Asian Sesame Noodle Salad
Cold udon noodles with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a sesame-soy dressing. This asian-inspired salads (vegetarian, low-carb) ready in about 15 minutes pairs udon noodles, cabbage, carrots into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 300 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cooked udon noodles
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 grated carrots
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine the 8 oz cooked udon noodles, 2 cups shredded cabbage, and 1 grated carrot in a large mixing bowl. Use tongs or a spatula to toss the ingredients together until the vegetables are evenly distributed throughout the noodles. Tip: Avoid over-tossing to prevent the noodles from becoming mushy.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp sesame oil, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp rice vinegar until the mixture is well combined and slightly emulsified. Pour the dressing over the noodle mixture and toss thoroughly until the noodles are glossy and the vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce. Tip: Ensure the dressing is evenly distributed to avoid dry spots in the salad.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Asian Sesame Noodle Salad take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Asian Sesame Noodle Salad?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep udon noodles from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Asian Sesame Noodle Salad?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Asian Sesame Noodle Salad for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Asian Sesame Noodle Salad vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, low-carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Great for a quick, healthy lunch.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a post-workout snack.
- ★★★★★
Dinner for my kids—no one could resist the crunch!








