Easy peanut noodle salad - vegan and gluten free, this sesame peanut noodle salad is so satisfying and full of flavor! One of the best cold noodle salad recipes – easy and perfect for a weeknight dinner! And for more vegan recipes, 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!

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Easy Peanut Noodle Salad Recipe
Today we're making a delicious, gluten-free, vegan spicy peanut noodle salad with all the fixings, tossed in a creamy, spicy peanut sauce. It's ideal for lunch, a low-key dinner, or an easy snack. And comes together in minutes. Once you've chopped your veggies and herbs, you're pretty much done.
This peanut noodle salad reminds me of the quick lunches I would get working in downtown Chicago when I first moved here. One of my favorites was cold spicy peanut noodles. They were topped with ground peanuts and veggies and always felt like such a quick, filling meal without being too heavy. And you can whip some up so easily at home for the perfect lunch, dinner, or snack!
Nutrition
This noodle salad is full of goodies -- not only good flavor, but also good nutrition. It's a naturally vegan and gluten-free recipe, and it's high in protein and fiber. Most importantly, it tastes amazing. What's not to love?
Vegan
This spicy peanut noodle salad recipe is completely plant-based! It's great to be able to share a recipe I love that can fit so easily within a vegan lifestyle. As you'll see in the ingredients below, the only ingredient that may not be fully vegan is your sweetener. You can use honey like I did, or opt for raw sugar, agave nectar to keep this peanut noodle salad fully vegan.
Gluten-Free
To make this recipe gluten free, I used Banza gluten-free chickpea spaghetti. I am such a Banza convert! (This post isn't sponsored by the way -- I just love it!) I don't maintain a gluten-free diet, but what drew me to Banza is that it's high in protein, high in fiber, and lower in carbs than regular wheat pasta. One 2-ounce serving has 23g of protein! The first time I tried it was to make this Lemon Shrimp Pasta with Kale, and I was hooked! The flavor and texture, while not exactly like wheat pasta, was delicious! It works especially well in dishes that really pack a flavor punch, like this one!
The best part about Banza is how easy it is to find. I usually buy it at Target, but I've seen it in most grocery stores and on Amazon.
This peanut noodle salad also features tamari, a Japanese soy-based sauce made from miso paste. It has a similar flavor to soy sauce, but its flavor is a bit more mellow. And best of all, tamari is gluten free! You can find various brands of tamari near the soy sauce at most grocery stores and on Amazon.
Sesame Peanut Noodle Salad Ingredients
Besides the Banza pasta, this peanut butter noodle salad recipe is full of flavor, crunchy vegetables, and the creaminess of peanut butter. To make this peanut noodle salad, you'll need:
- Gluten-free spaghetti or linguine - my favorite gluten-free pasta is Banza!
- creamy peanut butter - the base for the peanut sauce and the source of so much of its flavor and richness.
- tamari - similar to soy sauce, but gluten free and with a richer flavor!
- lime juice - gives the salad that tangy taste that makes it so good.
- spicy brown mustard - helps to emulsify the dressing and adds some extra spice.
- Sriracha - the best way to add a little heat.
- toasted sesame oil - adds SO much flavor! Make sure you use toasted sesame oil for the best taste.
- garlic - makes any savory dish better.
- ginger root - a valuable ingredient in Asian cooking. Like sesame oil, ginger adds SO much to this dish and can't be omitted!
- sugar, or any sweetener - to tone down the spice a bit and round out the flavors.
Then comes the fun part -- mixing in your veggies, herbs, and other toppings. I like to mix some in and leave the rest on top to serve the salad.
- peanuts - I love that crunch!
- green onions - may be my favorite savory ingredient. they make everything so good.
- cucumber - so good for you and perfect in this salad.
- red bell pepper - adds a sweet crunch!
- cilantro - a great way to top everything off -- perfect as a garnish and also as a boost of flavor.
- toasted sesame seeds - again, they should definitely be toasted, to maximize the depth of flavor!
- more Sriracha - because I love the kick! Definitely feel free to omit it if you like!
Step-By-Step
If you can chop veggies and boil water, you can make this spicy noodle salad and then feel like you're having a delicious al fresco lunch in a trendy restaurant! Let me walk you through how to make it.
- Boil your pasta according to package directions. Banza recommends 8-10 minutes. I never go over 8 because you want the pasta to still be a bit al dente.
- Once the pasta is done, drain it in a colander while running cold water over it to stop the cooking process.
- In a large bowl, combine all of the dressing ingredients - peanut butter, tamari, vinegar, sweetener, garlic, ginger, mustard, sriracha, and sesame oil. Whisk well until smooth.
- Toss the spaghetti in the dressing to coat it well. Be a little gentle with the noodles -- unlike wheat noodles, gluten free pasta is slightly less stretchy and sturdy.
- Add your toppings and serve your noodle salad!
Tips and F.A.Q.
Nope! I love the protein and fiber that comes from using chickpea pasta, but you can substitute rice noodles and it'll still be delicious (and gluten free), or any other noodle you prefer!
Definitely! You can make it up to 24 hours ahead of time. Add your garnishes just before serving, though, to ensure that they're fresh and crispy.
I just used regular creamy peanut butter, but a natural or organic peanut butter would work also. I wouldn't use chunky peanut butter, though, because it might make it harder to mix up the peanut sauce.
You can store leftover peanut noodle salad in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just place it in an airtight container or heavy-duty food storage bag.
I love easy noodle recipes like this noodle salad and this 3 Ingredient Egg Noodles recipe! You might also like my Southern Baked Mac and Cheese!
If you try this recipe, I would love it if you could leave a star review rating and comment below! It’s so wonderful hearing your feedback! And don’t forget to share your creations with me by tagging @chenee_today on Instagram!
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
📖 Recipe

Equipment you may need
- chef's knife
Ingredients
- 8 oz. (227 g) chickpea spaghetti or linguine - I like Banza
Dressing:
- ⅓ cup (86 g) creamy peanut butter
- 3 tablespoon (44 ml) tamari
- 3 tablespoon (44 ml) fresh lime juice - (you can also substitute apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) spicy brown mustard
- 2 tablespoon (44 ml) Sriracha - or to taste
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) toasted sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic - chopped,
- 1 teaspoon (2 g) fresh ginger - chopped
- 1 tablespoon (12 g) sugar or sweetener of your choice
Optional Garnishes/Mix-ins:
- roasted and salted peanuts - chopped
- green onions - sliced
- cucumber - julienned
- red bell pepper - julienned
- Cilantro leaves - roughly chopped
- Sriracha
- Toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Bring at least 8 cups of well-salted water to a boil, add spaghetti and boil for 8 minutes. Run cooked spaghetti under cold water to cool it down.8 oz. chickpea spaghetti or linguine
- Whisk together all remaining dressing ingredients until smooth; pour over cooled spaghetti and toss to coat. Chill until ready to serve.⅓ cup creamy peanut butter, 3 tablespoon tamari, 3 tablespoon fresh lime juice, 1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard, 2 tablespoon Sriracha, 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, 2 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, 1 tablespoon sugar or sweetener of your choice
- Just before serving, top with your choice of garnishes.roasted and salted peanuts, green onions, cucumber, Cilantro leaves, Sriracha, Toasted sesame seeds
Video
Nutrition
PIN this spicy cold noodle salad for later!
Last Updated on October 18, 2023 by Chenée Lewis
Susan Reese says
I made this for a small gathering with some vegetarians and vegans as my main guests. They all loved it and asked for your recipe! I used locally sourced honey to sweeten it and natural peanut butter. Thank you for making me look like a culinary rock star!
Chenée Lewis says
You're so welcome! I'm thrilled that it was such a hit with everyone!
Natalee Ramsay says
This looks amazing. Will definitely be making it
Chenée Today says
I hope you enjoy it!! 🙂
Tamara says
This noodle salad has the perfect amount of spice. Every flavor pops, which makes it super refreshing and filling. Can't wait to make it again!
Chenée Today says
I'm so glad you liked it! The sriracha is my favorite part 🙂
Andrea says
I know what I'm making for lunch. Looks delicious!
Chenée Today says
Thank you!! It would be perfect for a low-key lunch!
LaKita says
This is usually my go-to when I'm out for lunch, but I have never tried making it myself at home. This recipe looks so good I will be giving it a try soon!
Chenée Today says
Great! I hope you enjoy 🙂
Chenée Today says
Awesome! I hope you enjoy 🙂
Nij says
We love adding sriracha to dishes to add that nice spicy kick. We’ll definitely be trying this.
Chenée Today says
Oh yeah me too!! I can't get enough 🙂
Nathalia says
What a great idea for a Pad Thai variation. I love that it's gluten free and vegetarian. I always add tofu to my Pad Thai.
Chenée Today says
Thanks! Tofu would be a great addition to this!
Capri says
I just discovered Banza myself and I LOVE it! It's definitely one of my favorite gluten-free pastas! I only need a few more ingredients and I will be able to make this recipe! It looks delicious!
Chenée Today says
Isn't Banza amazing?? Let me know what you think about this noodle salad! 🙂
Desirée says
Yesssss to the vegan recipe! Such a flavorful combination!
Chenée Today says
Thanks! I love the flavors too!
Brittany Fiero says
This seems so perfect for the summer! It's refreshing and flavorful.
Chenée Today says
Thanks! Yeah it's great for warm weather.