Fresh Cold Sesame Noodle Salad
A quick and refreshing cold noodle salad with a creamy, nutty sesame dressing and crisp cucumber, perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (225 g) thin wheat noodles or somen noodles (cooked and cooled)
- 1 tsp sesame oil (for tossing noodles after cooking)
- 3 tbsp tahini or toasted sesame paste
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 2 to 3 tbsp warm water (to thin dressing)
- 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced or julienned
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Optional: fresh cilantro or chopped peanuts for extra flavor and texture
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 8 oz (225 g) of noodles and cook according to package instructions (3-5 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and rinse under cold water until completely cooled. Toss with 1 tsp sesame oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp tahini, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger if using. Gradually add 2-3 tbsp warm water until smooth and pourable. Taste and adjust sweetness or saltiness as needed.
- Slice the cucumber and green onions: Thinly slice 1 large cucumber (seeded if preferred) into rounds or julienne. Slice 3 green onions thinly.
- Toss the salad: In a large bowl, combine cooled noodles, cucumber, and green onions. Pour dressing over and toss gently until evenly coated.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and optional chopped peanuts or fresh cilantro. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
Do not overcook noodles; rinse under cold water immediately to stop cooking and remove starch. Use warm water to thin dressing to avoid clumping. Toast sesame seeds fresh for best flavor. Let salad sit for at least 10 minutes for flavors to meld. Add extra soy sauce or sesame oil if noodles absorb too much dressing over time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 1.5
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 8
Keywords: cold noodle salad, sesame noodle salad, cucumber salad, easy lunch, quick noodle recipe, tahini dressing, vegetarian, vegan option