A Refreshing, Flavor-Packed Bowl That’s Perfect Cold
If you’re craving something light, colorful, and bursting with flavor, this Asian noodle salad with sesame dressing hits all the right notes. It’s crunchy, tangy, nutty, and loaded with fresh veggies—all tossed with tender noodles and a deeply satisfying sesame-soy dressing.
Whether you’re meal-prepping lunches, looking for a potluck favorite, or needing a no-fuss dinner that doesn’t involve turning on the oven, this chilled noodle salad brings bold flavor and beautiful texture in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
- Quick and easy — Ready in about 30 minutes
- Vibrant and fresh — Colorful veggies make it as pretty as it is tasty
- Great for meal prep — Holds up well in the fridge
- Customizable — Add tofu, chicken, shrimp, or keep it vegan
- Full of flavor — Toasted sesame, soy, garlic, ginger… yes, please
It’s the kind of dish you’ll crave all summer—and honestly, all year round.
Ingredients You’ll Need
🍜 For the Salad Base:
- Rice noodles, soba noodles, or spaghetti
- Carrots, shredded or julienned
- Red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- Cucumber, julienned
- Purple cabbage, shredded
- Scallions, sliced
- Fresh cilantro or mint (optional)
- Sesame seeds for garnish
🥣 For the Sesame Dressing:
- Toasted sesame oil
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Maple syrup or honey
- Garlic, minced
- Fresh ginger, grated
- Lime juice
- Optional: red pepper flakes or Sriracha
This dressing is sweet, savory, tangy, and just a little spicy—basically the kind of thing you’ll want to pour on everything.
Best Noodles for This Recipe
| Noodle Type | Texture | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rice noodles | Light and chewy | Gluten-free, best served cold |
| Soba noodles | Nutty and tender | Made with buckwheat, chill well |
| Spaghetti (fallback) | Familiar and firm | Use if other noodles aren’t available |
Avoid ramen or egg noodles unless using fresh and chilled—they tend to get gummy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
🔥 Step 1: Cook the Noodles
- Cook noodles according to package directions
- Drain and rinse under cold water
- Toss with a little sesame oil to prevent sticking
- Set aside in a large bowl
🥗 Step 2: Prep the Veggies
- Julienne or shred carrots, peppers, cucumber, and cabbage
- Slice scallions thin
- Chop herbs if using
Pro tip: Use a mandoline or julienne peeler for uniform strips.
🧄 Step 3: Make the Sesame Dressing
Whisk together in a small bowl:
- 3 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- Optional pinch of red pepper flakes
Taste and adjust salt, acidity, or heat as needed.
🥢 Step 4: Toss Everything Together
- Combine noodles, veggies, and dressing in a large bowl
- Toss well to coat
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds
- Chill for 10–15 minutes before serving if possible
Garnish with fresh herbs and an extra drizzle of dressing for serving.
Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving – Approx. 1¼ cups)
| Nutrient | Approximate Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~280 kcal |
| Protein | ~6g |
| Carbohydrates | ~32g |
| Fat | ~14g |
| Fiber | ~4g |
| Sodium | ~480mg |
| Vitamins A & C | High (from veggies) |
| Gluten-Free | If using rice or soba noodles |
✅ Plant-based
✅ High in fiber
✅ Easily made gluten-free
Customize Your Salad
This salad is endlessly flexible. Try these swaps or additions:
🧆 Protein Add-Ins:
- Grilled or baked tofu
- Shredded rotisserie chicken
- Steamed shrimp
- Boiled edamame or chickpeas
🌿 Herb Upgrades:
- Mint, Thai basil, or cilantro for brightness
- Chives or garlic scapes for a stronger kick
🥜 Crunch Boosters:
- Crushed peanuts or cashews
- Crispy wonton strips
- Toasted pumpkin seeds
🍊 Bonus Flavor:
- Orange or mandarin segments
- Thinly sliced mango
- Pickled red onions
Perfect Occasions to Serve It
| Occasion | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Meal prep lunchboxes | Holds up beautifully for days |
| BBQs or potlucks | Doesn’t need reheating |
| Summer dinners | Light, refreshing, and chilled |
| Side for grilled meat | Balances bold, charred flavors |
| Post-workout recovery | Full of veggies and clean carbs |
It’s your anytime-everywhere salad hero.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
🧊 How to Store:
- Store in airtight containers in fridge for up to 4 days
- Keep dressing separate if storing long-term for best texture
- Stir before serving to redistribute flavor and moisture
❄️ Freezing?
Not ideal—noodles and fresh veggies lose texture when frozen.
♨️ Reheating?
Don’t. It’s meant to be served cold or at room temp!
A Personal Noodle Moment
I first had a salad like this at a summer picnic, and I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Cold noodles? Raw veggies? No meat? And yet, it was one of the most satisfying things I’d eaten all week.
Now I make it almost weekly. It’s one of those “throw it together” dishes that feels gourmet but takes very little effort. Bonus: It makes you feel healthy without trying.
Common Questions
Can I make it spicy?
Absolutely. Add a dash of Sriracha, chili oil, or gochujang to the dressing.
Can I serve it warm?
Technically, yes. But it’s best served chilled—it’s called a salad for a reason!
Can I use pre-shredded veggies?
Totally. Bagged coleslaw mix or pre-julienned carrots work just fine.
Asian Noodle Salad vs. Pasta Salad
| Feature | Asian Noodle Salad | Classic Pasta Salad |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Rice/soba noodles | Macaroni or penne |
| Dressing | Sesame-soy, light | Mayo or vinaigrette |
| Temperature | Cold or room temp | Usually cold |
| Flavor Profile | Umami, nutty, fresh | Tangy, creamy, rich |
| Dietary Friendly | Often gluten-free & vegan | Often dairy-based |
Final Thoughts
Asian noodle salad with sesame dressing is everything we want in a warm-weather meal—or anytime, really. It’s fresh, light, bold in flavor, and endlessly adaptable. You can dress it up or keep it simple, make it vegan or protein-packed, and prep it days ahead with no loss in flavor.
So next time you need a side dish that impresses or a meal that feels like a reset, grab your noodles and veggies and get tossing. This bowl of deliciousness is ready to go wherever life takes you.