Let me tell you about my absolute favorite summer dish: Cold Sesame Noodle Salad! It’s like a burst of sunshine in a bowl, and honestly, it’s my go-to whenever the weather warms up. I remember the first time I tried it at a little Asian bistro downtown. The smooth, nutty sesame dressing paired with the crunchy veggies was just irresistible! Now, every time I make it, I’m transported back to that sunny afternoon. This salad is not only refreshing but also so simple to whip up. You can serve it as a light lunch, a side dish for a barbecue, or even as a snack when the cravings hit. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it on repeat all season long!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful Cold Sesame Noodle Salad. Trust me, the fresh ingredients really make a difference!
- 8 oz soba noodles
- 1/4 cup sesame oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey (adjust to your taste!)
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup julienned carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
It’s all about balance, so feel free to play around with these ingredients to suit your taste! I love the crunch of the cabbage and carrots, but you can also swap in whatever veggies you have on hand. Let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Cold Sesame Noodle Salad
Making this Cold Sesame Noodle Salad is a breeze! I promise you’ll love how quickly it comes together. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delicious, refreshing salad ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add the soba noodles and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 4-5 minutes. Don’t wander off; you want them cooked just right!
- Once they’re done, drain the noodles and give them a good rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This step is crucial for keeping them nice and firm!
- While the noodles are cooling, grab a mixing bowl and whisk together your sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey. This dressing is what ties everything together, so make sure it’s well combined.
- Now, add the cooled noodles to the dressing and toss gently until they’re fully coated. This is where the magic begins!
- Next, toss in the shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro. Get in there and mix everything together until it’s beautifully combined.
- Finally, let your salad chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows all those flavors to mingle and get even tastier!
And just like that, you’ve got a vibrant and tasty Cold Sesame Noodle Salad! It’s perfect for meal prep or a last-minute gathering. Enjoy every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Make: You can whip up this salad in under 50 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests!
- Refreshing and Light: The combination of cold noodles and crunchy veggies makes this salad a perfect choice for warm days. It’s like a cool breeze on a hot summer afternoon!
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh veggies and heart-healthy sesame oil, this salad is not only delicious but also a nutritious option.
- Versatile: Whether you’re looking for a side dish for your next barbecue or a satisfying lunch, this salad fits the bill. You can even add your favorite protein for a complete meal!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This Cold Sesame Noodle Salad can be prepared a day in advance, so it’s perfect for meal prep or make-ahead parties.
- Customizable: Feel free to switch up the veggies or dressing to suit your taste. There’s no wrong way to enjoy this salad!
Once you try it, you’ll understand why this recipe is a staple in my kitchen! Enjoy the burst of flavors and the joy of sharing it with family and friends.
Tips for Success
Want to take your Cold Sesame Noodle Salad to the next level? Here are some of my top tips for achieving the best results!
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter dressing, feel free to add a bit more honey. Just taste as you go to find that perfect balance!
- Chill Time is Key: Don’t skip the chilling step! Letting the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Protein Power: For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu! Just toss it in at the end, and you’ve got a filling dish.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Using fresh cilantro really enhances the flavor. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, some fresh basil or mint can work wonders too!
- Make Ahead: This salad actually tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it a day in advance. Just keep the dressing separate if you want to avoid soggy noodles!
- Vegetable Variations: Don’t hesitate to play around with the veggies! Bell peppers, snap peas, or even avocado can add different textures and flavors to your salad.
With these tips, you’ll be a Cold Sesame Noodle Salad pro in no time! Enjoy experimenting and making this dish your own.
Variations
The beauty of this Cold Sesame Noodle Salad is how easily you can customize it to suit your taste and what you have on hand! Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:
- Protein Boost: For a more filling meal, try adding some grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy tofu. They not only add protein but also a delightful texture!
- Veggie Wonderland: Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables! Crunchy bell peppers, snap peas, or even edamame can add a fun twist. You could also toss in some avocado for creaminess!
- Different Noodles: While soba noodles are my go-to, you can swap them for rice noodles or even whole wheat spaghetti if you’re in a pinch. Each brings a unique flavor and texture!
- Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, add a splash of sriracha or some red pepper flakes to the dressing. It’ll give your salad an exciting zing!
- Dressing Variations: Experiment with different dressings! A peanut sauce or a tangy ginger dressing can change the whole vibe of this salad. Just keep that nutty flavor in mind!
- Herb Infusion: Swap in fresh herbs like mint, basil, or even dill for a fresh take. Each herb adds its own unique flair to the dish!
Get creative and make this Cold Sesame Noodle Salad your own! The possibilities are endless, and trust me, it’s hard to go wrong with this delightful base.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Cold Sesame Noodle Salad is super easy, and I’ve got a few tips to keep it fresh and delicious! First off, if you’ve got any leftovers (which is rare because it’s so tasty!), place them in an airtight container. This will help maintain that crunchy texture of the veggies.
I recommend keeping the dressing separate if you’re planning to store it for more than a day. This way, the noodles won’t get soggy, and you’ll enjoy that delightful crunch when you dig in later. Just toss the dressing in right before serving, and you’re all set!
Your Cold Sesame Noodle Salad will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember to give it a good stir before serving again to redistribute all those fabulous flavors!
As for reheating, this salad is best enjoyed cold, so there’s no need to heat it up. Just take it out of the fridge, add the dressing, and enjoy that refreshing bite. Trust me, it’s a perfect make-ahead dish that’s ready when you are!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for each serving of this delightful Cold Sesame Noodle Salad. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use!
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 7g
This salad is a fantastic balance of flavors and nutrients, making it not only a tasty option but a healthy one too! Enjoy every delicious, guilt-free bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use other types of noodles for this Cold Sesame Noodle Salad?
Absolutely! While I love using soba noodles, you can totally swap them out for rice noodles, whole wheat spaghetti, or even udon noodles. Just keep an eye on the cooking times, as they can vary!
How long can I keep the Cold Sesame Noodle Salad in the fridge?
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it’ll stay good in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember to keep the dressing separate if you want to maintain that crunchy texture!
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, I often prepare it a day in advance. Just mix everything together and let it chill in the fridge. It’s perfect for meal prep or to bring to gatherings!
Is Cold Sesame Noodle Salad vegan?
Yes! This salad is naturally vegan as long as you use a plant-based honey substitute. It’s a fantastic option for anyone following a plant-based diet.
What can I add for extra flavor?
If you want to amp up the flavor, consider adding a splash of lime juice, some crushed garlic, or even a little ginger to the dressing. Fresh herbs like mint or basil can also add a delightful twist!
Cold Sesame Noodle Salad: 5 Reasons to Love This Dish
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing cold noodle salad with a sesame dressing.
Ingredients
- 8 oz soba noodles
- 1/4 cup sesame oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup julienned carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Cook soba noodles according to package instructions.
- Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a bowl, mix sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey.
- Add noodles to the dressing and toss to coat.
- Add cabbage, carrots, green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro.
- Toss everything together until well mixed.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less honey.
- Feel free to add protein like chicken or tofu.
- This salad can be made a day in advance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Cold Sesame Noodle Salad
