Description
A refreshing and zesty Cilantro Lime Noodle salad featuring tender rice noodles tossed in a tangy lime dressing with fresh cilantro, garlic, and optional crunchy nuts and vegetables. This quick and vibrant dish is perfect as a light lunch or side.
Ingredients
Scale
Noodles
- 200g thin rice noodles or spaghetti
Dressing
- Juice of 2 fresh limes
- Zest of 1 lime
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or sesame oil
Fresh Ingredients & Toppings
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Chili flakes or fresh chilies, to taste
- Chopped peanuts or cashews (for crunch)
- Shredded carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas (for extra vegetables)
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Boil your chosen noodles according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the noodles aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, soy sauce, and your choice of olive or sesame oil until the mixture is well combined and fragrant.
- Combine Noodles and Dressing: Gently toss the cooled noodles with the dressing, ensuring each strand is evenly coated with the zesty mixture.
- Add Fresh Cilantro and Optional Toppings: Stir in the finely chopped cilantro. If desired, sprinkle in chili flakes or fresh chilies for heat, add chopped peanuts or cashews for crunch, and mix in shredded vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas for extra freshness and texture.
- Serve and Enjoy: Plate the noodles immediately for a fresh, room temperature dish or chill briefly to enjoy as a cool salad. Adjust seasoning if needed with additional salt or lime juice before serving.
Notes
- Use gluten-free tamari to keep the dish gluten-free if needed.
- You can substitute rice noodles with thin spaghetti if preferred.
- Adjust the amount of chili flakes according to your spice tolerance.
- For extra protein, add grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp.
- Best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 1 day.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
