When the weather heats up or you simply want a quick and delicious meal, this Cold Noodle Salad is the perfect choice. Bursting with fresh vegetables, tossed in a tangy, slightly sweet dressing, and featuring tender, chilled noodles, this dish is light yet satisfying. It’s a versatile salad that’s great for lunches, dinners, or even potlucks and picnics. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite veggies or proteins.
A Bit of Background on Cold Noodle Salad
Cold noodle salads are a popular dish in many Asian cuisines, especially during the warmer months. They’re beloved for their refreshing flavors and the wonderful contrast between crunchy veggies and soft noodles. This recipe draws inspiration from classic Vietnamese and Thai noodle salads, with a balanced dressing of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil that brings everything together perfectly.
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Cold Noodle Salad: A Refreshing and Easy Dish for Any Season
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 3-4 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Cold Noodle Salad is a light, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish perfect for warm weather or anytime you want a refreshing meal. Featuring tender noodles, fresh veggies, and a tangy sesame-ginger dressing, it’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or potlucks.
Ingredients
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8 oz cooked noodles (rice noodles, soba noodles, or spaghetti)
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1 cup shredded carrots
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1 cup sliced cucumber
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1/2 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper
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2 green onions, chopped
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1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or mint (optional)
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1/4 cup roasted peanuts or cashews, chopped (optional)
Dressing:
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3 tablespoons soy sauce
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2 tablespoons rice vinegar
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1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
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1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
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1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
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1 clove garlic, minced
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Optional: chili flakes or sriracha for heat
Instructions
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Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool, then drain thoroughly.
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Prepare vegetables: shred carrots, slice cucumber and bell pepper, chop green onions and herbs.
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In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, and garlic. Add chili flakes or sriracha if using.
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Combine noodles and vegetables in a large bowl. Pour dressing over and toss gently to coat evenly.
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Sprinkle nuts on top for crunch.
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Chill for 30 minutes if desired, then serve cold.
- Prep Time: 15 minute
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Easy Dinner Recipes
- Method: light cooking
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
