Vegan Rainbow Peanut Noodles

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is not only eye-catching with its colorful vegetables, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. The balance of textures—from crunchy veggies to soft noodles—makes each bite enjoyable. The peanut sauce brings everything together with its creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors. It’s versatile, and you can easily swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand. Plus, it’s vegan and can be customized to suit various dietary preferences!

Ingredients

• 16 oz whole wheat thin spaghetti

• 1 cup purple cabbage, shredded

• 1 cup carrot ribbons

• 1 cup baby spinach

• 1.5 cups bell pepper, sliced thin

• 1 cup edamame, frozen and shelled

• ½ cup cilantro, chopped

• Sesame seeds, for garnish

Peanut Sauce:

• ½ cup creamy peanut butter

• 2 teaspoons sriracha

• 4 tablespoons soy sauce

• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar

• ¼ cup water

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup

• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon ginger powder

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Boil water and cook the pasta according to the package directions.

2. While the pasta cooks, prepare the vegetables. Microwave the frozen edamame for 3 minutes or until cooked. Slice the bell peppers, chop the cilantro, and shred the purple cabbage thinly.

3. In a bowl, whisk together all the peanut sauce ingredients and set aside.

4. Once the pasta is cooked, strain it and transfer to a large serving bowl.

5. Add the vegetables and peanut sauce to the bowl. Use tongs to toss everything together until evenly coated.

6. Garnish with sesame seeds and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Noodles: Swap the spaghetti for any other type of noodle you prefer, such as ramen, brown rice pasta, or pad thai rice noodles.

• Vegetables: Feel free to use different vegetables based on your taste or what you have available. Cucumber, zucchini, or radishes can add a fresh crunch.

• Sauce Adjustments: Adjust the amount of sriracha for more or less heat. You can also substitute agave syrup for maple syrup if preferred.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The dish makes for a great meal prep option.

• Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, or reheat on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of water or more soy sauce to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of noodle for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any noodle you like, including rice noodles, ramen, or brown rice pasta.

2. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce to make it gluten-free.

3. How can I make the sauce spicier?

If you prefer more heat, you can add extra sriracha or even a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

4. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

While creamy peanut butter gives the sauce a smooth texture, you can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture, though the consistency may vary slightly.

5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep! Just prepare everything and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

6. How can I make this dish lower in calories?

To reduce calories, consider using less peanut butter or swapping out the spaghetti for a lower-calorie noodle option, like zucchini noodles.

7. Can I add protein to this recipe?

Yes! You can add tofu, tempeh, or even grilled chicken for an extra protein boost.

8. Is this recipe nut-free?

This recipe contains peanut butter, so it is not nut-free. However, you can substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.

9. Can I use frozen vegetables?

While fresh vegetables provide the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen vegetables in a pinch, though it may affect the overall crispness of the dish.

10. What can I serve with these noodles?

These noodles are perfect as a main dish but can also be served as a side with other Asian-inspired dishes like vegetable stir-fries, spring rolls, or tofu skewers.

Conclusion

These Vegan Rainbow Peanut Noodles are an easy, colorful, and delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. The creamy peanut sauce ties together the fresh, crunchy vegetables, making each bite a satisfying and flavorful experience. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or preparing it ahead of time for lunch, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your rotation!