Description
Cold Sesame Noodles with Cucumber and Carrot is a refreshing Asian-inspired dish featuring tender noodles tossed in a creamy, flavorful sesame dressing paired with crisp cucumber, shredded carrots, and fresh green onions. This dish is perfect for warm weather lunches, picnics, or as a light and satisfying dinner option that combines fresh vegetables with a rich peanut-sesame sauce.
Ingredients
Noodles and Vegetables
- 8 ounces spaghetti or rice noodles
- 1 cup julienned cucumber
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
Sesame Dressing
- 3 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Cook the noodles according to the package directions until tender. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them thoroughly under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool them down.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, creamy peanut butter, honey, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, and sesame seeds until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer the cooled noodles to a large mixing bowl. Add the julienned cucumber, shredded carrots, thinly sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro to the noodles.
- Toss with Dressing: Pour the prepared sesame dressing over the noodle and vegetable mixture. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly until all the noodles and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and serve chilled. Garnish with additional sesame seeds and green onions if desired before serving.
Notes
- For extra protein, add shredded cooked chicken, firm tofu cubes, or edamame beans to this dish.
- Substitute soy sauce with gluten-free tamari and use gluten-free rice noodles to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Adjust the sweetness or spice levels by adding more honey or a pinch of chili flakes according to your taste preferences.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for best freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
