If you're on the hunt for a quick, delicious, and refreshing dish that bursts with flavor, look no further than this Sesame and Cabbage Noodle Salad! Perfect for warm days or as a light side dish, this Asian-inspired salad combines the crunch of fresh veggies with the satisfying texture of rice noodles, all tossed in a zesty sesame dressing. With just 20 minutes from prep to plate, you can whip up this vibrant salad that will leave your taste buds dancing and your guests asking for seconds. Ready to elevate your mealtime? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Rice noodles
- Cabbage, shredded
- Carrots, julienned
- Sesame oil
- Rice vinegar
- Soy sauce
- Sesame seeds
- Green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: rice noodles, shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame seeds, and sliced green onions.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the rice noodles and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 4-6 minutes, until they are tender but still slightly firm. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the noodles are cooking, prepare the vegetables. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and julienned carrots. This will serve as the base for your salad.
- Once the noodles are cooked, drain them in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool them down. This will also help prevent them from becoming sticky.
- Add the cooled noodles to the bowl with the cabbage and carrots. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, rice vinegar, and soy sauce to create the dressing. Adjust the quantities to taste, ensuring a balanced flavor that complements the salad.
- Pour the dressing over the noodle and vegetable mixture. Toss everything together until the noodles and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top of the salad and toss again gently to distribute them throughout.
- Finally, garnish the salad with sliced green onions for added flavor and a pop of color.
- Serve the Sesame and Cabbage Noodle Salad immediately, or refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Enjoy your refreshing and nutritious dish!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the shredded cabbage and julienned carrots a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the salad.
- Cooking Noodles: Be sure to check the package instructions for your rice noodles, as cooking times can vary. Aim for al dente, as they will soften slightly when mixed with the dressing.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, or snap peas for extra crunch and color. The more, the merrier!
- Balance the Dressing: Taste your dressing before adding it to the salad. If you prefer a sweeter or tangier flavor, adjust the amounts of sesame oil, rice vinegar, and soy sauce to suit your palate.
- Chill for Flavor: For an even more flavorful experience, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Garnish with Flair: Don’t skip the sesame seeds and green onions! They not only add flavor but also enhance the presentation of your salad, making it look as good as it tastes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
