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Fresh Asian Sesame Noodle Salad Recipe with Crisp Veggies

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A quick, fresh, and satisfying Asian sesame noodle salad featuring crisp julienned veggies and a nutty, tangy sesame dressing. Perfect for lunch, light dinners, or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 7 oz (200 g) rice noodles (thin or medium-width)
  • 2 medium carrots, julienned
  • 1 medium cucumber, seeded and julienned
  • 1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 3 green onions, sliced
  • Small bunch fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 7 oz (200 g) of rice noodles and cook according to package instructions, usually about 4-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Noodles should be tender but still have a slight bite.
  2. Drain the noodles in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool them down; this also helps prevent clumping. Set aside to drain well.
  3. While noodles cook, julienne 2 medium carrots, 1 medium seeded cucumber, and 1 large red bell pepper. Slice 3 green onions thinly and chop a small bunch of fresh cilantro if using.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp sesame oil, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp freshly grated ginger, 1 minced garlic clove, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity as needed.
  5. In a large bowl, add the cooled noodles and all the prepared veggies. Pour the dressing over and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
  6. Sprinkle 2 tbsp of toasted sesame seeds over the salad and toss lightly again to distribute.
  7. Let the salad sit for 10 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to mingle. Give it one last toss before serving.

Notes

To keep noodles from sticking, rinse under cold water immediately after draining and toss with a small drizzle of sesame oil before adding dressing. Avoid overdressing to prevent sogginess. Rest salad for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure rice noodles are used. Keep dressing separate if prepping ahead to maintain crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Asian sesame noodle salad, fresh noodle salad, sesame dressing, healthy salad, quick lunch, gluten-free noodle salad, vegetarian salad

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/fresh-asian-sesame-noodle-salad-recipe-with-crisp-veggies-easy-and-healthy-guide/