Cilantro Lime Noodles

These Cilantro Lime Noodles are the kind of recipe you make once and immediately add to your weekly rotation. They’re light yet satisfying, bold yet balanced, and somehow manage to feel both refreshing and cozy. Like a mash-up of your favorite Thai and Mexican flavors—all wrapped up in a bowl of noodles.

The real magic here is the sauce: a blend of fresh cilantro, lime juice, garlic, and either olive oil or a touch of cream (depending on your vibe). You can keep it light and vegan, or make it extra luxurious with a little sour cream or Greek yogurt blended in. It’s flexible, fast, and seriously flavorful.

These noodles are perfect on their own, but they also make a killer base for grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or roasted veggies. Basically, once you taste that zippy cilantro-lime flavor? You’ll want it on everything.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: 25 minutes, start to finish. Great for weeknights.
• Big Flavor, Minimal Ingredients: Fresh herbs + citrus = magic.
• Totally Customizable: Make it spicy, creamy, or vegan.
• Works Hot or Cold: Serve as a warm noodle bowl or chilled noodle salad.
• Meal-Prep Friendly: Stays fresh in the fridge and makes great leftovers.

Texture-wise, it’s everything: soft noodles, creamy sauce, little bursts of citrusy brightness, and that fresh herby punch from cilantro. Absolute comfort food with a twist.

Prep Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 3–4
• Calories per serving: ~320
• Protein: 8g | Carbs: 35g | Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make your noodle dreams come true:

For the Noodles:

• 8 oz noodles (spaghetti, linguine, rice noodles, or soba all work great!)
• Salt, for the pasta water

For the Cilantro Lime Sauce:

• 1 cup fresh cilantro (packed)
• 2 garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
• 1/2 teaspoon lime zest
• 1/4 cup olive oil (or sub avocado oil)
• 1/4 cup water (to help blend)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, more to taste
• Optional:
  • 1–2 tablespoons sour cream, Greek yogurt, or mayo (for creamy version)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes or 1 jalapeño, for heat

Ingredient Note: Fresh lime juice is everything here. Bottled won’t give you that same bright citrus pop.

How to Make Cilantro Lime Noodles

1. Cook the Noodles

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add your noodles and cook according to the package instructions.
• Reserve about 1/4 cup pasta water before draining—this helps loosen the sauce later if needed.

2. Make the Sauce

• In a food processor or blender, combine:
  • Cilantro
  • Garlic
  • Lime juice + zest
  • Olive oil
  • Water
  • Salt
  • Optional: sour cream or yogurt for creaminess, jalapeño for heat
• Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust salt, lime, or spice as needed.

Pro tip: If it tastes a little flat, add a tiny splash more lime juice or a pinch of sugar to balance.

3. Toss Everything Together

• Add the drained noodles to a large bowl.
• Pour the cilantro lime sauce over the top.
• Toss until the noodles are well coated and glossy.

4. Serve It Up

• Top with extra chopped cilantro, a sprinkle of chili flakes, or lime wedges on the side.
• Add any proteins or veggies you like (see ideas below!).

How to Serve These Noodles

These noodles are super versatile—serve them:

• As a side dish with grilled chicken, beef skewers, or roasted tofu
• As a main dish topped with shrimp, baked salmon, or crispy chickpeas
• Chilled with sliced cucumbers and red cabbage for a noodle salad
• With an egg on top (YES), because runny yolk + lime = 🫶

Tips for Success

1. Use fresh cilantro. Old or wilted herbs won’t give you the same flavor punch.
2. Balance your acid. If your lime is super tart, start with less and add to taste.
3. Creamy or not—it’s your call. The sauce works great both ways!
4. Don’t skip the zest. Lime zest adds a layer of citrus flavor that lime juice alone can’t bring.
5. Thin the sauce as needed. Use reserved pasta water or extra oil for a silkier finish.

Variations & Add-Ins

Take these noodles and make them your own:

• Add protein: grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas.
• Toss in veggies: sautéed zucchini, corn, bell peppers, or spinach.
• Make it spicy: add red chili flakes, sriracha, or blend in a jalapeño.
• Go creamy: stir in a few tablespoons of sour cream, mayo, or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
• Make it nutty: add a spoonful of tahini or almond butter to the blender for a richer, earthy flavor.

Storage & Leftovers

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• To reheat: Gently warm in a skillet with a splash of water or lime juice.
• Make ahead: Blend the sauce and store separately from the noodles, then toss when ready to serve!

Special Equipment

• Blender or food processor – To make the sauce smooth and silky.
• Zester or microplane – To get that perfect lime zest.
• Tongs – For tossing noodles without breaking them.

FAQ

Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Just skip the sour cream or yogurt. It’s delicious without.

What kind of noodles work best?
Spaghetti, linguine, soba, or even rice noodles all work beautifully.

Can I serve this cold?
Yes! It makes an amazing cold noodle salad—great for meal prep or potlucks.

Is this halal?
Yes—just keep it plant-based or pair it with halal-certified proteins.

Can I freeze the sauce?
You can! Store in a freezer-safe jar or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and stir before using.

Final Thoughts

These Cilantro Lime Noodles are the definition of fresh, easy, and flavor-packed. Whether you’re tossing them with shrimp for dinner or serving them chilled at a picnic, they’re always a hit—and always gone fast.

Seriously, once you make this sauce, you’ll want it on everything. Drizzle it over tacos, use it as a salad dressing, or dip your roasted veggies in it. It’s the kind of thing that makes a simple bowl of noodles feel restaurant special.

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