How to Make the Perfect Asian Sesame Noodle Salad
Asian · Easy · 25 min · 4 servings
This Asian sesame noodle salad is coated in a rich and savory sesame ginger dressing that makes it completely addictive and impossible to stop eating. It is a versatile vegan dish that can be served warm or cold and is ideal for meal prep throughout the busy week.
Why this recipe works
This Asian Sesame Noodle Salad recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 25 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 380 calories with 12g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 8 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 200 grams soba noodles or rice noodles
- 2 cups shredded purple cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 3 tablespoons tahini
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds toasted
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Cook soba or rice noodles according to package instructions until just tender. Drain and rinse immediately under cold running water to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Toss with a small drizzle of sesame oil if desired.
Step 2: Make the Sesame Dressing
Whisk together tahini, soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and 2 to 3 tablespoons of warm water in a bowl until a smooth and pourable dressing forms. Taste and adjust salt, acidity, or ginger to preference.
Step 3: Prep the Vegetables
Finely shred the purple cabbage and grate or julienne the carrots. The crunch from these raw vegetables provides a wonderful contrast to the soft chewy noodles and makes the salad texturally interesting.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
Combine cooked noodles, shredded cabbage, and carrots in a large bowl. Pour the sesame dressing over everything and toss well to coat each noodle strand. Serve topped with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- soba noodles → rice noodles or spaghetti for a different texture or to make it completely gluten-free
- tahini → natural peanut butter for a richer nuttier dressing with a more Thai-inspired flavor
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not rinsing noodles with cold water after cooking which causes them to clump together in the salad
- Making the dressing too thick without adding enough water making it impossible to coat the noodles evenly
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 380 calories, 12g protein, 52g carbs, 15g fat, 5g fiber.
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