Salads

Cold Sesame Noodle Salad with Vegetables

Name: Cold Sesame Noodle Salad with Vegetables
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 12 oz spaghetti or Asian noodles; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 medium cucumber, julienned; 1 large carrot, julienned; 2 green 2–3 onions, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds; Fresh cilantro leaves; 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 teaspoons 1–2 sriracha or chili paste; 2 tablespoons 2–3 warm water

August 28, 2025

Servings: 4 Total Time: 30 mins Difficulty: Beginner

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Introduction

Cold Sesame Noodle Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that balances the nutty richness of sesame, the tang of soy and rice vinegar, and the crunch of fresh vegetables. This salad is a popular staple in Asian-inspired cuisine and has become beloved worldwide because it’s light yet satisfying, colorful, and versatile.

Perfect as a make-ahead meal, picnic dish, or summer dinner, this noodle salad offers bold flavors and textures in every bite. It’s hearty enough to be a main course yet works beautifully as a side dish alongside grilled meats or tofu.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the kind of dish that tastes better as it sits, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining. The creamy sesame-peanut dressing clings to the noodles beautifully, while crisp vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and cucumbers add freshness and crunch.

It’s also highly customizable—you can swap vegetables, change the protein, or adjust the spice level. For me, it’s the ultimate comfort-meets-health recipe: creamy, nutty, and satisfying, yet fresh, colorful, and nutritious.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Bursting with Asian-inspired flavors that are balanced and crave-worthy.
A great make-ahead dish—flavors deepen over time.
Versatile: works as a main or a side dish.
Healthy yet indulgent—packed with vegetables and whole flavors.
Can be served cold, making it ideal for warm-weather meals.

Preparation & Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (for noodles)
Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings & Nutrition

Servings: 4–6
Calories (per serving): ~350 kcal (varies depending on noodles and dressing quantity)

Cuisine & Course

Cuisine: Asian-Inspired (Chinese-American fusion)
Course: Main Dish / Side Dish / Salad

Ingredients

For the Noodles & Vegetables:

12 oz spaghetti or Asian noodles (lo mein, soba, or rice noodles)
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 medium cucumber, julienned
1 large carrot, julienned
2–3 green onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Fresh cilantro leaves (optional garnish)

For the Sesame Dressing:

1/3 cup creamy peanut butter (or tahini)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 clove garlic, minced
1–2 teaspoons sriracha or chili paste (adjust to taste)
2–3 tablespoons warm water (to thin sauce as needed)

Simple Cooking Directions

Cook noodles and rinse under cold water.
Whisk sesame dressing until smooth.
Toss noodles with vegetables and dressing.
Garnish with sesame seeds and herbs.
Chill and serve.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Cook Noodles

Boil noodles according to package instructions.
Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
Toss with a drizzle of sesame oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare Vegetables

Julienne cucumbers and carrots.
Thinly slice bell peppers and green onions.

Step 3: Make Dressing

In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, ginger, garlic, and sriracha.
Add warm water gradually until creamy and pourable.

Step 4: Combine Salad

In a large mixing bowl, add noodles, vegetables, and dressing.
Toss until everything is evenly coated.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving for best flavor.

How to Serve

Serve chilled or at room temperature.
As a main dish, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
As a side dish, pair with grilled meats, dumplings, or spring rolls.
Perfect for picnics, potlucks, and lunch boxes.

Additional Recipe Tips

Rinse noodles in cold water after cooking to keep them from clumping.
Taste and adjust dressing—add more soy sauce for saltiness, vinegar for tang, or honey for sweetness.
Toss just before serving if making ahead, to keep veggies crisp.

Variations

Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or baked tofu.
Nut-Free: Use tahini or sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
Spicy Kick: Add extra sriracha or chili oil.
Low-Carb: Swap noodles for spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles.
Extra Crunch: Top with roasted peanuts or cashews.

Freezing & Storage

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing: Not recommended (noodles and fresh vegetables lose texture after thawing).

Special Equipment Needed

Large mixing bowl
Whisk (for dressing)
Sharp knife or mandoline (for julienning vegetables)
Colander (for noodles)

Conclusion

The Cold Sesame Noodle Salad with Vegetables is a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, nutty, and fresh flavors. It’s refreshing, colorful, and endlessly customizable, making it a must-have recipe for anyone who loves Asian-inspired cuisine. Whether you serve it as a light dinner, a lunchbox favorite, or a crowd-pleasing side dish, this salad will never disappoint

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