Description
This Cold Sesame Noodle Salad is a refreshing and light dish combining tender noodles with a creamy, flavorful sesame dressing. Paired with crisp vegetables like cucumber, bell pepper, and shredded carrots, and garnished with toasted sesame seeds and chopped peanuts, it’s a perfect meal prep option or picnic favorite that offers a delightful Asian-inspired taste.
Ingredients
Noodles and Vegetables
- 8 ounces spaghetti, soba, or rice noodles
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup cucumber, julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
Sesame Dressing
- 3 tablespoons tahini
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2–3 tablespoons warm water
Garnish
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Chopped peanuts
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Prepare the noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain them and rinse thoroughly under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the noodles for the salad.
- Prepare the dressing: In a bowl, whisk together tahini, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey or maple syrup, grated ginger, and minced garlic until smooth. Gradually add warm water, 2 to 3 tablespoons, to thin the dressing to a pourable consistency.
- Combine the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled noodles with shredded carrots, julienned cucumber, thinly sliced red bell pepper, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Garnish and serve: Transfer the salad to serving dishes and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped peanuts for extra flavor and crunch. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
Notes
- For best flavor, chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Add shredded chicken, tofu, or edamame to increase protein content.
- The salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
