Looking for a quick and delicious way to elevate your meal game? Dive into the world of Cold Sesame Noodle Salad! This vibrant Asian-inspired dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful explosion of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing. With just 20 minutes of your time, you can whip up a refreshing salad that’s perfect for warm days, picnics, or as a light side dish. Trust us, once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your kitchen!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti or noodles
- 1/4 cup sesame oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water for seasoning.
- Add spaghetti or noodles to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While noodles are cooking, prepare the sesame sauce. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and minced garlic until well combined and sugar is dissolved.
- Once noodles are cooked, drain in a colander and immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the noodles quickly.
- Shake off excess water from the noodles and transfer to a large serving bowl.
- Pour the prepared sesame sauce over the cooled noodles and toss thoroughly to ensure even coating.
- Sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the noodles, gently mixing to distribute evenly.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and noodles to chill.
- Before serving, give the noodles a final toss and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve cold as a refreshing side dish or light meal.
Tips
- Noodle Choice: While spaghetti works well, consider using traditional Asian noodles like soba or udon for an authentic touch. They provide a unique texture that pairs beautifully with the sesame sauce.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra kick, add a teaspoon of chili oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the sesame sauce. This will give your salad a delightful heat that complements the nutty flavors.
- Veggie Add-ins: Feel free to customize your salad! Add in some julienned carrots, bell peppers, or cucumber for added crunch and color.
- Make Ahead: This salad tastes even better the next day! Prepare it in advance and let it chill in the fridge to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Garnish Wisely: For an elegant presentation, garnish with additional sesame seeds and finely chopped herbs like cilantro or mint right before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
