Cilantro Lime Noodles
Quick & Zesty Cilantro Lime Noodles are a vibrant and refreshing meal that combines bright lime juice, fresh cilantro, and tender noodles tossed in a flavorful dressing. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish offers bold, tangy flavors with the option to customize proteins and veggies, making it a light yet satisfying comfort food that is ready in under 20 minutes.
- Author: Judy
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan (with agave)
Main Ingredients
- 200g noodles (rice noodles, spaghetti, or soba)
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
- Juice of 2 fresh limes (about 3–4 tablespoons)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Cook the Noodles: Boil your chosen noodles according to the package instructions until just al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together freshly squeezed lime juice, minced garlic, olive oil, honey (or agave), salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Ensure the dressing is well combined for balanced flavor.
- Combine Noodles and Dressing: Toss the cooled noodles with the dressing thoroughly to coat every strand, allowing the noodles to absorb the bright, tangy flavors.
- Add Fresh Cilantro: Fold in the roughly chopped fresh cilantro leaves to infuse the dish with vibrant herbal notes and color.
- Final Adjustments: Taste the noodles and adjust seasonings as needed with extra lime juice, salt, or sweetness to suit your preference before serving.
Notes
- Rinsing noodles with cold water cools them and prevents sticking.
- Always use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor.
- Add cilantro just before serving to retain its bright color and aroma.
- Cook noodles slightly under al dente for better texture after tossing with dressing.
- Adjust the amount of honey or agave to balance acidity according to taste.
- For added texture and protein, consider grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or peanuts.
- Use gluten-free noodles like rice noodles to keep this recipe gluten-free.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: cilantro lime noodles, quick noodles recipe, gluten free noodles, vegan noodle salad, zesty noodle dish, easy weeknight dinner