Home » Salads » Peanut Noodle Salad Jars

Peanut Noodle Salad Jars

Name: Peanut Noodle Layered Salad Jars (Meal prep friendly, high protein)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: ⅓ cup powdered peanut butter (or 1/4 cup natural creamy peanut butter); 1 tbsp sriracha; 1 tbsp coconut aminos; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 2 tbsp maple syrup; 1 large lime (juiced); pinch of salt; water (as needed, to thin); 4 oz rice noodles (cooked and cooled); 1 cup shelled edamame; 8 oz high protein super firm tofu (prepared using either my oven baked or pan seared method); 1 cup red cabbage (shredded); 1 cup julienned carrots; 1 cup red bell pepper (sliced); ¼ cup cilantro leaves (finely chopped); 3 green onions (chopped); ¼ cup roasted salted peanuts or cashews (chopped)

This post may contain affiliate links.

Make these Peanut Noodle Salad Jars for a delicious, high protein grab and go lunch that you prepare once and enjoy all week! This salad features layers of rice noodles, crisp veggies, tofu, and a creamy Thai peanut dressing. A healthy, high-protein meal prep option that stays fresh and saves you time!

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Peanut Noodle Layered Jar Salad

If you ask me, when a salad has peanut sauce and noodles, it’s an instant win! This combination just works, and when it’s made in a jar for easy eating, it really can’t get any better. I’m talking soft but chewy rice noodles layered with crisp vegetables, a delicious and hearty protein like crispy tofu, and a 5 minute Thai peanut dressing that you’ll want to put on everything!

The noodles stay tender without getting soggy, the veggies hold their crunch, and the tofu adds that satisfying, slightly meaty texture that makes it feel like a full meal. It’s one of those cold peanut noodle salad recipes that works just as well straight from the fridge as it does at room temperature. Perfect for warmer days, busy weeks, and anyone looking for easy work salads that actually keep ya full.

Meal Prep Friendly Jar Salads

Maybe it’s just me, but there are two kinds of lunches during the week. The ones that you scramble to put together last minute when you’re ravenous, and then the ones that come together in minutes and set you up for success because you planned ahead! These Layered Peanut Noodle Salad Jars are a meal prepper’s dream come true. Who doesn’t want something fresh, filling, and waiting for you during a busy work day?

Hate meal prepping? Don’t sweat it because these jar salads only take 30 minutes to prepare. I’m talking high protein lunches that keep you satiated through the afternoon and don’t have you crashing at 3 pm or craving dinner early. Make these, and you’ll be thanking yourself all week. It really is the meal that you make once and enjoy for days!

All About the Layers!

Everything is stacked strategically so it stays crisp and vibrant for days, with the creamy peanut dressing sitting at the bottom, ready to coat every bite when you pour it into a bowl. The textures are also a match made in heaven – crunch from the cabbage, peppers and carrots, softness from the noodles and edamame, meatiness from the tofu, and that tangy, creamy Thai peanut sauce tying everything together without feeling heavy. Each layer is placed intentionally so that your salad can stay fresh all week!

Make a few jars at the start of the week, stash them in the fridge, and you’ve got lunch handled. Shake and eat straight from the jar if you’re on the go, or dump it into a bowl for easier access. It’s colorful, crunchy, a little saucy, with a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and sweet!

Peanut Noodle Layered Jar Salads Ingredients

Talk about a salad with all the essentials, crunch, crisp, protein and a little slurp! Each ingredient in this recipe is chosen with balance and health in mind! A couple of substitutions are included in the notes below:

Rice Noodles: Provide the base of this noodle salad recipe. They absorb flavor while staying light and easy to eat cold and never soggy. Soba noodles would also work great here!
Powdered Peanut Butter: A lighter way to create a rich, creamy peanut dressing. I love powdered peanut butter because if gives you that classic peanut flavor but with a lot less fat. It’s easy to use and has a great shelf life. Buy it once, and you’ll find yourself using it for everything!
Coconut Aminos: Adds that salty, umami depth that balances the sweetness in the dressing. Soy sauce or tamari is a great alternative if you don’t have coconut aminos on hand.
Rice Vinegar + Lime Juice: Bring brightness and acidity, keeping the dressing from feeling too heavy.
Maple Syrup: Balances everything out with a subtle sweetness.
Tofu: Necessary for the protein and texture. Tofu is a meal prep essential because it holds its shape and texture well after being cooked. Try my oven baked or pan seared methods to get maximum crunch and skip the oil!
Edamame: Another plant protein booster for these salad jars! Edamame also adds a soft contrast to the crunchier vegetables and color.
Cabbage, Carrots, Bell Pepper: Bringing color, crunch, and freshness! Key ingredients for an easy summer noodle salad that feels vibrant and light.
Herbs + Green Onion: Add brightness and lift the entire dish.
Roasted Nuts: Provide crunch and richness, finishing the salad with texture.

How to Make These Meal Prep Jar Salads

Making these peanut noodle jar salads is almost too easy, and trust me – well worth it! Grab your jars, cutting board and let’s get layering!

Make the Peanut Dressing

Combine all dressing ingredients in a jar and stir until smooth. You’re looking for a creamy but pourable consistency. Add water slowly until it loosens and is at the consistency you like. Taste and adjust as you go; it should be tangy, slightly sweet, and just a little spicy.

Start with the Base Layer

Divide the creamy peanut salad dressing between your jars. It’s important to keep the dressing at the bottom of the jars; this prevents everything else from getting soggy!

Layer Strategically

Add the noodles next, followed by edamame and tofu. These sturdier ingredients act as a buffer between the dressing and the delicate vegetables.

Finish with Fresh Ingredients

Top with cabbage, carrots, peppers, herbs, and nuts. The top layer should be the most delicate, so everything stays crisp. When you’re ready to eat, give it a good shake or pour it into a bowl. The dressing will coat everything perfectly, and you’ll have a delicious meal in minutes!

The Best Ways to Make Crispy Tofu

If you want the best crispy tofu ever, you need to follow one of my tutorials, and there are a couple of ways we can do it! I’m talking tender tofu that has those crispy edges and golden color, but a tender center! Whether you pan-sear or bake, don’t rush it. Let it crisp long enough to develop a crust before flipping. A light coating of starch can also help create that crisp exterior, especially if you’re meal prepping and want the texture to hold. Here are the two tutorials I would suggest checking out if you’re looking for that perfect crispy finish. Pan Seared Crispy Tofu (ready in 10-15 minutes) and Oven Baked Crispy Tofu(set it and forget it)!

The Best Jars for the Job!

Your containers can make all the difference for meal prepping! I don’t know about you, but a jar with a small opening makes it difficult to layer and even more challenging to eat! These are the jars that have worked the best for me and what I keep using time and time again. They give you enough room to properly layer ingredients without packing them too tightly, which helps maintain texture and freshness throughout the week.

Why You’ll Love This Peanut Noodle Jar Salad Recipe

These jar salad recipes make eating well feel easy and effortless. A quick to prep that holds up beautifully in the fridge and actually tastes good days later is all you really need. You’re getting a mix of protein, fiber, and fresh vegetables in every bite, making them one of the best easy meal prep salads you can rely on. And most importantly, they remove the daily decision-making around lunch, which can lead to better weight management and saving money! If you want more options for layered salads, you should check out my Layered Salads Ebook! It’s totally free, and packed with all the Jackfruitful Layered Salad favorites!

Tips to Turn Any Salad into a Mason Jar Salad!

If your noodles are sticking together, rinse them with cold water after cooking to remove excess starch.
If the dressing thickens in the fridge, add a splash of water before shaking.
Don’t overpack the jars. Leaving a little space helps everything mix more easily.
For the best texture, keep crunchy toppings like nuts at the very top.

Once you understand the layering method, you can turn almost any layered salad or chopped salad recipe into a jar version!

Meal Prep Salad FAQs

Why is my salad soggy? The order of your layers matters. Always keep the dressing at the bottom and delicate vegetables at the top. Only shake the jar or pour into a bowl once you’re ready to enjoy the salad.

How long can a meal prep salad last? Most salads that keep for a week will stay fresh for 4–5 days when layered properly.

What are the best jars to use for jar salads? These are my absolute favorite jars to use; they hold the right amount, with a large opening for easy layering, and you can eat right out of them!

Did you make this recipe?

If you made this Peanut Noodle Jar Salad recipe, I’d love to hear how it went. Share your experience with meal prepping salads in the comments below!

More Healthy Salad Recipes You’ll Love!

Looking for more recipes to layer salads? Check out these amazing meal prep friendly salads next:

Avocado Mango Layered Salad

Quinoa Corn Layered Salad

Layered Greek Pasta Salad

Jackie Akerberg

Author of the Clean Vegan Cookbook, Food Blogger and Recipe Developer from Des Moines, Iowa.

Jackfruitful Kitchen has proudly been featured in Forks Over Knives, Vegan Bowls, Vegan Food and Living, and DSM Magazine.

Get the Jackfruitful Meal Planner !

Say goodbye to meal time stress with the Jackfruitful Meal Planner! Get a weekly custom meal plan, grocery list, and access to exclusive recipes, tutorials, at-home workouts and more!

Get the Layered Salads ebook from Jackfruitful Kitchen for FREE!

Enter your email below and then check your inbox for the goodies.

close- up of mix of peaches, blackberries, avocado, red onion, pecans, and creamy white vegan cheese

Peach Arugula Salad with Candied Pecans

Brown rice and kale salad with red onion, nuts, and herbs in a wooden bowl

Brown Rice Kale Salad with Medjool Dates

Layered Fruit Salad

Join my mailing list to get the latest recipes first!

jar filled with layered noodle salad, peanut dressing, tofu cubes, edamame, carrots, and purple cabbage

Jackie Akerberg

Peanut Noodle Layered Salad Jars (Meal prep friendly, high protein)

No ratings yet

Print Recipe Pin to Pinterest!

Make these Peanut Noodle Salad Jars for a delicious, high protein, grab and go lunch that you prepare once and enjoy all week! This salad features layers of rice noodles, crisp veggies, tofu, and a creamy Thai peanut dressing. A healthy, high-protein meal prep option that stays fresh and saves you time!

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 10

Total Time 30

Servings: 3 servings

Course: lunch, Meal Prep

Calories: 532

Equipment

jar with lid
stove

Ingredients

Peanut Sauce Ingredients

⅓ cup powdered peanut butter, or 1/4 cup natural creamy peanut butter
1 tbsp sriracha
1 tbsp coconut aminos
2 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tbsp maple syrup
1 large lime, juiced
pinch of salt
water, as needed, to thin

Jar Ingredients

4 oz rice noodles, cooked and cooled
1 cup shelled edamame
8 oz high protein super firm tofu, prepared using either my oven baked or pan seared method
1 cup red cabbage, shredded
1 cup julienned carrots
1 cup red bell pepper, sliced
¼ cup cilantro leaves, finely chopped
3 green onions, chopped
¼ cup roasted salted peanuts or cashews, chopped

Method

Prepare the dressing by combining all ingredients in a jar. Stir to combine and season to taste, adding a bit of water to thin until the mixture is pourable. Divide between the 3 jars.
Layer the ingredients in the jars in the order listed, starting with the noodles at the bottom.
When you're ready to enjoy, either shake or pour into a bowl!

Nutrition

Serving 1servingCalories 532kcalCarbohydrates 69gProtein 27gFat 16gSaturated Fat 3gPolyunsaturated Fat 2gMonounsaturated Fat 3gCholesterol 0.01mgSodium 485mgPotassium 741mgFiber 11gSugar 16gVitamin A 9286IUVitamin C 95mgCalcium 132mgIron 3mg

*Macros are provided as an estimate for convenience. Your final numbers will vary depending on ingredient brands, substitutions, and how you portion the recipe.

Did you make this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

Peanut Noodle Salad Jars

Peanut Noodle Layered Jar Salad