Asian sesame noodle salad (Printer-friendly)

Cold noodles mixed with creamy sesame dressing, crisp veggies, and protein-rich edamame for a light dish.

# Required Ingredients:

→ Noodles

01 - 9 ounces soba noodles or thin spaghetti

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium cucumber, julienned
03 - 2 medium carrots, julienned
04 - 1 cup (5.3 ounces) cooked and cooled shelled edamame
05 - 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
06 - 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

→ Sesame Dressing

07 - 3 tablespoons tahini or toasted sesame paste
08 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
09 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
10 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
11 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
12 - 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
13 - 1 clove garlic, finely minced
14 - 2 to 3 tablespoons water, to thin dressing as needed

→ Optional Garnishes

15 - Fresh cilantro or mint leaves
16 - Crushed peanuts or cashews
17 - Lime wedges

# How-To Steps:

01 - Prepare noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse thoroughly under cold water, then set aside to cool completely.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together tahini, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, ginger, garlic, and 2 tablespoons water. Add additional water as needed until the dressing is smooth and pourable.
03 - Add cooled noodles, julienned cucumber, julienned carrots, and edamame to the bowl with dressing. Toss gently to coat all components evenly.
04 - Sprinkle sliced spring onions and toasted sesame seeds over the salad. Incorporate optional garnishes as desired.
05 - Refrigerate the salad for at least 10 minutes to enhance flavor before serving.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 30 minutes and tastes even better the next day as the flavors settle in.
  • The tahini-based dressing is naturally creamy without any dairy, making it feel indulgent while staying light.
  • You can throw in whatever vegetables or proteins you have on hand and it somehow always works.
02 -
  • Don't skip rinsing the cooked noodles thoroughly—warm noodles will wilt your vegetables and water down the dressing.
  • The dressing thickens as it cools, so make it slightly looser than you think you want it.
  • Add any hot proteins like tofu or chicken after they've cooled completely, or they'll cook the vegetables and warm up the whole salad.
03 -
  • Taste the dressing before adding the noodles—adjust sweetness and salt then so you're not trying to fix it in the finished salad.
  • If you find the dressing too thick after a few hours, whisk in water a teaspoon at a time rather than pouring—it's easier to adjust than to start over.
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