Spicy Sesame Noodle Salad

$For the base of the salad, use: - 8 oz. whole wheat spaghetti or soba noodles These noodles give the dish its chewy texture. They soak up the dressing well and add a hearty feel. The fresh vegetables bring color and crunch. You will need: - 1 red bell pepper, julienned - 1 cucumber, julienned - 1 carrot, shredded - 3 green onions, sliced - ½ cup cooked edamame (shelled) These veggies not only add flavor but also provide nutrients and a vibrant look. The dressing ties everything together. Here’s what you need: - ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon chili paste (adjust to taste) - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 garlic clove, minced - Salt and pepper to taste This mix of ingredients gives the salad its spicy and savory edge. Adjust the chili paste for your spice level. Each bite bursts with flavor, making this dish a standout. Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a good amount of salt to the water. Once it boils, add 8 oz. of spaghetti or soba noodles. Cook the noodles until they are al dente, following package directions. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water. This stops the cooking process and keeps the noodles firm. While the noodles cook, wash and prepare your vegetables. Take one red bell pepper and julienne it into thin strips. Then, julienne one cucumber and shred one carrot. Slice three green onions and set them aside. These fresh veggies add color and crunch to your salad. In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing. Combine ¼ cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar. Add 1 tablespoon of chili paste for spice, adjusting to your taste. Then, mix in 1 teaspoon of honey or maple syrup for sweetness, along with 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger and 1 minced garlic clove. This dressing brings all the flavors together. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled noodles with your prepared vegetables. Add the julienned bell pepper, cucumber, shredded carrot, ½ cup of cooked edamame, and sliced green onions. Pour your dressing over the top. Toss gently until everything is well mixed and coated in the dressing. Now, sprinkle ¼ cup of toasted sesame seeds over the salad. Give it another gentle toss to incorporate the seeds. This step adds a nutty flavor and a delightful crunch to your dish. For the best taste, let your salad chill in the fridge for 15 to 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend nicely. When ready to serve, scoop the salad into a large bowl or individual plates. You can garnish with extra sesame seeds and green onion slices for a vibrant look. Enjoy your fresh and colorful Spicy Sesame Noodle Salad! To control the heat, start with a small amount of chili paste. You can add more later if you want more spice. Mix the dressing and taste it. If you find it too mild, add another half teaspoon of chili paste. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it out! I love serving this salad in a big bowl. It looks bright and fresh. You can also serve it in individual plates for a fancy touch. Top each serving with extra sesame seeds and green onion slices. For added crunch, sprinkle some crushed peanuts on top! Make this salad ahead of time for busy days. Cook the noodles and chop the veggies the night before. Store them in the fridge. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. This way, the noodles and veggies stay fresh and crisp. Remember to chill the salad for at least 15 to 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors mix well! {{image_2}} You can boost the salad with proteins. Try adding cooked chicken or tofu. Both add great taste and texture. Shrimp also works well if you want seafood. For a plant-based option, add chickpeas or black beans. These options make the dish more filling. Feel free to swap in different veggies. Broccoli or snap peas add a nice crunch. Shredded cabbage gives a fresh taste. You can also use radishes for a peppery kick. Experiment with your favorite vegetables. They can change the flavor and look of the salad. Want to change the flavor? Try using peanut butter instead of sesame oil. This gives a nutty twist. You can also add lime juice for a citrusy zing. Fresh herbs like cilantro or mint can add brightness. Each change gives the salad a unique spin. To keep your Spicy Sesame Noodle Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge. This salad stays good for about 3 days. Make sure to give it a quick toss before serving again. The flavors meld together nicely over time. I do not recommend freezing this salad. The noodles and veggies do not freeze well. Freezing can make the noodles mushy. It also changes the texture of the fresh vegetables. For the best taste, enjoy it fresh. If you need to reheat the salad, do it gently. Place it in a pan over low heat. Stir it often to warm it up without cooking it further. If you want, you can add a splash of soy sauce to freshen the flavors. Enjoy the salad cold for a refreshing meal! To make your salad less spicy, reduce the chili paste. Start with just half a tablespoon. You can also add more honey or maple syrup to balance the heat. If you want extra flavor, add more sesame oil or soy sauce. Taste as you go, and adjust until you get the right balance. Yes, you can use gluten-free noodles. Soba noodles are a good choice if they are 100% buckwheat. Rice noodles also work well. Just make sure to cook them according to the package instructions for best results. This salad is packed with nutrients. Whole wheat noodles offer fiber and protein. Vegetables like bell peppers and cucumbers are rich in vitamins. Edamame adds protein and healthy fats. The sesame seeds provide healthy omega-3 fatty acids. It’s a balanced dish full of flavor and health benefits. Spicy Sesame Noodle Salad lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Be sure to store it in an airtight container. The flavors will meld together as it sits, making it even tastier. Yes, you can make this salad in advance. Prepare it a day ahead for a quick meal. Just remember to keep the salad chilled in the fridge. You may want to toss it again before serving to mix the flavors. This blog post covered how to make a tasty Spicy Sesame Noodle Salad. We discussed the key ingredients, including noodles, fresh veggies, and dressing components. You learned step-by-step instructions for cooking and combining everything. We also shared tips for spice levels and meal prep. Variations let you add proteins or different flavors. Finally, we talked about storage and answered common questions. Enjoy this easy and healthy dish anytime, and feel free to get creative!$

Elevate your meal with this delicious Spicy Sesame Noodle Salad! Packed with fresh veggies and whole wheat noodles, this quick recipe combines the perfect mix of flavors and textures. With its zesty dressing and a kick of spice, it’s great as a light lunch or a side dish for dinner. Ready in just 30 minutes, you’ll love how easy it is to prepare.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

8 oz. whole wheat spaghetti or soba noodles

1 red bell pepper, julienned

1 cucumber, julienned

1 carrot, shredded

3 green onions, sliced

½ cup cooked edamame (shelled)

¼ cup sesame seeds (toasted)

¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

2 tablespoons sesame oil

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 tablespoon chili paste (adjust to taste)

1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

1 garlic clove, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the Noodles: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or soba noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.

Prepare the Vegetables: While the noodles are cooking, prepare the vegetables. Julienne the red bell pepper, cucumber, and shred the carrot. Slice the green onions and set aside.

Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, chili paste, honey (or maple syrup), grated ginger, and minced garlic. Adjust the level of chili paste based on desired spice.

Combine Everything: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled noodles, bell pepper, cucumber, carrot, edamame, and green onions. Pour the dressing over the top. Toss gently until all ingredients are well coated and combined.

Add Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the salad, and give it another gentle toss. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the fridge for about 15-30 minutes before serving.

Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a large bowl or individual plates, garnished with extra sesame seeds and slices of green onion on top for a colorful touch. You can also add a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for added crunch!