Cold Sesame Noodle Salad: A Bright, Crunchy Summer Bowl

why make this recipe

Cold Sesame Noodle Salad is a fantastic dish for warm days or quick lunches. It’s light, refreshing, and full of flavor. The combination of noodles, vegetables, and a creamy sesame sauce makes it satisfying without being heavy. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be enjoyed cold, which makes it perfect for meal prep or picnics.

how to make Cold Sesame Noodle Salad

Ingredients:

• 8 oz. noodles (such as soba or rice)
• 1 cucumber, julienned
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons tahini or peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon chili paste (optional)
• 2 green onions, chopped

Directions:

1. Cook the noodles according to package instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water.
2. In a larger bowl, whisk together soy sauce, tahini, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and chili paste.
3. Add the cooled noodles and toss until well coated.
4. Fold in the julienned cucumber and green onions.
5. Top with toasted sesame seeds before serving. Enjoy your refreshing salad!

how to serve Cold Sesame Noodle Salad

Serve Cold Sesame Noodle Salad in bowls or on plates. It can be a main dish or a side dish. Garnish with extra sesame seeds or sliced green onions for a nice touch. You can also customize it with your favorite protein, like grilled chicken or tofu, for a heartier meal.

how to store Cold Sesame Noodle Salad

Store any leftover Cold Sesame Noodle Salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for about 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, you may need to add a bit of soy sauce or a drizzle of sesame oil to freshen it up.

tips to make Cold Sesame Noodle Salad

• Make sure to rinse the noodles under cold water to prevent them from sticking together.
• Toasting the sesame seeds adds a great nutty flavor, so don’t skip this step.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra crunch and color.

variation

If you’re looking for a variation, try adding proteins like grilled shrimp, chicken, or cubed tofu for more sustenance. You can also swap out tahini for peanut butter if you want a peanut flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Cold Sesame Noodle Salad is great for meal prep. Just store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

What type of noodles should I use?
You can use soba noodles, rice noodles, or any other type you prefer. Just make sure to cook them al dente.

Is this salad vegan?
Yes, this salad is vegan if you use tahini or peanut butter and avoid any animal proteins.