Asian Sesame Noodle Salad (Printable)

Cold noodles with sesame dressing, fresh veggies, and edamame for a light and flavorful meal.

# What You Need:

→ Noodles

01 - 9 oz soba noodles or thin spaghetti

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium cucumber, julienned
03 - 2 medium carrots, julienned
04 - 1 cup cooked, shelled edamame (150 g)
05 - 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
06 - 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

→ Sesame Dressing

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

→ Optional Garnishes

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

# Directions:

01 - Cook noodles following package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside to cool completely.
02 - Whisk together tahini, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and 2 tablespoons water. Add additional water gradually until dressing reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
03 - In a large bowl, toss cooled noodles with cucumber, carrots, edamame, and the prepared dressing until evenly coated.
04 - Sprinkle with sliced spring onions and toasted sesame seeds. Add optional garnishes if desired.
05 - Refrigerate the salad for at least 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together faster than you can chill the noodles, so no standing over a stove on hot days.
  • The sesame dressing tastes indulgent but relies on simple pantry staples that actually make sense together.
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day, which means you've accidentally meal-prepped without trying.
02 -
  • Don't skip the chilling step—I learned this the hard way, tasting a bowl right after mixing and thinking something was off, only to taste it twenty minutes later and realize I'd just been impatient.
  • If you make this ahead, the noodles will gradually absorb the dressing, so taste before serving and have extra dressing on hand to loosen it up.
03 -
  • Toast your own sesame seeds in a dry pan for two minutes if you have time—it deepens their flavor and makes you feel like you know what you're doing.
  • Julienne your vegetables with intention rather than rushing; thinner cuts allow the dressing to coat them better and create a more elegant bite.
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