Asian Sesame Noodle Salad
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Asian Sesame Noodle Salad
This Asian sesame noodle salad is cold, savory, and loaded with crunch, tossed in a nutty sesame and soy dressing. Tender noodles meet crisp cabbage, carrot, and bell pepper, with peanuts and scallions on top. It holds up well in the fridge, making it a smart make-ahead lunch or a potluck side that travels easily.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti or lo mein noodles
- 2 cups shredded napa cabbage
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 scallions, sliced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Directions
- Cook the noodles in boiling water until just tender, about 8 minutes.
- Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water until cool.
- In a small bowl, whisk the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, peanut butter, honey, and ginger.
- In a large bowl, combine the noodles, cabbage, carrot, bell pepper, and scallions.
- Pour the dressing over the top and toss until evenly coated.
- Top with the peanuts and sesame seeds.
- Chill for 20 minutes, then serve cold.
Tips and variations
- Rinse the cooked noodles under cold water so they cool fast and do not clump together.
- This salad keeps well for up to 3 days, so it is a strong make-ahead option.
- Bamboo or wooden chopsticks make tossing and serving these noodles easy and keep the strands from breaking.
- Add cooked shrimp or shredded chicken to turn it into a full meal.
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Common questions
- Can I serve it warm
- It is designed to be served cold or at room temperature, which is why the noodles get rinsed. Chilling also lets the dressing soak in.
- What noodles work best
- Spaghetti, lo mein, or soba all work. Use what you have, just cook until just tender and rinse cold.
- How long does it keep
- Stored covered in the fridge, it keeps for up to 3 days. Toss before serving since the dressing settles.
- Can I make it nut-free
- Yes. Swap the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter and leave off the peanuts for a nut-free version.
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