Sesame Ginger Cold Noodle Salad

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Chilled noodles tossed in a tangy sesame-ginger dressing with crunchy cucumbers and shredded carrots for a refreshing Korean-inspired salad. This korean-inspired korean (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs somyeon noodles (thin wheat noodles), medium cucumber, julienned, medium carrot, shredded for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.1 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 5 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 8 oz somyeon noodles and cook for 3-4 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water until chilled. Drain again well.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp grated fresh ginger, and 1 minced garlic clove until smooth.
  3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled noodles with 1 medium julienned cucumber and 1 medium shredded carrot.
  4. Step 4: Pour the dressing over the noodles and vegetables, tossing gently to coat evenly.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, 2 sliced green onions, and 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (if using) on top before serving chilled.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sesame Ginger Cold Noodle Salad take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (10 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 Sesame Ginger Cold Noodle Salad?

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 medium cucumber, julienned from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sesame Ginger Cold Noodle Salad?

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 Sesame Ginger Cold Noodle Salad 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 Sesame Ginger Cold Noodle Salad 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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