Cold Lemon-Ginger Noodle Salad with Sesame Dressing

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing cold noodle salad tossed with a zesty lemon-ginger sesame dressing and crunchy vegetables, ideal for a light picnic meal. This asian fusion-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes blends rice noodles, medium, julienned carrot, medium, 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 3, 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 3 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 6 oz rice noodles and cook according to package instructions (about 5 minutes) until tender but firm. Drain and rinse under cold water until noodles are cool, then drain well.
  2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 medium julienned carrot, 1/2 medium julienned cucumber, 1/2 thinly sliced red bell pepper, 2 thinly sliced green onions, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp grated fresh ginger, 1 tbsp honey, 2 tsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tbsp vegetable oil until smooth and emulsified.
  4. Step 4: Add the cooled noodles to the vegetables, pour the dressing over, and toss gently to combine everything evenly. Sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds on top before serving chilled or at room temperature.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cold Lemon-Ginger Noodle Salad with Sesame 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 Cold Lemon-Ginger Noodle Salad with Sesame 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 Cold Lemon-Ginger Noodle Salad with Sesame 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 Cold Lemon-Ginger Noodle Salad with Sesame Dressing for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Cold Lemon-Ginger Noodle Salad with Sesame 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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