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Cilantro Lime Noodles

Cilantro Lime Noodles

Cilantro Lime Noodles are a fresh, vibrant, and easy-to-make dish that combines the tangy zest of lime with the herbaceous kick of cilantro. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep, this recipe offers a versatile base that can be customized with various proteins, veggies, and add-ins to suit any dietary preference, including gluten-free and vegan options.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Noodles

  • Rice noodles, spaghetti, or soba noodles (amount as per serving size)

Dressing

  • Fresh lime juice (from 1-2 limes)
  • Lime zest (from 1 lime)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or sesame oil

Herbs

  • 1 generous handful fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped

Optional Add-ins and Toppings

  • Red pepper flakes or sriracha (to taste, for spicy kick)
  • Grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas (for protein boost)
  • Chopped peanuts or cashews (for crunch)
  • Julienned carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas (for color and crunch)
  • Diced avocado (for creaminess)
  • Sliced green onions
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Noodles: Begin by cooking your chosen noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together fresh lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, soy sauce or tamari, and your choice of olive or sesame oil until fully combined.
  3. Chop the Cilantro: Roughly chop a generous handful of fresh cilantro leaves, avoiding too many thick stems to keep the texture delicate and pleasant.
  4. Toss Everything Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled noodles, chopped cilantro, and the dressing. Toss thoroughly so each noodle is evenly coated with the zesty, herbaceous sauce.
  5. Add Finishing Touches: Sprinkle optional toppings like crushed peanuts, sliced green onions, or chili flakes to finish. Adjust seasoning with salt or extra lime juice to taste. Add any optional protein or vegetables if desired and toss gently.

Notes

  • Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the brightest, most vibrant flavor.
  • Cook noodles just until tender to maintain good texture and avoid mushiness.
  • If the lime flavor is too strong, balance with a pinch of sugar or a drizzle of honey.
  • Finely chopping cilantro helps distribute its flavor evenly without overwhelming bites.
  • These noodles can be served cold, room temperature, or warm, making them great for meal prep or picnics.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: No-cook assembly after boiling
  • Cuisine: Fusion / Asian-inspired
  • Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free noodles and tamari)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1 cup)
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: thirty-five g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: cilantro lime noodles, easy noodle recipe, gluten-free noodle dish, vegan noodle recipe, quick dinner, lime cilantro sauce, fresh noodle salad