Asian Sesame Noodle Salad (Printable)

Cold noodles tossed in creamy sesame dressing, paired with fresh veggies and edamame for a light, refreshing dish.

# Ingredient List:

→ Noodles

01 - 9 oz soba noodles or thin spaghetti

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium cucumber, julienned
03 - 2 medium carrots, julienned
04 - 1 cup cooked and cooled shelled edamame (about 5.3 oz)
05 - 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
06 - 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

→ Sesame Dressing

07 - 3 tbsp tahini or toasted sesame paste
08 - 2 tbsp soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
09 - 1 tbsp rice vinegar
10 - 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
11 - 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
12 - 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
13 - 1 clove garlic, finely minced
14 - 2–3 tbsp water, to thin dressing as needed

→ Optional Garnishes

15 - Fresh cilantro or mint leaves
16 - Crushed peanuts or cashews
17 - Lime wedges

# How to Prepare:

01 - Prepare noodles according to package directions. Drain, rinse thoroughly under cold water, and allow to cool completely.
02 - In a large bowl, combine tahini, soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and 2 tablespoons water. Whisk until smooth, adding more water if necessary to achieve a pourable consistency.
03 - Add cooled noodles, julienned cucumber, carrots, and edamame to the dressing. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
04 - Sprinkle sliced spring onions and toasted sesame seeds over the salad. Incorporate optional garnishes as desired.
05 - Refrigerate for at least 10 minutes to meld flavors before serving.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It's ready in 30 minutes, which means you can actually make it on a weeknight without stress.
  • Cold noodles are a lifesaver in summer or whenever you want a meal that won't heat up your kitchen.
  • The sesame dressing tastes indulgent but it's actually just whole food ingredients you probably already have.
02 -
  • The noodles must be completely cold before you mix them with the dressing, or they'll absorb it unevenly and some will be dry.
  • Tahini can seem thick and stubborn at first—don't give up; whisking in water bit by bit transforms it into something silky and perfect.
  • The dressing will thicken as it sits, so make it slightly thinner than you think it should be.
03 -
  • If tahini feels grainy, you might need slightly more water—whisk longer and add water in small amounts.
  • Toasting your own sesame seeds in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes transforms them from functional to essential.
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