Asian Sesame Noodle Salad (Print)

Vibrant Asian sesame noodles combined with crisp vegetables and creamy sesame dressing for a refreshing meal.

# Components:

→ Noodles

01 - 9 oz soba noodles or thin spaghetti

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium cucumber, julienned
03 - 2 medium carrots, julienned
04 - 1 cup (5.3 oz) shelled edamame, cooked and cooled
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 to 3 tbsp water, to thin dressing

→ Optional Garnishes

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

# Directions:

01 - Prepare noodles according to package directions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside to cool completely.
02 - Whisk tahini, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, ginger, garlic, and 2 tablespoons water in a large bowl until smooth. Add additional water if needed for desired consistency.
03 - Add cooled noodles, julienned cucumber, carrots, and shelled edamame to the bowl with dressing. Toss gently to coat evenly.
04 - Sprinkle with sliced spring onions and toasted sesame seeds. Incorporate optional garnishes if desired.
05 - Refrigerate salad for at least 10 minutes to enhance flavor before serving.

# Chef Secrets:

01 -
  • It comes together in 30 minutes flat, and most of that is just waiting for water to boil.
  • Cold noodle dishes taste even better the next day, so it's perfect for meal prep without the dread.
  • The sesame dressing is so creamy and satisfying it doesn't need any cream at all.
02 -
  • If your dressing looks separated or broken when you first mix it, don't panic—keep whisking and add water very slowly, and it will come together into something smooth and creamy.
  • Don't dress the noodles hours in advance if you care about texture; they'll absorb all the dressing and become gluey instead of silky.
  • Taste the dressing before adding the noodles, because once everything is mixed together, it's harder to adjust the seasoning.
03 -
  • If tahini is too expensive or hard to find where you live, try toasted sesame paste from an Asian market—it's the same thing, usually cheaper, and the flavor is nearly identical.
  • Don't rinse the noodles in a colander and walk away; actually use your hands to separate them as they cool so they don't clump up and stick together.
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