Looking for a vibrant, refreshing dish that bursts with flavor and crunch? Dive into our Asian Sesame Ginger Noodle Salad with Cashews! This delightful recipe is not only quick to prepare—taking just 20 minutes from start to finish—but it’s also packed with colorful veggies and a zesty dressing that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you're planning a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or a potluck favorite, this salad is sure to impress. Get ready to elevate your salad game with this easy-to-follow recipe that’s as delicious as it is nutritious!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz noodles (rice or soba)
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1/2 cup cashews, chopped
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
- Cook the noodles according to package instructions, typically 3-5 minutes for rice or soba noodles. Aim for an al dente texture.
- While noodles are cooking, prepare the vegetables. Slice bell peppers into thin strips, shred carrots using a grater, and thinly slice green onions.
- Once noodles are cooked, drain in a colander and rinse immediately with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the noodles.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, and freshly grated ginger to create the dressing. Mix thoroughly to combine.
- In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled noodles, sliced bell peppers, shredded carrots, and green onions.
- Pour the sesame-ginger dressing over the noodle and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to ensure even coating.
- Sprinkle chopped cashews over the salad for added crunch and texture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnishing with extra green onions if desired.
Tips
- Noodle Choice: While rice noodles and soba noodles both work beautifully, soba noodles will add a nutty flavor that complements the sesame dressing perfectly. Choose based on your preference!
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to mix in other vegetables like cucumber, snap peas, or even edamame for added texture and nutrition. The more colorful, the better!
- Make Ahead: This salad can be made ahead of time! Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to keep everything fresh and crisp.
- Adjusting Flavor: If you like it spicier, consider adding a splash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the dressing for an extra kick.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this salad chilled or at room temperature. It’s also a fantastic base for grilled chicken or tofu if you're looking to add protein.
- Garnishing: Don’t skip the green onions on top! They add a fresh crunch that complements the rich flavors of the sesame oil and ginger.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 0mg
