As the sun blazes down on those long summer days, nothing refreshes quite like a chilled bowl of noodles. This Chilled Udon Noodles with Tangy Peanut Tomato Sauce is my go-to no-cook meal that captures the vibrancy of summer’s bounty and whip together in no time. With perfectly cooked udon noodles tossed in a creamy, spicy peanut sauce spotlighting juicy ripe tomatoes, this dish not only nourishes the body but also delights the senses. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to keep the kitchen cool while still impressing friends or family at your next gathering. Whether it’s a light lunch or a quick dinner, this dairy-free and vegetarian recipe has got you covered. Are you ready to make summer a little brighter with every delightful bite?

Why are Cold Noodles a Summer Favorite?

Refreshingly Easy: This no-cook recipe is a breeze to whip up, making it perfect for those hot summer days when you want to avoid heating the kitchen.

Deliciously Versatile: You can easily make adjustments—try swapping udon noodles for rice noodles, or add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein punch.

Bursting with Flavor: The combination of creamy peanut butter and ripe tomatoes creates a unique harmony that tantalizes your taste buds. This dish brings summer vibrancy to your table!

Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Perfect for gatherings, this dish impresses with its colorful presentation and delicious flavor, ensuring everyone will be coming back for seconds!

Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance and enjoy the convenience of having a quick, satisfying meal ready in the fridge for up to two days. You’ll love how easy it is to keep summer dining fresh and exciting!

For more sensational summer dishes, check out my recipes for Scrambled Eggs Ricotta or Chicken Teriyaki Noodles.

Cold Noodles With Tomatoes and Peanut Sauce Ingredients

• Get ready for a fresh and delightful dish!

For the Noodles

Dried Udon Noodles or Spaghetti – These noodles serve as the perfect base that holds onto the sauce beautifully.

For the Sauce

Ripe Beefsteak or Heirloom Tomatoes – Choose juicy tomatoes for a burst of freshness; grate them to release more flavor into the sauce.
Creamy Peanut Butter – Provides a rich, nutty flavor that makes this cold noodle dish truly satisfying. Replace with almond butter if you prefer!
Apple Cider Vinegar – This adds a tangy kick to the sauce; rice vinegar is a great substitute for a milder taste.
Chili Crisp – Gives the sauce a spicy depth; if you’re looking for something milder, sriracha works well here.
Soy Sauce – Enhances the umami flavor of the sauce; tamari is a perfect gluten-free alternative.
Sugar – Balances out the acidity of the sauce; feel free to swap it for maple syrup for a natural sweetener.

For Garnish

Cherry Tomatoes – Use these for a pop of color and extra texture; halved or quartered work best.
Salted Roasted Peanuts – Adds a delightful crunch; unsalted peanuts or cashews can be used as an alternative.
Fried Shallots – These provide an irresistible crunch; store-bought saves you time!
Scallions and Cilantro – These fresh herbs give a burst of aroma, enhancing both the flavor and visual appeal of your dish.

This recipe for Cold Noodles With Tomatoes and Peanut Sauce will captivate everyone this summer—with its effortless charm and loads of flavor!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cold Noodles With Tomatoes and Peanut Sauce

Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water over high heat. Once boiling, add 8-9 oz. of dried udon noodles or spaghetti, cooking them for one minute longer than the package instructions indicate. Drain the noodles in a colander and rinse them under cold running water until cool. Toss the noodles with 1 tsp. of vegetable oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Tomato Base
Grate 12 oz. of ripe beefsteak or heirloom tomatoes over a bowl, using a box grater or food processor, until only the skins remain. Discard the skins and set the tomato puree aside. This will serve as the foundation of your tangy peanut sauce, infusing the dish with freshness and depth.

Step 3: Mix the Peanut Sauce
In the same bowl with the grated tomatoes, whisk together ⅓ cup of creamy peanut butter, ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar, ¼ cup of chili crisp, 3 Tbsp. of soy sauce, and 4 tsp. of sugar. Blend until smooth and emulsion forms, ensuring a harmonious mixture that will coat the chilled noodles beautifully.

Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
Now add 4 oz. of halved cherry tomatoes to the peanut sauce and gently stir to incorporate. Next, introduce the previously cooled udon noodles to the bowl, tossing everything together until the noodles are thoroughly coated in the creamy peanut sauce, ensuring every strand is enveloped in flavor.

Step 5: Serve Your Dish
Transfer the noodle salad to a large serving platter, making sure it’s evenly spread out. Top it generously with ⅓ cup of salted roasted peanuts for crunch, fried shallots for a delightful texture, and finish with a sprinkling of sliced scallions and chopped cilantro for a fresh garnish. Enjoy your Cold Noodles With Tomatoes and Peanut Sauce, perfect for summer gatherings!

Make Ahead Options

These Cold Noodles with Tomatoes and Peanut Sauce are perfect for meal prep, allowing busy home cooks to savor the flavors of summer without the hassle! You can prepare the noodle and sauce mixture up to 24 hours in advance for optimal freshness. Simply cook the udon noodles and toss them with vegetable oil to prevent sticking; let them cool completely before mixing with the sauce. Store everything in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Maintain quality by keeping the garnishes, like peanuts and scallions, separate until serving time. When ready to enjoy, simply stir to combine, garnish, and you’ll have a delightful meal that tastes just as delicious as when freshly made!

What to Serve with Chilled Noodles with Tomatoes and Peanut Sauce

Elevate your summer meals with delightful pairings that complement the crispy, tangy goodness of your chilled noodle dish.

Crispy Spring Rolls: These crunchy delights offer a satisfying contrast to the creamy peanut sauce, making for a perfect finger food. Fill them with shredded veggies for an added crunch.
Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Seasoned and lightly charred, these colorful veggies bring warmth and a smoky flavor, complementing the brightness of your chilled noodles beautifully.
Fresh Cucumber Salad: A light, refreshing side that adds a crisp texture to your meal. Toss with a simple sesame dressing for an extra pop.
Mango Smoothie: Cool and fruity, this refreshing drink balances the nutty flavors of the sauce, creating a soothing treat that’s perfect for hot days.
Sesame Garlic Edamame: These protein-packed beauties add an irresistible umami flavor. Their earthy taste pairs wonderfully with the richness of your noodle dish.
Mint Lemonade: The bright, zesty flavors of this refreshing drink are a fantastic companion for the creamy peanut sauce, cleansing the palate with each sip.
Chocolate Chia Pudding: A satisfying dessert that provides a delightful contrast to the savory noodles, enriching your summer meal and offering a sweet finale.

With these delightful pairings, your meal transforms into a vibrant feast, perfect for those balmy summer evenings!

How to Store and Freeze Cold Noodles With Tomatoes and Peanut Sauce

Fridge: Store any leftover cold noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This will help maintain freshness, but keep the garnish separate until serving.

Freezer: Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the noodles and sauce may be compromised. The fresh ingredients like tomatoes and herbs do not thaw well.

Reheating: If desired, you can serve the chilled noodles cold or gently reheat them on a stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of water to loosen up the sauce.

Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare your cold noodles and peanut sauce in advance, storing them separately until ready to serve. This ensures a delightful meal anytime without the hassle of last-minute cooking!

Cold Noodles With Tomatoes and Peanut Sauce Variations

Feel free to get creative with this chilled noodle dish—it’s all about tailoring flavors to your taste!

Gluten-Free: Substitute udon noodles with rice noodles for a gluten-friendly version that still tastes fantastic!
Protein-Packed: Add grilled chicken or shrimp for an extra boost of protein that makes this dish hearty and satisfying.
Veggie Loaded: Toss in seasonal veggies like cucumber or bell peppers to enhance the crunch and nutrition of your meal.
Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter in place of peanut butter, catering to those with nut allergies while keeping the creamy texture.
Extra Spice: If you’re a heat lover, increase the chili crisp or add sliced jalapeños for a spicy surprise with every bite!
Herby Twist: Incorporate fresh basil or mint along with scallions and cilantro for a refreshing herbal flavor that brightens the dish.
Sweet & Tangy: Add a splash of lime juice or replace the vinegar with lime for a zesty twist that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes.
Creamy & Rich: For richer sauce, include a bit of coconut milk along with the peanut butter, adding a delightful coconut flavor that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.

Looking for more inspiration? Consider trying these delicious dishes like Mignon Peppercorn Sauce to elevate your meals, or add some zest to your weekends with Cilantro Garlic Sauce!

Expert Tips for Cold Noodles With Tomatoes and Peanut Sauce

Perfectly Cooked Noodles: Ensure the udon noodles are cooked just right—al dente provides the best texture for this dish and helps prevent sticking.
Tomato Grating Secret: Grate the tomatoes instead of chopping to maximize juiciness in your sauce, providing a fresher and more flavorful base for your cold noodles.
Adjusting Spice Levels: Start with a moderate amount of chili crisp; you can always add more for a spicier kick, making this dish enjoyable for all palates.
Sauce Consistency: For a creamier sauce, add a splash of water or more peanut butter if needed; this ensures every noodle is well-coated without being dry.
Serving Suggestions: Serve immediately for the freshest taste, but feel free to chill for 30 minutes before serving for enhanced flavor; this is a perfect make-ahead option!

Cold Noodles With Tomatoes and Peanut Sauce Recipe FAQs

What type of tomatoes should I use for this recipe?
Absolutely! When making cold noodles with tomatoes and peanut sauce, I recommend using ripe beefsteak or heirloom tomatoes. They are juicy and flavorful, perfect for grating, which will release wonderful juices for your sauce. Avoid any tomatoes with dark spots or wrinkles, as they might not be as fresh. The juiciness of the tomatoes is key to a vibrant sauce!

How should I store leftovers from this dish?
You can store leftover cold noodles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just be sure to keep the toppings—like peanuts and herbs—separate until you’re ready to serve, to maintain their freshness and crunch. I often find that this dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together!

Can I freeze the cold noodles with tomatoes and peanut sauce?
Freezing is not recommended for this dish, as the texture of both the noodles and fresh ingredients, like tomatoes and herbs, may be negatively affected when thawed. For the best experience, prepare the cold noodles and sauce fresh. However, you can definitely keep the sauce in the fridge for a couple of days before serving!

What if my peanut sauce is too thick?
If you find your peanut sauce is too thick to coat the noodles nicely, don’t worry! Just add a splash of warm water or a little extra soy sauce and whisk it together until you reach your desired consistency. This will ensure the sauce is luxurious and velvety while coating every noodle well!

Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Yes! This recipe is both dairy-free and vegetarian, making it suitable for a variety of dietary needs. If you’re serving it to guests with nut allergies, I recommend substituting the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version. It will provide a similar richness while keeping everyone safe!

Can I make this dish a day ahead?
Absolutely! For the best results, prepare the noodles and sauce ahead of time and store them separately. You can mix them just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant. This make-ahead option is perfect for summer gatherings, allowing you to entertain without the hassle of last-minute cooking.