Easy & Delicious Vegan Gluten-Free Peanut Noodle Salad: Your Go-To Cold Sesame Noodle Recipe

Craving a meal that’s bursting with flavor, incredibly satisfying, and super easy to make? Look no further than this fantastic Easy Peanut Noodle Salad! This cold sesame peanut noodle salad is not only naturally vegan and gluten-free, but it also delivers an irresistible combination of creamy, spicy, and tangy notes that will make it an instant favorite. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a delightful lunch, or even a refreshing snack, this recipe promises a meal that’s both nutritious and utterly delicious.

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For those who love vibrant, plant-based meals, be sure to also try my Vegan Couscous Salad with Charred Corn, my Vegan White Bean Dip with Lemon and Pistachios, and my Sweet Potato Patties with Chickpeas and Creamy Avocado Sauce!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Peanut Noodle Salad

This peanut noodle salad isn’t just another recipe; it’s a culinary experience waiting to happen. Here’s why it will quickly become a staple in your kitchen:

• Unforgettable Flavor: Each bite is a symphony of flavors – a harmonious blend of creamy peanut butter, zesty lime, savory tamari, aromatic ginger and garlic, and a hint of fiery Sriracha. It’s a truly addictive sauce that coats every strand of noodle and vegetable.
• Effortlessly Easy & Quick: Say goodbye to complicated cooking! This cold noodle salad comes together in mere minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you need a quick, no-fuss meal. Once your noodles are cooked and veggies are chopped, the magic happens with a simple whisk and toss.
• Naturally Vegan & Gluten-Free: Catering to diverse dietary needs, this recipe is inherently plant-based and gluten-free. It’s a fantastic option for everyone, whether you follow a specific diet or simply enjoy wholesome, healthy food.
• Packed with Nutrition: Thanks to chickpea pasta and a medley of fresh vegetables, this salad is a powerhouse of protein and fiber, keeping you feeling full and energized. It’s proof that healthy eating can be incredibly delicious.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This salad tastes even better the next day! Prepare a larger batch and enjoy it throughout the week for convenient and delicious lunches or dinners.

The Inspiration Behind This Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad

This vibrant peanut noodle salad takes me back to my early days working in downtown Chicago. One of my favorite quick lunch spots served the most incredible cold spicy peanut noodles, topped with crunchy peanuts and fresh vegetables. They were always a satisfying and filling meal, yet surprisingly light. That delicious memory inspired me to recreate a similar experience at home, and I’m thrilled to share this version with you – a perfect, customizable cold noodle dish you can whip up for any meal.

Nutrition Powerhouse: Vegan and Gluten-Free Goodness

Beyond its incredible taste, this cold peanut noodle salad is truly a nutritional marvel. It’s a recipe that aligns perfectly with a healthy lifestyle, offering both incredible flavor and significant health benefits.

Naturally Vegan

This entire spicy peanut noodle salad recipe is completely plant-based, making it an excellent choice for anyone embracing a vegan diet. All the ingredients are naturally free from animal products. When selecting your sweetener, if you want to ensure it remains strictly vegan, opt for raw sugar, maple syrup, or agave nectar instead of honey.

Gluten-Free & High in Protein

To make this peanut noodle salad gluten-free, I highly recommend Banza chickpea spaghetti. I’m a huge fan of Banza pasta! While this isn’t a sponsored post, I genuinely love how it transforms meals. Even if you don’t follow a gluten-free diet, Banza is an exceptional choice because it’s significantly higher in protein and fiber, and lower in carbohydrates than traditional wheat pasta. Just one 2-ounce serving packs an impressive 23g of protein! The texture is delightfully al dente, and it holds up beautifully in flavor-packed dishes like this one.

My first experience with Banza was for this Lemon Shrimp Pasta with Kale, and I was hooked! Its distinct texture works especially well in robustly flavored dishes, soaking up all the delicious peanut sauce.

Finding Banza is incredibly easy – I often pick it up at Target, but it’s widely available in most grocery stores and conveniently on Amazon.

Another key gluten-free ingredient in this recipe is tamari. Tamari is a Japanese soy-based sauce made from miso paste, offering a flavor profile similar to soy sauce but with a slightly richer, more mellow depth. Crucially, tamari is naturally gluten-free, making it the perfect choice for this dish. You can typically find tamari alongside soy sauce in the Asian aisle of most grocery stores and also on Amazon.

If you’re in search of another easy, healthy, and flavorful meal, you might also enjoy this chicken and shrimp stir fry!

Sesame Peanut Noodle Salad Ingredients: Flavor and Texture

This peanut butter noodle salad is a masterclass in balancing creamy textures with crunchy vegetables and a complex, aromatic sauce. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating its signature taste.

For the Noodles:

• Gluten-Free Spaghetti or Linguine: While any gluten-free pasta will work, my absolute favorite for its texture and nutritional benefits is Banza chickpea pasta. It provides excellent protein and fiber, making the salad even more substantial.

For the Irresistible Peanut Dressing:

• Creamy Peanut Butter: This forms the rich, smooth base of our dressing, lending a wonderful creaminess and distinctive nutty flavor that is central to the salad.
• Tamari: A gluten-free alternative to soy sauce, tamari adds a deep, umami-rich, and slightly more mellow savory note.
• Fresh Lime Juice: Essential for balancing the richness of the peanut butter, fresh lime juice provides a bright, tangy acidity that elevates all the other flavors. Apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute if needed.
• Spicy Brown Mustard: More than just a flavor enhancer, spicy brown mustard helps emulsify the dressing, creating a smooth consistency, while also adding a subtle, peppery kick.
• Sriracha: For that signature heat and a touch of sweetness, Sriracha is a must. Adjust the amount to your preferred spice level!
• Toasted Sesame Oil: This is a non-negotiable ingredient for an authentic Asian-inspired flavor. Make sure to use toasted sesame oil for its intense, nutty aroma that truly transforms the dressing.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds an indispensable pungent and savory depth, enhancing the overall complexity of the dressing.
• Ginger Root: Like toasted sesame oil, fresh grated ginger is crucial. Its warm, spicy, and aromatic notes provide a vibrant zest that cannot be omitted.
• Sugar or Any Sweetener: A touch of sweetness helps to round out the intense flavors of the dressing, balancing the spice and acidity. You can use granulated sugar, maple syrup, or agave nectar.

Crunchy & Flavorful Toppings (Mix-ins and Garnish):

This is where you can truly customize your salad, adding layers of texture and fresh flavor. I like to mix some in and reserve some for a beautiful garnish.

• Peanuts: Roasted and salted, chopped peanuts provide a fantastic crunchy texture and a boost of nutty flavor.
• Green Onions: Sliced green onions add a mild, fresh oniony zing and a beautiful vibrant green color.
• Cucumber: Julienned cucumber brings a refreshing crispness and hydration to the salad, cutting through the richness of the dressing.
• Red Bell Pepper: Adds a lovely sweet crunch and a pop of vibrant color.
• Cilantro: Freshly chopped cilantro leaves offer a bright, herbaceous, and slightly citrusy flavor, perfect for finishing the dish.
• More Sriracha: For those who love an extra kick, a drizzle of Sriracha just before serving can heighten the spice.
• Toasted Sesame Seeds: Again, make sure they are toasted! They add a delicate crunch and a subtle nutty flavor that complements the sesame oil beautifully.

Step-By-Step Guide: Crafting Your Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad

Don’t let the gourmet taste fool you – this spicy noodle salad is surprisingly simple to prepare. If you can boil water and chop some veggies, you’re well on your way to enjoying a restaurant-quality meal at home!

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil. Add your gluten-free spaghetti or linguine (Banza recommends 8-10 minutes). Cook until it’s al dente – remember, it will be served cold, so you don’t want it mushy.
2. Cool the Noodles: Once cooked, immediately drain the pasta in a colander. Rinse it thoroughly under cold running water to stop the cooking process and prevent the noodles from sticking together. This also helps cool them down for the salad.
3. Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine all the dressing ingredients: creamy peanut butter, tamari, fresh lime juice (or apple cider vinegar), spicy brown mustard, Sriracha, toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, and your chosen sweetener. Whisk vigorously until the dressing is completely smooth and emulsified.
4. Combine and Toss: Add the cooled, drained spaghetti to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss to ensure every strand of noodle is thoroughly coated in the creamy, flavorful sauce. Be a bit gentle with gluten-free pasta as it can be slightly less sturdy than wheat noodles.
5. Add Toppings & Serve: Stir in some of your chosen garnishes like chopped peanuts, sliced green onions, julienned cucumber, and red bell pepper. Reserve some for sprinkling on top just before serving. Serve immediately, or chill for at least 30 minutes for flavors to meld beautifully.

Tips for Success and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I have to use chickpea spaghetti for this peanut noodle salad?

Absolutely not! While I love the added protein and fiber from chickpea pasta like Banza, you can certainly substitute it with rice noodles for another delicious and naturally gluten-free option. Any noodle you prefer will work, just ensure it’s gluten-free if that’s a dietary requirement for you. The key is the amazing peanut sauce!

Can this peanut noodle salad be made ahead?

Yes, it’s an excellent candidate for meal prep! You can prepare this cold noodle salad up to 24 hours in advance. For the best texture, I recommend adding fresh garnishes like chopped peanuts, cilantro, and toasted sesame seeds just before serving. This ensures they remain fresh and crispy.

What kind of peanut butter should I use?

I typically use regular creamy peanut butter for this recipe, as it provides a consistently smooth base for the dressing. Natural or organic creamy peanut butter would also work beautifully. However, I would advise against using chunky peanut butter, as the pieces might make it harder to achieve that perfectly smooth and emulsified peanut sauce.

How to Store Peanut Noodle Salad

Leftover peanut noodle salad can be stored in an airtight container or a heavy-duty food storage bag in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors tend to meld and deepen over time, often making it even more delicious the next day!

If you enjoy easy noodle recipes, you might also like this 3 Ingredient Egg Noodles recipe! For a different kind of comfort food, try my Southern Baked Mac and Cheese!

More Savory Recipes You’ll Love

• Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Soup
• Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chunks
• Puff Pastry Pizza
• Sweet Potato Patties with Chickpeas and Creamy Avocado Sauce
• Fried Potatoes and Onions

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