Quick Asian-Inspired Cold Noodle Salad with Sesame Dressing

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

A refreshing cold noodle salad tossed in a savory sesame dressing, portable and perfect for packing in leak-proof lunch containers. This Asian-inspired salad recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 20 minutes, pairs rice vermicelli noodles, cucumber, carrot 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 310 calories and feeds 3, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 5 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 310 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 6 oz rice vermicelli noodles, and cook according to package instructions, about 3-4 minutes until tender but firm. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cooled noodles with 1 small julienned cucumber, 1 medium shredded carrot, 2 thinly sliced scallions, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.
  3. Step 3: In a separate small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tsp honey, 1 tsp grated fresh ginger, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using until the dressing is well blended.
  4. Step 4: Pour the dressing over the noodle mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds on top before serving or packing in leak-proof containers for a cool, flavorful lunch.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Quick Asian-Inspired Cold Noodle Salad with Sesame Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (15 min prep + 5 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 Quick Asian-Inspired Cold Noodle Salad with Sesame Dressing?

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 rice vermicelli noodles from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Quick Asian-Inspired 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 Quick Asian-Inspired Cold 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 Quick Asian-Inspired 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.

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