Spicy Sesame Noodle Salad (Printable)

Chilled noodles tossed in a bold sesame-soy-chili dressing with crisp cucumbers and fresh herbs. Quick, refreshing, and vegetarian.

# What You'll Need:

→ Noodles

01 - 8.8 oz dried wheat noodles or soba noodles

→ Dressing

02 - 3 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
03 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce
04 - 1.5 tablespoons rice vinegar
05 - 1 tablespoon chili oil
06 - 1 tablespoon smooth peanut butter, optional
07 - 1 teaspoon sugar or honey
08 - 1 garlic clove, finely grated
09 - 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger

→ Vegetables and Toppings

10 - 1 medium cucumber, julienned or thinly sliced
11 - 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
12 - 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
13 - 0.25 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
14 - 0.25 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped, optional

# How-To Steps:

01 - Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water until completely cool. Set aside.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili oil, peanut butter if using, sugar, grated garlic, and grated ginger until smooth and well combined.
03 - Add the cooled noodles to the bowl with the dressing. Toss well to coat evenly, ensuring all noodles are thoroughly dressed.
04 - Add cucumber, spring onions, and half the sesame seeds, cilantro, and peanuts if using. Toss gently to combine all ingredients.
05 - Transfer to a serving platter or individual bowls. Sprinkle with remaining sesame seeds, cilantro, and peanuts. Serve immediately or chilled.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together in under half an hour and tastes like you spent way longer on it.
  • The dressing clings to every strand of noodle without feeling heavy or greasy.
  • You can make it ahead and it actually gets better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours.
  • Its endlessly adaptable depending on whats in your pantry or what you're craving that day.
02 -
  • Rinse the noodles thoroughly under cold water after cooking or they'll stick together in a dense, unappealing clump that no amount of dressing can save.
  • Whisk the dressing until the peanut butter is fully incorporated and smooth, otherwise you'll get pockets of paste that don't distribute evenly.
  • Taste the dressing before adding the noodles because once everything is mixed, it's harder to adjust the balance of flavors accurately.
03 -
  • Make the dressing a day ahead and store it in the fridge, the flavors meld together and deepen overnight, making it even better.
  • If the noodles seem dry after chilling, toss them with a splash of sesame oil or a spoonful of the dressing to bring them back to life.
  • Add a handful of shredded red cabbage or carrot for extra crunch and a pop of color that makes the salad feel more vibrant and complete.
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