Sesame Noodle Salad

Bright, fresh, and bursting with flavor, this Sesame Noodle Salad is the ultimate go-to for a quick and healthy meal. Featuring perfectly cooked noodles tossed in a savory-sweet dressing of soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and honey, this dish is elevated with the vibrant crunch of julienned carrots, crisp red bell peppers, and refreshing cucumbers. Fragrant garlic and ginger add bold depth, while red pepper flakes provide a touch of heat. Finished with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and a medley of scallions and cilantro, this versatile salad can be enjoyed as-is or made heartier with the addition of grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Ready in just 25 minutes, this chilled noodle dish is perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or a light yet satisfying weeknight dinner.

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 oz spaghetti or noodles of choice
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 large carrot, julienned
• 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 small cucumber, julienned
• 3 stalks scallions, sliced
• 0.25 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
• 1 cup optional cooked protein (chicken, shrimp, or tofu)

Directions

Step 1

Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes to create the dressing.

Step 3

Add the cooked and cooled noodles to the bowl with the dressing, tossing until evenly coated.

Step 4

Prepare the vegetables: julienne the carrot and cucumber, thinly slice the red bell pepper, and slice the scallions. Roughly chop the cilantro.

Step 5

Add the prepared vegetables and cilantro to the noodles and toss everything together to combine.

Step 6

If desired, add cooked protein such as sliced grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy tofu for a heartier salad.

Step 7

Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the top of the salad for added flavor and texture.

Step 8

Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1016.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1259.6

Total Fat 44.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 7.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 11.7g
Cholesterol 202.4mg	0%
Sodium 1984.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 118.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.4g	0%
Total Sugars 31.8g
Protein 98.1g	0%

Vitamin D 11.9IU	0%
Calcium 249.0mg	0%
Iron 9.9mg	0%
Potassium 1886.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 31.4%

Protein: 31.0%

Carbs: 37.6%