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; 1 small handful cilantro (about ½ cup packed); 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· 4.5 from 24 reviews

If you’re anything like me and love meals that burst with fresh flavor but don’t take hours to make, you’re going to *love* this Vegan Cilantro Lime Noodles Recipe. I first whipped these up on a whim when I was craving something creamy, tangy, and bright, without all the fuss. Plus, it’s all plant-based, super quick, and ridiculously satisfying — perfect for a weeknight dinner or a light lunch that feels fancy but is totally chill to throw together.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Fresh cilantro, zesty lime, and creamy cashews pack vibrant taste with every bite.
Easy Prep for Busy Days: Ready in about 15 minutes, making it ideal for quick meals without sacrificing taste.
Texture Magic: The silky, rich sauce clings perfectly to the delicate shirataki noodles for ultimate mouthfeel.
Versatile & Allergy-Friendly: Dairy-free, gluten-free (if you pick the right noodles), and totally vegan—so it suits all kinds of diets.

Vegan Cilantro Lime Noodles, vegan pasta recipes, quick vegan dinner, healthy plant-based noodles, easy vegan lunch - 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

Each ingredient in this Vegan Cilantro Lime Noodles Recipe is thoughtfully chosen to create that creamy, zippy sauce that makes you want seconds. Plus, getting the right quality stuff (especially the cashews and cilantro) really makes a difference — fresh and vibrant is the way to go!

Vegan Cilantro Lime Noodles, vegan pasta recipes, quick vegan dinner, healthy plant-based noodles, easy vegan lunch - 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: They’re the secret to that ultra-creamy texture—making this sauce feel indulgent without dairy.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro is the star herb here, lending a bright, citrusy green kick. Use more if you love it like I do!
Water: Blends everything smoothly — adding just enough to make the sauce luscious but not runny.
Garlic: Adds depth and a savory undertone, balancing the zingy lime.
Lime (Zest + Juice): The lime double-whammy is what makes this recipe pop with freshness and tang.
Salt & Black Pepper: Simple seasoning essential to bring out and balance all those bright flavors.
Tofu Shirataki Noodles: These are fantastic low-calorie noodles that soak up the sauce beautifully. If shirataki isn’t your thing, thin rice noodles work well too.

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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

One thing I love about the Vegan Cilantro Lime Noodles Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Whether you’re a cilantro fanatic (like me), or looking to add a bit more heat or texture, here are some ways to play around and make it truly your own.

Variation: If you like a little spice, toss in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce — it adds such a nice kick!
Extra Protein: To make it more filling, topping with crispy tofu cubes or edamame can turn this into a heartier meal.
Herb Twist: Swap cilantro for fresh basil or parsley for a different but still fresh flavor profile.
Noodle Swap: I’ve tried this using zucchini noodles too, and it works great for a lighter, raw-friendly version.

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

Step 1: Blend the Creamy Sauce

Start by adding your soaked (or boiled) cashews, fresh cilantro, water, garlic cloves, lime zest and juice, salt, and pepper to your blender. I use a Blendtec because it gets the sauce ultra smooth, but if you don’t have a high-speed blender, making sure to soak or boil the cashews first is key so everything blends nicely. Pulse or blend it until silky and creamy, scraping down the sides if you have to. The sauce should have a bright green hue and a luscious texture — like a little bowl of green heaven!

Step 2: Prepare the Noodles

While your sauce is blending, get your Tofu Shirataki noodles ready. Drain them well (sometimes I give them a quick rinse), then cook according to package instructions — usually just a few minutes to warm and reduce their natural smell. After draining again, toss them back into your pot or a nonstick pan. This part is super quick, so keep an eye on it.

Step 3: Combine and Heat Through

Pour your creamy cilantro lime sauce over the warm noodles. Toss to coat evenly and cook over low heat for another 1-2 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken slightly and cling to each noodle strand — making every bite wonderfully flavorful. Be gentle as you toss so the noodles don’t get mushy. Then, it’s ready to plate and enjoy!

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Pro Tips for Making Vegan Cilantro Lime Noodles Recipe

Soak Your Cashews: If your blender isn’t super high-powered, soaking cashews overnight will save you frustrating blender jams and give you that ultra-smooth sauce.
Don’t Skip the Zest: The lime zest adds an intense citrus punch that juice alone can’t deliver—try not to miss this step.
Rinse Shirataki Well: Shirataki noodles carry a distinct aroma straight from the package, so give them a good rinse under hot water before cooking—it makes all the difference.
Gentle Tossing: Toss the noodles with sauce on low heat to avoid mushiness and keep their perfect, slurpable texture.

How to Serve Vegan Cilantro Lime Noodles Recipe

Vegan Cilantro Lime Noodles, vegan pasta recipes, quick vegan dinner, healthy plant-based noodles, easy vegan lunch - 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 usually finish these noodles off with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a little nuttiness and crunch. Sometimes I add freshly chopped cilantro on top for an extra hit of herbaceous flavor. A few thin slices of avocado or a scattering of chopped scallions also work beautifully to add richness and texture.

Side Dishes

To keep things light and balanced, I like pairing these noodles with a crisp cucumber salad or roasted veggies like sweet potatoes or cauliflower. If you want something heartier, crispy tofu bites or even some spiced chickpeas are a great protein-packed addition.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, serving the Vegan Cilantro Lime Noodles Recipe in little glass jars or cute bowls topped with microgreens makes for a colorful, fresh presentation. I once added edible flowers on top for a pop of color, and it wowed everyone. You can also roll them up into lettuce cups for a fun finger food twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it chills, so before serving, I add a splash of water or lime juice and toss to loosen it back up.

Freezing

While I don’t typically freeze the prepared noodles because of their delicate texture, you *can* freeze the sauce on its own in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and re-blend for creaminess before tossing with freshly cooked noodles.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the noodles and sauce together in a nonstick pan over low heat, stirring frequently so nothing sticks or dries out. You can add a little water or lime juice to keep things saucy and fresh.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! While cashews are what make the sauce creamy, you can substitute them with silken tofu or cooked white beans to keep that creamy texture without nuts. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious and fresh.
What if I don’t have a high-speed blender?

Soaking or boiling the cashews before blending is key if your blender isn’t super powerful. This softens the cashews, helping them blend smoothly without damaging your equipment.
Can I use regular pasta instead of shirataki noodles?

You sure can! Thin spaghetti or whatever pasta you like works well. Just cook it according to the package and toss it with the sauce while still warm.
How long do the leftovers keep?

Stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, leftovers keep nicely for about 3 days.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Cilantro Lime Noodles Recipe is one of those dishes that’s simple but layered with flavor and texture, and it’s genuinely become a go-to in my kitchen when I want something that feels light yet indulgent. I love how quickly it comes together, and how versatile it is—whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding friends, it never disappoints. Take the plunge and try it tonight; I have a feeling this will become one of your favorite easy plant-based meals!