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Sesame Noodle Salad

Shruthi
Sesame Noodle Salad is creamy, refreshing, and full of bold flavors.Tender noodles are coated in a rich sesame dressing.Fresh vegetables provide crunch and vibrant color.The salad is easy to customize with your favorite protein.It's perfect for meal prep, picnics, and quick family dinners.Serve chilled for the most refreshing flavor.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course lunch, Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine asian inspired, chinese inspired, fusion
Servings 4
Calories 365 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Salad

  • 8 ounces spaghetti, soba noodles, or rice noodles
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cucumber, julienned
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup shelled edamame, cooked
  • 3 green onions, sliced
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

For the Sesame Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon warm water, if needed to thin the dressing

Optional Add-Ins

  • Grilled chicken
  • Shrimp
  • Tofu
  • Steak
  • Avocado
  • Roasted peanuts

Instructions
 

  • Cook the noodles according to the package instructions until al dente.
  • Drain the noodles and rinse thoroughly under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, peanut butter, honey, lime juice, garlic, ginger, and sriracha until smooth.
  • If needed, add a tablespoon of warm water to achieve a pourable consistency.
  • Place the cooled noodles in a large mixing bowl.
  • Add the carrots, cucumber, bell pepper, edamame, and green onions.
  • Pour the sesame dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
  • Garnish with cilantro, toasted sesame seeds, and optional roasted peanuts before serving.

Notes

  • Rinse the noodles well to prevent sticking.
  • Toast the sesame seeds for deeper flavor.
  • Fresh ginger gives the dressing a bright, aromatic taste.
  • Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey.
  • Chill the salad for 20–30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
  • Add protein to make it a complete meal.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container.
  • Toss again before serving if the dressing settles.
Keyword Asian Noodle Salad, cold noodle salad, Easy Meal Prep Salad, Healthy Noodle Salad, Sesame Dressing Recipe, Sesame Noodle Salad