Ginger-Scallion Cold Noodle Salad with Sesame Dressing
Chilled noodles tossed in a vibrant sesame dressing with fresh ginger and scallions for a refreshing and light dish. This asian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes blends dry wheat noodles, stalks, finely chopped scallions, grated fresh ginger 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 350 calories and feeds 2, 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.
Ingredients
- 200 g dry wheat noodles
- 3 stalks, finely chopped scallions
- 1 tbsp, grated fresh ginger
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp, toasted sesame seeds
- 1/4 tsp (optional) chili flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add 200 g dry wheat noodles and cook for 4-5 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool, then drain well.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, and 1/4 tsp chili flakes if using until sugar dissolves.
- Step 3: Add the cooled noodles to the dressing along with 3 finely chopped scallion stalks and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds. Toss thoroughly to coat.
- Step 4: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and serve chilled.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Ginger-Scallion Cold Noodle Salad with Sesame Dressing take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (10 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 Ginger-Scallion Cold 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 Ginger-Scallion Cold 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 Ginger-Scallion Cold Noodle Salad with Sesame Dressing for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Ginger-Scallion Cold 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.
