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Fresh Cold Noodle Salad with Creamy Sesame Peanut Dressing

fresh cold noodle salad - featured image
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A quick and easy cold noodle salad featuring a creamy, nutty sesame peanut dressing, perfect for refreshing summer meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) soba noodles or rice noodles, cooked, rinsed, and chilled
  • 1/3 cup (85 g) creamy peanut butter, unsweetened if possible
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (optional)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
  • 1 medium cucumber, julienned
  • 1 large carrot, shredded or julienned
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • A handful fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz (225 g) of soba noodles or rice noodles and cook according to package instructions—about 5 minutes for soba, 4 minutes for rice noodles. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain noodles in a colander and rinse thoroughly under cold running water until completely cool. Shake off excess water and set aside.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup (85 g) creamy peanut butter, 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (optional), 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (if using) until smooth and creamy. Add water 1 tablespoon at a time if dressing is too thick.
  4. Julienne 1 cucumber and shred 1 large carrot. Thinly slice 2 green onions and chop a handful of fresh cilantro if using.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled noodles, prepared veggies, and dressing. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat every noodle strand and veggie piece.
  6. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes over the salad. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to let flavors meld and keep it cool.
  7. Give the salad a quick toss before serving. Serve chilled or slightly chilled.

Notes

Rinse noodles thoroughly under cold water to prevent clumping and achieve a fresh, cool texture. Whisk peanut butter first to break lumps before adding other dressing ingredients. Adjust dressing consistency with water as needed. Toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes for enhanced flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days; stir and add a splash of water or lime juice before serving. Do not reheat the salad as noodles become mushy.

Nutrition

Keywords: cold noodle salad, peanut dressing, sesame peanut dressing, summer salad, easy noodle salad, soba noodle salad, rice noodle salad, vegetarian salad, vegan option

Find it online: https://ovenmila.com/fresh-cold-noodle-salad-with-creamy-sesame-peanut-dressing-easy-recipe-for-summer-meals/