Cold Sesame Noodle Salad with Vegetables

Cold Sesame Noodle Salad with Vegetables is a refreshing, vibrant, and utterly satisfying dish that perfectly balances nutty, savory, and slightly sweet flavors. This popular Asian-inspired salad features tender noodles tossed in a creamy sesame-peanut dressing, paired with crisp, colorful vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and cucumbers. It’s light yet filling, healthy yet indulgent — making it one of those rare dishes that check every box.

Originating from East and Southeast Asian culinary traditions, cold sesame noodles have long been celebrated for their versatility and simplicity. They’re commonly served as a quick lunch, a summer side dish, or even a main course when topped with tofu, shrimp, or chicken. Whether you enjoy them as a make-ahead meal or a last-minute fix for warm weather days, this dish offers both comfort and freshness in every bite.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s the perfect harmony of taste and texture. The silky noodles soak up the luscious sesame dressing beautifully, while the crunchy vegetables bring a burst of freshness to every forkful.

I also adore how adaptable this salad is — it can be made vegan, gluten-free, or spiced up to your preference. It’s equally delicious fresh or chilled from the fridge the next day, making it ideal for meal prep or picnics.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is an absolute must-try for anyone who loves Asian-inspired flavors or refreshing, wholesome meals. Here’s why:

• Refreshing & balanced – Perfect for summer or any time you crave something cool and satisfying.
• Nutrient-packed – Full of fresh vegetables, healthy fats, and plant-based protein.
• Quick & easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
• Versatile – Works as a side dish, light main course, or meal prep option.
• Globally loved – Combines the best of Asian flavors with universal appeal.

Whether you’re hosting a picnic, packing lunch, or just craving something healthy and flavorful, this noodle salad will never disappoint.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~380 kcal per serving
• Course: Main Dish / Side Dish / Salad
• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired / Fusion

Ingredients

For the Noodle Salad:

• 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti, soba, or rice noodles
• 1 cup julienned carrots
• 1 cup thinly sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange)
• 1 cup cucumber, julienned or spiralized
• ½ cup purple cabbage, shredded
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (toasted)
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro (optional)

For the Sesame Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons tahini (or peanut butter)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2–3 tablespoons warm water (to thin the sauce as needed)

Optional Toppings:

• Crushed peanuts or cashews
• Chili flakes or sriracha for spice
• Grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp for protein boost

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

1. Boil a large pot of water and cook the noodles according to package instructions until just tender.
2. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
3. Toss lightly with a drizzle of sesame oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

1. While the noodles cook, wash and slice all the vegetables — carrots, bell peppers, cucumbers, cabbage, and green onions.
2. Set them aside in a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Make the Sesame Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together tahini (or peanut butter), soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, ginger, and garlic.
2. Add warm water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dressing reaches a smooth and pourable consistency.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Add the cooled noodles to the bowl of vegetables.
2. Pour the sesame dressing over the top.
3. Toss everything together gently until the noodles and veggies are evenly coated.

Step 5: Garnish and Chill

1. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and cilantro.
2. Chill for 10–15 minutes before serving for the best flavor.

Save it

How to Serve

Serve this Cold Sesame Noodle Salad slightly chilled or at room temperature.

Perfect for:

• Light lunches or dinners
• Meal prep and lunch boxes
• BBQs and potlucks
• Side dish for Asian-inspired mains

Serving Ideas:

• Top with grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp for a protein-packed meal.
• Serve with a wedge of lime for a citrusy twist.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t overcook noodles: Keep them al dente so they stay firm after chilling.
• Rinse with cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process.
• Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan for extra nutty flavor.
• Adjust dressing consistency: Add more water if it’s too thick or more tahini if too thin.
• Make ahead: This salad tastes even better after resting in the fridge for a few hours.

Variations

1. Spicy Sesame Noodles:
   Add 1 teaspoon chili paste or sriracha to the dressing for a kick.
2. Peanut Noodle Salad:
   Replace tahini with creamy peanut butter for a richer, nuttier version.
3. Vegan Protein Boost:
   Add pan-fried tofu, tempeh, or edamame for extra protein.
4. Low-Carb Option:
   Use spiralized zucchini or konjac noodles instead of wheat noodles.
5. Citrus Twist:
   Add a splash of lime juice or orange zest for a zesty flavor lift.
6. Crunchy Topping:
   Garnish with chopped peanuts, cashews, or crispy fried shallots.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage:
  Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing:
  Not suitable for freezing — noodles and vegetables lose their texture when thawed.
• Meal Prep Tip:
  Store dressing separately and toss with noodles and veggies just before eating to keep everything fresh and crunchy.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot (for boiling noodles)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or fork (for dressing)
• Salad tongs or chopsticks for tossing

Conclusion

Cold Sesame Noodle Salad with Vegetables is the kind of dish that makes healthy eating exciting. With its silky noodles, crisp veggies, and creamy sesame dressing, it’s refreshing, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.

Perfect for warm days, meal prep, or quick dinners, this salad proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary results. It’s fresh, wholesome, and endlessly customizable — a true crowd-pleaser that brings comfort and brightness to your table.

Cold Sesame Noodle Salad with Vegetables

Cold Sesame Noodle Salad with Vegetables is a refreshing, vibrant, and utterly satisfying dish that perfectly balances nutty, savory, and slightly sweet flavors.

Author: Stella Parker Cuisine: Asian Course: Salads

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 10 mins Total Time 30 mins Difficulty: Beginner Servings: 4

Ingredients

Servings

For the Noodle Salad:

• 8 oz (225 g)
• 1 cup julienned carrots
• 1 cup thinly sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange)
• 1 cup cucumber, julienned or spiralized
• ½ cup purple cabbage, shredded
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (toasted)
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro (optional)

For the Sesame Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons tahini (or peanut butter)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 tablespoons 2–3 warm water (to thin the sauce as needed)

Optional Toppings:

• Crushed peanuts or cashews
• Chili flakes or sriracha for spice
• Grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp for protein boost

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the Noodles : Boil a large pot of water and cook the noodles according to package instructions until just tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Toss lightly with a drizzle of sesame oil to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables : While the noodles cook, wash and slice all the vegetables — carrots, bell peppers, cucumbers, cabbage, and green onions. Set them aside in a large mixing bowl.
3. Step 3: Make the Sesame Dressing : In a small bowl, whisk together tahini (or peanut butter), soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, ginger, and garlic. Add warm water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dressing reaches a smooth and pourable consistency.
4. Step 4: Combine Everything : Add the cooled noodles to the bowl of vegetables. Pour the sesame dressing over the top. Toss everything together gently until the noodles and veggies are evenly coated.
5. Step 5: Garnish and Chill : Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and cilantro. Chill for 10–15 minutes before serving for the best flavor.

Keywords: Cold Sesame Noodle Salad with Vegetables