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

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.

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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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