Noodle Salad [Cold Sesame Noodles]

These cold sesame noodles are a quick, simple noodle salad of chewy noodles and fresh, crisp vegetables in a light, flavorful sesame-soy dressing. A fuss-free, wholesome, delicious meal for home, on the go, and entertaining plus ready in just 15 minutes!

Chilled Sesame Noodle Salad in Under 15 Minutes

Noodle recipes are some of the best for quick, low-fuss, inexpensive, and delicious meals; there’s something for every mood. Whether that’s cooked veggie chow mein, a warm cucumber soba salad, chilled garlic sesame soba noodles, or this cold noodle salad.

These cold sesame noodles are light, refreshing, healthy, require minimal cooking, and are ready in just 15 minutes (though leaving them to marinate for 30 minutes will make them even better!). That makes them perfect for the warmer summer months when you don’t feel like cooking, though they’re enjoyable year-round.

You also only need a handful of pantry staples to assemble a meal packed with savory, nutty, delicious flavors and chewy, crunchy textures. Unlike most cold sesame noodle recipes, this version can be made without sesame paste/peanut butter for a lighter, brighter dish. Plus, you can adapt it with other veggies and proteins you have on hand.

Depending on the noodles you use, this recipe is also gluten-free and 100% vegan. Best of all, this sesame soy noodle salad is make-ahead friendly, travels well, and is great for feeding a crowd. So whip up a batch for your next BBQ, potluck, picnic, and more.

The Ingredients

9 inexpensive, pantry-friendly ingredients make up this sesame noodles recipe.

• Noodles: There are several types of noodles you could use for this Asian noodle salad, including soba noodles (buckwheat noodles), rice noodles (our preferred option), ramen, etc. Other types will also work (even spaghetti). Check they don’t contain eggs.
• Shredded carrot: This adds crunch and color to the cold Asian noodle salad.
• Cilantro: If you aren’t a cilantro fan, sliced green onions (scallions) and/or parsley, Thai basil, or mint could work.
• Sesame seeds: To garnish the sesame noodle salad. For extra aromatic flavor, toast them in a dry skillet until fragrant and browned. Add extra crunch with chopped peanuts or cashews.

Sesame Soy Dressing

• Aromatics: Using fresh garlic and ginger will yield the best flavor, but it’s possible to use powdered versions of either/both in a pinch.
• Sesame oil: To infuse the dressing for noodle salad with sesame flavor, use toasted sesame oil.
• Soy sauce: You can use regular or reduced-sodium soy sauce. If you’re gluten-free, use coconut aminos or tamari instead.
• Lime juice: To add brightness and depth, use fresh lime juice. Lemon juice will work, too, or rice vinegar.
• Vegan Worcestershire sauce: (optional) This ingredient will add extra tangy depth but isn’t 100% necessary. It’s also worth noting that many brands aren’t gluten-free.

What Else Could I Add To The Noodle Salad?

• Protein: To make a heartier meal, add crispy tofu, tempeh, or another meat alternative.
• Spice: Add heat with some sliced red chilies, red pepper flakes, or chili paste (like sambal oelek). You could also garnish with chili oil.
• Sesame paste: For a creamier sesame noodle salad, add 2-3 tbsp Chinese sesame paste, tahini, and/or peanut butter to the dressing (mix separately before tossing it with noodles). Add hot water (tsp at a time) for a thinner consistency.
• Greens: Finely chopped spinach or kale (massage the latter with the sesame oil to tenderize it first).
• Sweetener: If you want to balance the salty, tart flavors of the cold noodles, a drizzle of maple syrup, agave, coconut sugar, brown sugar, etc., will work.
• Vegetables: There are plenty of veggies you could use to boost the color, nutrients, and texture in this cold sesame noodles recipe.
  • Blanched broccoli or broccoliniSnow peas/mangetoutSugar snap peasMatchstick/julienne cucumberJulienne bell pepper (red, orange, or yellow—not green)Steamed edamameShredded cabbageJulienne radishes

You could also reduce prep time by relying on a pre-prepared slaw mixture.

How to Make Cold Sesame Noodles?

• 1) First, cook the noodles according to their package instructions (usually soaking/cooking them in hot water for just a few minutes). Then drain and allow them to cool.

Rinsing the noodles with cold water can help to cool them down quickly. However, slightly warm noodles will absorb the dressing better.

• 2) Meanwhile, mince the garlic, chop the cilantro, shred the carrots, and juice the lime.

• 3) Transfer all the ingredients to a bowl and toss well to thoroughly coat. Then transfer the sesame noodle salad to the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (1-2 hours is even better) to chill and for the flavors to meld. Enjoy!

Optionally, mix all the sesame dressing ingredients in a separate bowl first to ensure it’s thoroughly combined.

Recipe Notes

• Be careful not to overcook the noodles: They can become sticky/stodgy if overcooked but are wonderfully chewy when al dente.
• For more flavor: Toast the sesame seeds until fragrant and browned for a more aromatic, nutty flavor.
• Tweak the dressing: Adjust the amount of any ingredient to taste.
• It’s highly customizable: There are plenty of ways to adapt this recipe using the proteins and veggies you have on hand, so enjoy experimenting for a noodle salad that will never bore.
• For a low-carb version: Try using zucchini noodles.

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Photos by Alfonso Revilla