Vegetarian Peanut Noodle Salad with Tofu

BY

February 17, 2026

Vegetarian Peanut Noodle Salad with Tofu brings bold flavor and satisfying texture to your table. Tender noodles mix with crispy golden tofu, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy peanut dressing. Every bite tastes savory, slightly sweet, and perfectly balanced.

Hi, Iโ€™m Laura Jennings, a 38-year-old home cook from Asheville, North Carolina. I learned to cook beside my grandmother, standing on a stool and covered in flour. Our recipes were simple but full of heart. After years in office jobs, I returned to the kitchen and began sharing easy, comforting meals through my blog and weekend cooking classes. I believe cooking should feel joyful, not stressful. This Vegetarian Peanut Noodle Salad with Tofu reflects that approach. It looks vibrant and layered but stays simple enough for any home cook.


Why Youโ€™ll Love Vegetarian Peanut Noodle Salad with Tofu

  • Creamy peanut flavor
  • Crispy protein-packed tofu
  • Fresh, crunchy vegetables
  • Perfect for meal prep
  • Naturally vegetarian

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 32 minutes

Ingredients

Salad

  • 8 oz rice noodles
  • 14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cubed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 3 green onions, sliced
  • ยผ cup fresh cilantro

Peanut Dressing

  • ยผ cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2โ€“3 tablespoons warm water

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Cook rice noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add cubed tofu and cook 8โ€“10 minutes, turning until golden and crisp.
  4. Whisk peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil, lime juice, honey, ginger, and garlic. Add warm water until smooth.
  5. Add cooled noodles to a large bowl.
  6. Toss in carrots, cabbage, bell pepper, and green onions.
  7. Add cooked tofu on top.
  8. Pour dressing over Vegetarian Peanut Noodle Salad with Tofu and toss gently.
  9. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Vegetarian Peanut Noodle Salad with Tofu chilled or at room temperature. Sprinkle chopped peanuts or sesame seeds on top. Add extra lime wedges for brightness.


Quick Tips or Variations

  • Bake tofu instead of pan-frying.
  • Add chili flakes for heat.
  • Use tamari for a gluten-free option.

FAQs

Can I make Vegetarian Peanut Noodle Salad with Tofu ahead of time?

Yes. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

How do I keep tofu crispy?

Add tofu just before serving for best texture.

Can I use another protein?

Yes. Swap tofu with edamame or chickpeas.

What noodles work best?

Rice noodles or spaghetti both work well.

Vegetarian Peanut Noodle Salad with Tofu blends creamy dressing, crisp vegetables, and golden tofu into one satisfying dish. Add it to your weekly rotation for a fresh, flavorful meal.

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Vegetarian Peanut Noodle Salad with Tofu


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  • Author: Laura Jennings
  • Total Time: 32 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Vegetarian Peanut Noodle Salad with Tofu tossed in creamy peanut dressing with crisp vegetables. Hearty and vibrant.


Ingredients

Scale

8 oz rice noodles

14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cubed

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup shredded carrots

1 cup shredded purple cabbage

1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

3 green onions, sliced

1/4 cup fresh cilantro

Peanut Dressing:

1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon lime juice

1 tablespoon honey

1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

1 clove garlic, minced

23 tablespoons warm water


Instructions

1. Cook rice noodles and rinse cold.

2. Pan-fry tofu until golden.

3. Whisk dressing ingredients until smooth.

4. Combine noodles and vegetables.

5. Add tofu.

6. Pour dressing over salad and toss gently.

7. Garnish with cilantro and serve.

Notes

Add tofu just before serving for crisp texture.

Store refrigerated up to 3 days.

Add chili flakes for extra heat.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

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