Some recipes just scream summer to me, and this Protein Noodle Salad with Peanut Sauce is absolutely one of them. It’s fresh, crunchy, creamy, salty, a little sweet, and honestly one of the easiest high-protein lunches or dinners to throw together when it’s too hot to cook or you need something fast. This recipe originally came from my Lazy Girl Dinners cookbook because I wanted meals that felt nourishing and balanced without requiring a ton of effort.

You get chewy noodles, crisp cabbage, crunchy carrots, protein-packed edamame, creamy peanut sauce, and all the toppings that make it taste like something you’d order from your favorite little café. It tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a bit, which makes it amazing for meal prep.

Why Edamame is Such an Underrated Protein

Edamame is honestly one of my favorite plant-based protein sources. It’s packed with protein, fiber, iron, magnesium, and folate. And unlike some plant proteins, soy contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source. It also adds the perfect chewy texture to this noodle salad.

Protein Noodle Salad with Peanut Sauce Recipe

Ingredients

• 8 oz high-protein spaghetti noodles
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup shelled edamame
• 2 tbsp peanut sauce
  (or 2 tbsp peanut butter + 2 tbsp water + 1 tsp tamari + 1 tbsp maple syrup)
• 1 tbsp hemp seeds
• 1 tbsp crushed peanuts
• Sesame seeds + lime wedges
• Optional: splash of sesame oil + tamari for brightness, or fresh cilantro

Instructions

1. Cook noodles according to package instructions. Rinse under cold water and drain well.
2. In a large bowl, combine noodles with cabbage, carrots, edamame, and peanut sauce. Toss until evenly coated.
3. Top with hemp seeds, crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, and fresh lime wedges.
4. Add extra tamari, sesame oil, or cilantro if desired. Serve immediately or chill before serving.