Flavorful Sesame Noodle Salad – A Quick and Easy Meal
When you’re looking for a fresh, vibrant dish that comes together quickly, this Sesame Noodle Salad is the perfect solution. Packed with crunchy veggies, tender noodles, and a rich sesame peanut sauce, it’s a satisfying meal that you can enjoy warm, cold, or at room temperature. Whether you’re preparing it for a light lunch, dinner, or even meal prepping for the week, this salad offers a delicious balance of flavors and textures that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love Sesame Noodle Salad
This Sesame Noodle Salad is all about convenience and flavor. The creamy peanut butter and soy sauce-based dressing is rich and savory, with a touch of sweetness and a zing from fresh ginger. It pairs beautifully with crisp shredded cabbage, carrots, and roasted peanuts, adding both crunch and freshness. Plus, the noodles make this dish hearty enough to be a complete meal. Best of all, it’s versatile—serve it warm right after you make it, or let it chill in the fridge for a refreshing cold salad.
Ingredients:
For the Sesame Peanut Sauce:
- 5 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
For the Noodle Salad:
- 8 ounces spaghetti, uncooked
- 4 ounces red cabbage, finely shredded
- 4 ounces carrots, finely shredded
- 2 stalks green onions, finely sliced
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
Directions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Boil the Spaghetti:
Cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Be sure not to salt the water since the sesame peanut sauce will provide enough seasoning. Once cooked, drain the pasta and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
2. Make the Sesame Peanut Sauce:
- Combine the Ingredients:
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the soy sauce, peanut butter, rice vinegar, grated ginger, sugar, and finely chopped garlic. - Heat and Whisk:
Microwave the mixture on high for 1 minute to soften the peanut butter and warm the ingredients. Remove from the microwave and whisk until smooth. Stir in the sesame oil until the sauce is well combined.
3. Combine the Salad:
- Mix the Noodles and Veggies:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled spaghetti, shredded red cabbage, shredded carrots, and sesame peanut sauce. Stir well until the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little water to thin it out and help it coat the noodles better. - Chill (Optional):
If you prefer a cold salad, refrigerate the noodles for up to a day before serving.
4. Top and Serve:
- Add Green Onions and Peanuts:
Just before serving, stir in the sliced green onions. Top the salad with chopped roasted peanuts for a crunchy finish. - Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the salad warm, chilled, or at room temperature. It’s perfect as a main course or as a side dish for any meal.
Notes:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Calories: 350 kcal per serving
- Servings: 4 servings
A Versatile and Flavorful Dish
This Sesame Noodle Salad is perfect for when you want something flavorful and easy to prepare. The combination of tender noodles, crunchy vegetables, and creamy sesame peanut sauce makes it a crowd-pleaser that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch, side dish, or even meal prepping for the week, this salad is a versatile option that can be enjoyed in many ways.
Sesame Noodle Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
This light and flavorful sesame noodle salad combines tender noodles, crunchy veggies, and a rich peanut sesame sauce for a deliciously satisfying dish. It’s perfect as a main dish or side, and can be served warm, chilled, or at room temperature.
Ingredients
For the Sesame Peanut Sauce:
5 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
1 teaspoon white sugar
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 tablespoons sesame oil
For the Noodle Salad:
8 ounces spaghetti, uncooked
4 ounces red cabbage, finely shredded
4 ounces carrots, finely shredded
2 stalks green onions, finely sliced
1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
Instructions
Cook the pasta: Boil the spaghetti according to package directions. Note: Do not salt the water, as the peanut sauce will provide ample seasoning. Drain the pasta and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
Make the sauce: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the soy sauce, peanut butter, rice vinegar, ginger, sugar, and garlic. Microwave on high for 1 minute to soften the peanut butter and heat the mixture. Remove from microwave and whisk until smooth. Stir in the sesame oil.
Combine the salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and peanut sauce. Stir until the noodles are evenly coated. If needed, add a little water to thin out the sauce and help it coat the noodles. (You can refrigerate the noodles for up to a day before serving if desired.)
Top and serve: Just before serving, stir in the green onions. Top the salad with chopped roasted peanuts. Serve warm, chilled, or at room temperature. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 350