Craving a lightning-fast, mouth-watering meal that combines the vibrant flavors of Asian cuisine with the simplicity of a no-fuss recipe? Look no further than this Easy Noodle Salad with Sesame Dressing! In just 15 minutes, you'll transform basic ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish that's guaranteed to impress your family and friends. Whether you're a busy professional, a cooking novice, or a seasoned chef looking for a quick lunch, this recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz rice noodles
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of rice noodles, 1 cup of julienned carrots, 1 cup of sliced bell peppers, 1/4 cup of sliced green onions, 2 tablespoons of sesame oil, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, and sesame seeds for garnish.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the rice noodles and cook according to the package instructions, typically about 4-5 minutes, until they are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the noodles are cooking, prepare the vegetables. Wash and julienne the carrots, slice the bell peppers into thin strips, and chop the green onions into small pieces.
- Once the noodles are cooked, drain them in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool them down. Allow the noodles to drain thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rice noodles, julienned carrots, sliced bell peppers, and sliced green onions. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, and rice vinegar to create the dressing. Adjust the seasoning to taste if necessary.
- Pour the sesame dressing over the noodle and vegetable mixture. Toss everything together until the noodles and vegetables are well coated with the dressing.
- Let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This can be done at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
- Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss and garnish with sesame seeds on top for added texture and flavor.
- Serve the Easy Noodle Salad chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy your delicious Asian-inspired dish!
Tips
- For the best texture, don't overcook your rice noodles - they should be tender but still have a slight bite.
- Rinse noodles with cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Julienne your vegetables uniformly to ensure even flavor distribution and an appealing presentation.
- Let the salad rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- For extra crunch, consider adding toasted nuts like almonds or cashews as an optional garnish.
- This salad tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance for meal prep.
- Feel free to customize with protein like grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp to make it more substantial.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
