Easy Sesame Noodle Salad
🥗 Easy Sesame Noodle Salad (Ready in 25 Minutes!)
This Sesame Noodle Salad is a quick and tasty recipe that’s perfect for busy days! It’s full of fresh veggies, soft noodles, and a flavorful sesame ginger dressing you can shake up in a jar. Whether you’re making it for lunch, dinner, or a barbecue, this cold noodle salad is always a hit!
✅ Why You’ll Love It
- Fast & Easy – Ready in 25 minutes with just a few simple steps.
- Delicious Flavors – The dressing made with soy sauce, tahini, ginger, and sesame oil is so good, you might want to drink it!
- Great for Meal Prep – It lasts for days and tastes even better over time.
- Vegan & Healthy – Packed with veggies and plant-based protein from edamame.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 16 oz spaghetti (or any pasta)
- 1 cup red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup purple cabbage (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1.5 cups shelled edamame (cooked)
- 3 green onions (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
For the Dressing:
- 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp tahini (or peanut butter)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
Boil spaghetti until al dente (slightly firm). Drain, toss with a bit of olive oil, and cool it in the fridge. - Prepare the Veggies:
Slice the pepper, cabbage, and green onion. Shred carrots (or use pre-shredded). - Make the Dressing:
Put all dressing ingredients in a mason jar. Shake until smooth and creamy. - Assemble the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine pasta, veggies, and edamame. Pour in the dressing and toss everything together. - Serve:
Top with sesame seeds. Enjoy right away or store in the fridge for later!
💡 Tips for Best Results
- Don’t overcook the pasta. Slightly underdone pasta works best so it doesn’t get mushy.
- For meal prep: Add only half the dressing at first. Save the rest and add it fresh each day to keep the salad crisp.
- Cool the noodles before mixing. This helps the dressing stick better and keeps the salad fresh.
🧊 Storage
- Fridge: Stays fresh for 4–5 days.
- Tip: Store the noodles and dressing separately to prevent sogginess.
- Freezing? Not recommended—noodles can get mushy once thawed.
❓ FAQ
How long does sesame noodle salad last?
It’s best eaten within 5 days. Store the salad and dressing separately for the best texture.
Can I freeze it?
Technically yes, but freezing changes the texture. It’s best to enjoy this fresh from the fridge.
🧮 Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 392
- Carbs: 54g
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 13.5g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1169mg
✨ Final Thoughts
This sesame noodle salad is a colorful, healthy, and super flavorful meal you’ll want to make again and again. It’s perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or even a quick weeknight dinner. The bold sesame-ginger flavor is unforgettable, and the crunchy veggies make it feel fresh every time you eat it.
Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite salad!