Name: Vegan Cilantro Lime Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 1 cup raw cashews, soaked or boiled if not using a high-speed blender; ½ cup packed cilantro (about 1 small handful); ¾ cup water; 2 cloves garlic; 1 lime, zested and juiced; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 2 packages Tofu Shirataki Spaghetti Shaped Noodles (or substitute thin rice noodles)

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 5 reviews

If you’re craving something fresh, creamy, and downright simple, you’re going to adore this Vegan Cilantro Lime Noodles Recipe. It’s one of those quick dishes I often throw together when I want something bright and satisfying without a ton of fuss. Imagine silky, tangy noodles coated in a luscious cashew cilantro sauce—that’s exactly what you’re getting here. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through making this fan-freaking-tastic meal that’ll have you coming back for seconds.

❤️

Why This Recipe Works

Speed and Simplicity: It comes together in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
Creamy Texture Without Dairy: Raw cashews give you a silky, rich sauce that’s naturally vegan and so satisfying.
Burst of Fresh Flavors: The zing from lime juice and the herbal brightness from cilantro make the dish pop.
Low Fuss, High Flavor: Minimal ingredients, maximum deliciousness—no fancy pantry needed.

Vegan Cilantro Lime Noodles, vegan noodle recipes, cilantro lime pasta, easy vegan dinner ideas, quick healthy vegan meals - Inside a shiny silver pot placed on a white marbled surface, there is a mass of noodles covered in a thick, light green sauce. The sauce is creamy and clings to the noodles, giving them a smooth texture. A silver tong is partially dipped into the noodles on the right side of the pot, with a bit of sauce stuck on the tong. The noodles have a slightly twisted shape and fill most of the pot inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec. This Vegan Cilantro Lime Noodles Recipe shines because of the harmony between creamy cashews, fresh cilantro, and zesty lime. Each ingredient plays a key part, and I’ve got shopping tips to help you pick the best ones so your noodles come out just right.

Vegan Cilantro Lime Noodles, vegan noodle recipes, cilantro lime pasta, easy vegan dinner ideas, quick healthy vegan meals - Flat lay of raw cashews in a small pile, a small handful of bright green cilantro sprigs, two whole uncracked garlic cloves, a whole fresh lime with one half cut to show the juicy interior and scattered lime zest, a small white ceramic bowl filled with clear water, a small white ceramic bowl containing coarse salt, a small white ceramic bowl with cracked black peppercorns, and a neat bundle of tofu shirataki spaghetti shaped noodles, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Raw Cashews: Soaking or boiling them softens the cashews so they blend into a smooth, rich sauce—no grainy bits here.
Cilantro: Fresh and vibrant, it’s the star herb that gives this dish its signature flavor; look for bright green, crisp leaves.
Water: Just enough to get the sauce creamy without thinning out the flavor.
Garlic: Adds subtle depth and a bit of warmth—fresh cloves are best for that punchy garlic zing.
Lime Zest and Juice: Both work together to brighten the whole dish, balancing the creaminess perfectly.
Salt and Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that lift the overall taste and bring all the flavors into focus.
Tofu Shirataki Noodles (or Thin Rice Noodles): A perfect low-calorie option that soaks up the sauce beautifully; if shirataki noodles intimidate you, rice noodles make a fantastic sub.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how flexible this Vegan Cilantro Lime Noodles Recipe is—really makes it your own. Some days I jazz it up with a little extra garlic or toss in chili flakes for a spicy kick. You can totally make it milder or punchier, depending on your mood. It’s your blank canvas!

Add Fresh Veggies: I’ve tossed in thinly sliced bell peppers or snap peas for crunch, which adds great texture and nutrients.
Make it Spicy: A dash of red pepper flakes or a few drops of hot sauce turn up the heat without overpowering the lime and cilantro.
Swap Out Noodles: While I’m a fan of shirataki for its texture and low calories, thin rice noodles or even zucchini noodles work brilliantly.
Extra Creamy: Stir in a bit of coconut milk if you want a richer, indulgent sauce experience.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan Cilantro Lime Noodles Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Cashews for Creaminess

First things first, if you’re not blessed with a high-speed blender (hello, Vitamix or Blendtec!), make sure your cashews are soft enough before blending. I usually soak them overnight because it’s so hands-off, but if you’re short on time, boiling for 10-15 minutes works just as well. This step is key to avoid chunky sauce and ensures that ultra-smooth, creamy texture we’re after.

Step 2: Blend Your Cilantro Lime Sauce

Next up, toss your softened cashews, fresh cilantro, water, garlic cloves, lime zest, lime juice, salt, and pepper into the blender. Give it a whirl until everything’s velvety and thick. Don’t rush—stop and scrape down the sides so you don’t miss any bits. This sauce is the magic that makes the noodles sing.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles

Follow the package instructions for cooking your tofu shirataki noodles. Usually, that means draining and rinsing them well to help get rid of any residual “flavor” from the packaging. If you opt for rice noodles, just soak them in hot water until tender. Once cooked and drained, pop the noodles back into the pot—it’s about to get saucy in there!

Step 4: Combine and Warm It Up

Pour the creamy cilantro lime sauce over your noodles and toss to coat every strand. Heat on low for 1-2 minutes, stirring gently, so the sauce thickens slightly and everything warms through. Be careful not to overheat, or you might lose some of those bright lime flavors.

Then, dig in and enjoy your fresh, comforting bowl of Vegan Cilantro Lime Noodles. Seriously, it’s that easy and so satisfying!

💡

Pro Tips for Making Vegan Cilantro Lime Noodles Recipe

Soft Cashews Are Everything: Don’t rush the cashew prep—soft cashews mean the difference between creamy sauce and gritty texture.
Rinse Those Shirataki Noodles Well: This helps remove the packaging smell and makes the noodles taste fresh and neutral.
Balance Your Lime: Start with less juice and add more to taste—you want a zing that complements, not overwhelms.
Gentle Heating: Warm the noodles and sauce on low to retain that fresh lime hit and prevent clumping.

How to Serve Vegan Cilantro Lime Noodles Recipe

Vegan Cilantro Lime Noodles, vegan noodle recipes, cilantro lime pasta, easy vegan dinner ideas, quick healthy vegan meals - This image shows a white bowl filled with creamy green noodles, with about two layers of noodles visible, all coated evenly in a thick, smooth green sauce. On top of the noodles, there is a single thin slice of lime placed near the center, with bits of black pepper sprinkled across the noodles. Next to the lime slice, a small bunch of fresh green cilantro leaves rests gently. A silver fork is placed on the right edge of the bowl, partly inserted into the noodles. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping these noodles with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or some crunchy chopped peanuts—adds a lovely contrast to the creamy sauce. Fresh chopped cilantro and extra lime wedges on the side give you options to amp up freshness when serving. Sometimes I throw in sliced scallions or a few thin slices of jalapeño for a little fire.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with crispy tofu bites or a bright, crunchy Asian-style cucumber salad. If you want a heartier meal, steamed edamame or roasted broccoli with a sprinkle of chili flakes keeps things colorful and nutritious alongside those zesty noodles.

Creative Ways to Present

Throw your noodles into a colorful bowl and use edible flowers like nasturtiums or pansies for a pop of unexpected beauty—great for dinner guests or special occasions. I’ve also layered this noodle salad on lettuce cups for a fun finger-food option at summer parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover noodles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Sometimes the sauce thickens a bit overnight—just loosen it up with a splash of water or fresh lime juice and gently reheat for silky, fresh noodles again.

Freezing

To be honest, I don’t recommend freezing this recipe since the cashew sauce doesn’t always hold its creamy texture well after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid uneven heating. Adding a small splash of water or lime juice helps keep the sauce creamy and fresh-tasting without getting gluey.

FAQs

Can I make the Vegan Cilantro Lime Noodles Recipe nut-free?

Yes! To keep it nut-free, you can swap the cashews for soaked sunflower seeds or silken tofu to create a creamy base. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still tasty and creamy.
What are shirataki noodles and where can I buy them?

Shirataki noodles are low-carb, tofu-based noodles that are translucent and chewy, often called “miracle noodles.” You can find them in most health food stores, Asian markets, or online. Rinsing and cooking them properly is key to their best texture.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The cilantro lime sauce stores well in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just give it a good stir or blend before adding to your noodles to refresh its creamy texture.
How can I make this dish more filling?

Add your favorite protein like grilled tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas. Roasted veggies such as sweet potato or cauliflower also bulk it up while adding extra flavor and nutrients.
Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Using tofu shirataki or rice noodles keeps this dish naturally gluten-free, so it’s perfect if you’re avoiding gluten.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Cilantro Lime Noodles Recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it’s just so darn satisfying—bright, creamy, and effortlessly delicious. I love how even five minutes after dinner, you’re still daydreaming about those flavors. I hope you’ll give it a whirl and make it your own; trust me, your taste buds will thank you. And hey, once you’ve nailed it, invite a friend over and watch how fast this crowd-pleaser disappears!

Vegan Cilantro Lime Noodles Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 5 reviews

Author: Julia
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Vegan
Diet: Vegan

Print Recipe

Description

A quick and easy creamy vegan cilantro lime noodles recipe featuring a smooth cashew-based sauce tossed with tofu shirataki or rice noodles for a refreshing and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Sauce Ingredients

1 cup raw cashews, soaked or boiled if not using a high-speed blender
½ cup packed cilantro (about 1 small handful)
¾ cup water
2 cloves garlic
1 lime, zested and juiced
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Noodles

2 packages Tofu Shirataki Spaghetti Shaped Noodles (or substitute thin rice noodles)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Blend the Sauce: Add the soaked or boiled cashews, cilantro, water, garlic, lime zest, lime juice, salt, and black pepper to a blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed for an even texture.
Cook the Noodles: Prepare the tofu shirataki noodles according to the package directions. Drain them thoroughly to remove excess liquid, then return the noodles to the pot.
Combine and Heat: Pour the creamy cilantro lime sauce over the noodles. Toss well to coat all noodles evenly. Heat the mixture on the stovetop over medium-low heat for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and everything is warmed through.
Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the noodles to serving bowls and enjoy immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

If you do not have a high-speed blender such as a Blendtec or Vitamix, soak the cashews in water for at least 6 hours or overnight, then drain before using to ensure they blend smoothly.
Alternatively, boil the cashews in water for 10 to 15 minutes until very tender, then drain before blending if you need a quicker option.
You can substitute thin rice noodles if tofu shirataki noodles are unavailable, adjusting cooking times accordingly.