Vegetarian Lunch Recipes for Work or School
This wholesome and flavorful Vibrant Vegetarian Peanut Noodle Salad is your perfect answer for a healthy, satisfying lunch on the go. Packed with crisp, colorful vegetables and tender rice noodles, it's all tossed in a luscious, savory-sweet peanut sauce that's utterly irresistible. Quick to prepare and excellent for meal prepping, this dish brings gourmet taste to your work or school day.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
5 minutes
Total Time
20 minutes
Servings
4 generous servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Wholesome & Hearty: A complete meal packed with protein, carbs, and fresh veggies.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy schedules.
- Deliciously Flavorful: The creamy peanut sauce is a crowd-pleaser.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for advance preparation.
- Customizable: Easily swap vegetables or add tofu for extra protein.
Ingredients
- 225 g (8 oz) rice noodles, vermicelli or flat type
- 1 large bell pepper (about 150g), any color (red or yellow recommended), thinly sliced
- 1 large carrot (about 100g), shredded or julienned
- 1 medium cucumber (about 200g), julienned
- 60 ml (1/4 cup) creamy natural peanut butter
- 45 ml (3 tablespoons) low-sodium soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 15 ml (1 tablespoon) honey or maple syrup (for a vegan option)
- 15 ml (1 tablespoon) fresh lime juice (from about 1/2 lime)
- 15 ml (1 tablespoon) toasted sesame oil
- 30 g (2 tablespoons) chopped roasted peanuts, for garnish
- Optional: 15 ml (1 tablespoon) rice vinegar for extra tang in the sauce
- Optional: 5 g (1 teaspoon) grated fresh ginger for the sauce
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the rice noodles and cook according to the package instructions, typically 3-5 minutes, until they are perfectly al dente. It's crucial not to overcook them, as they can become mushy. Once cooked, immediately drain the noodles in a colander and rinse them thoroughly under cold running water to halt the cooking process and remove excess starch, preventing them from sticking together. Set aside to drain completely.
- Prepare the vibrant peanut dressing. In a small bowl, combine the creamy natural peanut butter, low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari), honey or maple syrup, fresh lime juice, and toasted sesame oil. Whisk vigorously until the sauce is completely smooth, creamy, and well-emulsified. For an extra layer of flavor, you can whisk in optional rice vinegar and grated fresh ginger at this stage. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed; you might want more lime for tang or a touch more sweetener.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the cooled, well-drained rice noodles with the prepared fresh vegetables. Add the thinly sliced bell pepper, shredded carrot, and julienned cucumber. Ensure the vegetables are loosely distributed throughout the noodles, creating a colorful base for the dressing.
- Pour the meticulously prepared peanut sauce evenly over the noodle and vegetable mixture. Using a pair of tongs or a large serving spoon, gently but thoroughly toss the salad. Continue tossing until every strand of noodle and every piece of vegetable is beautifully coated with the luscious, savory-sweet dressing.
- Just before serving, lavishly sprinkle the chopped roasted peanuts over the top of the salad. This garnish provides a delightful crunch and enhances the overall nutty flavor profile. The salad is delightful served immediately at room temperature, or you can chill it for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld further, making it an excellent make-ahead option.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Large pot (for noodles)
- Colander
- Sharp knife
- Vegetable peeler/shredder
- Cutting board
Essential Success Tips
- Rinse noodles thoroughly with cold water to prevent them from sticking and to ensure a perfect salad texture.
- Adjust the peanut sauce consistency with a splash of water or lime juice if it's too thick after mixing.
- Don't overdress the salad; start with most of the sauce and add more if needed, ensuring it's evenly coated without being soggy.
- For maximum freshness, add the peanuts just before serving to maintain their crunch.
- If meal prepping, store the sauce separately and add it just before eating for the best texture.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- Elevate the sauce: For a truly gourmet touch, toast your own peanuts before chopping for garnish, and consider adding a tiny pinch of chili flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a subtle kick.
- Temperature contrast: Serve the salad slightly chilled to enhance the crispness of the fresh vegetables against the tender noodles and creamy sauce.
- Umami depth: A small amount of finely minced garlic or a quarter teaspoon of miso paste can be incorporated into the peanut sauce for an added layer of savory umami complexity.
Notes
- Storage: This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles might absorb some sauce over time, so you might want to reserve a little extra sauce to add just before serving if making ahead.
- Variations: Add edamame, shredded cabbage, or grilled tofu for extra protein and texture. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure you use certified gluten-free rice noodles and tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time for meal prep?
Absolutely! This salad is excellent for meal prep. You can prepare all components and assemble them the night before, or even keep the sauce separate and add it just before serving to maintain the freshest texture of the vegetables.
What other vegetables can I add to this noodle salad?
This recipe is very versatile. Feel free to add other crisp vegetables like shredded red cabbage, thinly sliced radishes, snap peas, or blanched broccoli florets. Cooked edamame or pan-fried tofu cubes also make wonderful additions for extra protein.
How can I make the peanut sauce thinner if it's too thick?
If your peanut sauce is too thick for your liking, you can easily thin it out by whisking in small amounts of warm water, vegetable broth, or additional lime juice until it reaches your desired consistency. Add gradually to avoid making it too runny.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 420, Protein: 15g, Fat: 22g, Carbs: 45g, Fiber: 5g, Sodium: 600mg (estimated per serving, can vary based on specific brands and quantities).
Allergy Information
Contains peanuts (nut), soy. For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure rice noodles are gluten-free. This dish is naturally dairy-free and can be made vegan by using maple syrup instead of honey.
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