Asian sesame noodle salad (Print Version)

Cold noodles dressed in creamy sesame with fresh veggies and protein-rich edamame for a light meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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 as needed)

→ Optional Garnishes

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

# How To:

01 - Prepare noodles following package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water. 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. Adjust with additional water until smooth and pourable.
03 - Add cooled noodles, cucumber, carrots, and edamame to the dressing. Toss gently to coat evenly.
04 - Sprinkle spring onions and toasted sesame seeds over the salad. Add optional garnishes if desired.
05 - Refrigerate for at least 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together in 30 minutes, perfect for when you want something impressive but low-stress.
  • The creamy sesame dressing is addictive and works on almost anything you have in your pantry.
  • It tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen and meld together.
02 -
  • Never skip cooling the noodles completely—warm noodles will make your dressing thin and slippery, and the whole dish loses its appeal.
  • Taste the dressing before you mix everything together, because you might want to adjust the balance of salty, sweet, and tangy before it's too late.
03 -
  • Toast your own sesame seeds in a dry pan for 2–3 minutes if you have the time—the difference in flavor is remarkable and worth those three minutes.
  • Make the dressing thicker than you think you need it, because the noodles and vegetables will release moisture as they sit, naturally thinning everything out.
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