut sauce, topped with a crunchy medley of fresh veggies, and then finished off with a zingy squeeze of lime. This dish is light, refreshing, and so satisfying. It’s easy to whip up, and it’s packed with flavors that make every bite feel like a celebration. Trust me, you’re going to love this one!

Why You’ll Love Creamy Peanut Noodles with Crunchy Veggies and Lime

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating something special, whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving it up at a family dinner. Here’s why it’s going to be a hit:

Versatile: Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a side dish. These peanut noodles are great on their own or paired with grilled chicken or tofu for a heartier meal. It’s one of those dishes that can easily adapt to whatever vibe you’re going for.

Budget-Friendly: The ingredients are simple and affordable, and you likely already have most of them in your pantry. No need for fancy, hard-to-find ingredients—just fresh, wholesome food.

Quick and Easy: You’ll be in and out of the kitchen in no time with this one. The noodles cook in minutes, and the peanut sauce comes together with just a few stirs. If you’re not into complicated recipes, this one is for you!

Customizable: Feel free to make it your own! Want it spicier? Add a dash of chili flakes or sriracha. Need it gluten-free? Use rice noodles instead. The possibilities are endless!

Crowd-Pleasing: This recipe is always a hit! It’s perfect for both kids and adults—everyone loves that creamy peanut sauce and crunchy veggie combo.

Ingredients

Here’s the magic of these noodles—simple ingredients that come together to create something that’s oh-so-delicious!

Noodles: The foundation of the dish. Use your favorite noodles—whether it’s traditional wheat noodles, rice noodles, or even soba noodles—whatever you love best. The noodles will soak up all that creamy peanut sauce and make the dish extra satisfying.

Peanut Butter: The heart and soul of the sauce! You want to use creamy peanut butter to give that rich, velvety texture that makes the sauce oh-so-smooth. It also adds that nutty, slightly sweet flavor that makes this dish so comforting.

Soy Sauce: This adds a savory, salty depth to the peanut sauce. If you need a gluten-free version, simply swap it for tamari or coconut aminos!

Garlic: A little garlic goes a long way in infusing the sauce with that bold, aromatic flavor. It balances out the sweetness of the peanut butter and the saltiness of the soy sauce.

Lime: Fresh lime juice is the perfect way to brighten up the dish and give it a fresh, zesty pop. The acidity cuts through the richness of the peanut sauce beautifully.

Carrots: Shredded or julienned carrots add a nice crunch and a touch of sweetness. They also bring a pop of color to the dish, making it as beautiful as it is tasty.

Cucumber: Thinly sliced cucumber adds a refreshing crispness and a cool contrast to the creamy noodles.

Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers bring a bit of sweetness and crunch to the dish. Use whatever color you like best—red, yellow, or orange!

Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of herby freshness that complements the richness of the peanut sauce and the zing of lime.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to make this dish come to life? Let’s get started!

Cook the Noodles: Start by cooking your noodles according to package directions. Once they’re perfectly tender, drain them and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and keep them nice and firm.

Make the Peanut Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, garlic, and lime juice. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water to thin it out until it’s nice and creamy, but still coat the noodles beautifully.

Prepare the Veggies: While the noodles are cooking, slice up your carrots, cucumber, and bell peppers. You can make them as thin or thick as you like—whatever suits your style!

Toss the Noodles and Sauce: Once the noodles are cooked and drained, toss them in the peanut sauce. Use tongs to make sure every noodle gets coated in that creamy goodness.

Add the Veggies: Mix in the shredded carrots, sliced cucumber, and bell peppers for that refreshing crunch. You can also save a little bit of the veggies for garnish if you want that extra pop.

Finish with Lime and Cilantro: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the noodles and sprinkle with chopped cilantro. This final touch adds so much flavor and color, making the dish as delicious as it is beautiful.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy the balance of creamy, crunchy, and tangy flavors in every bite!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 450

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Creamy Peanut Noodles with Crunchy Veggies and Lime

This dish is fantastic on its own, but here are a few ideas for sides and accompaniments that will take it to the next level:

Grilled Protein: Pair these noodles with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a protein-packed meal.

Side Salad: A light, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the peanut sauce beautifully.

Spring Rolls: Serve with some fresh spring rolls on the side—filled with veggies and a side of peanut dipping sauce, of course!

Steamed Veggies: A side of lightly steamed broccoli, snap peas, or asparagus adds a bit of crunch and color to round out your meal.

As a Standalone: These noodles are hearty enough to stand alone as the main dish. Just garnish with extra cilantro and a lime wedge for a little extra freshness!

Additional Tips

Here are a few pro tips to make sure this dish is everything you want and more:

Make It Ahead: This recipe can easily be prepped ahead of time! Make the peanut sauce and chop the veggies, and store everything separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just cook the noodles and toss everything together.

Spice It Up: Want to kick it up a notch? Add a bit of sriracha or chili paste to the peanut sauce for some heat. A few chili flakes on top of the finished dish will do the trick too!

Dietary Adjustments: To make this dish gluten-free, simply swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. For a dairy-free version, just make sure your peanut butter is dairy-free (most are!).

Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You may need to add a little water to the peanut sauce when reheating to loosen it up.

Double the Batch: This recipe is great for meal prep! Make a double batch and have lunch or dinner ready for the next few days.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of peanut butter?
A1: Yes! You can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture, or swap it for almond or cashew butter if you prefer.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! Prep the veggies and peanut sauce in advance, and just cook the noodles when you’re ready to serve.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The noodles may soak up some of the sauce, so feel free to add a little water to loosen it up when reheating.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the noodles can become mushy. But the peanut sauce itself can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat the noodles?
A5: Reheat the noodles in the microwave or on the stove with a little water or extra peanut sauce to keep them creamy.

Q6: Can I use rice noodles?
A6: Yes! Rice noodles work wonderfully with this dish. They’re slightly lighter and soak up the peanut sauce beautifully.

Q7: How can I make this dish spicier?
A7: Add some sriracha or chili flakes to the peanut sauce for a spicy kick. You can also top the dish with sliced fresh chilies if you like it extra hot.

Q8: Can I use different veggies?
A8: Of course! Feel free to add or swap in any veggies you like—snow peas, edamame, or even shredded cabbage would work great.

Q9: Can I add a protein?
A9: Yes! You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make the dish more filling.

Q10: How do I adjust the peanut sauce consistency?
A10: If your peanut sauce is too thick, simply add a bit of warm water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the consistency you like.

Conclusion

These Creamy Peanut Noodles with Crunchy Veggies and Lime are sure to become your go-to dish for busy weeknights or when you need something light yet satisfying. It’s got the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and tangy goodness, and it’s incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, this dish will leave everyone asking for seconds. So, grab your ingredients and dive in—you’re in for a treat!