Chilled Asian Noodle Salad with Sesame-Ginger Dressing

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Cold wheat noodles tossed with crisp vegetables and a savory sesame-ginger dressing, ideal for a refreshing outdoor picnic dish. This asian fusion-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes blends thin wheat noodles, large, julienned carrot, medium, seeded and julienned cucumber into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 5 min Serves 4 Asian Fusion cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 8 oz thin wheat noodles and cook for 4-5 minutes until just tender but firm to the bite. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking, then drain well.
  2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled noodles with 1 large julienned carrot, 1 medium seeded and julienned cucumber, 1 small julienned red bell pepper, 3 thinly sliced scallions, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.
  3. Step 3: In a separate small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp sesame oil, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 minced garlic clove until the dressing is smooth and aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Pour the dressing over the noodle and vegetable mixture, tossing gently to coat everything evenly.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving chilled at your picnic.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Chilled Asian Noodle Salad with Sesame-Ginger Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (15 min prep + 5 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Chilled Asian Noodle Salad with Sesame-Ginger Dressing?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Chilled Asian Noodle Salad with Sesame-Ginger Dressing?

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 Chilled Asian Noodle Salad with Sesame-Ginger Dressing 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 Chilled Asian Noodle Salad with Sesame-Ginger Dressing vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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