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Fresh Chilled Sesame Noodle Salad with Easy Peanut Ginger Dressing

fresh chilled sesame noodle salad - featured image
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A crisp, tangy, and spicy-sweet chilled noodle salad with a creamy peanut ginger dressing, perfect for warm days and quick meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225g) spaghetti or Asian-style wheat noodles
  • 1 large cucumber, julienned
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 2 scallions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 cup shredded carrots (optional)
  • 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • Water, as needed to thin dressing
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes or dash of sriracha

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225g) of spaghetti or preferred noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 7-9 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain noodles in a colander and immediately rinse under cold running water to stop cooking and cool them down. Set aside to drain thoroughly.
  3. While noodles cook, julienne 1 large cucumber and thinly slice 1 red bell pepper and 2 scallions. If using, shred 1 cup of carrots. Place all veggies in a large bowl.
  4. In a medium bowl, combine 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter, 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil. Whisk together, adding water a tablespoon at a time until the dressing reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. Taste and adjust for sweetness, salt, or heat (red pepper flakes or sriracha).
  5. Add the cooled noodles to the bowl with veggies. Pour the peanut ginger dressing over the top and toss gently but thoroughly, making sure every noodle strand is coated.
  6. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds over the salad for a nutty crunch and subtle aroma. Toss lightly to distribute.
  7. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

Rinse noodles immediately after cooking to prevent mushiness and sticking. Toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet for enhanced flavor. Adjust dressing thickness with water. Chill salad at least 20 minutes before serving for best flavor. Add extra water or sesame oil if noodles seem dry after chilling.

Nutrition

Keywords: sesame noodle salad, peanut ginger dressing, chilled noodle salad, easy lunch, vegetarian, vegan option, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://islatable.com/fresh-chilled-sesame-noodle-salad-with-easy-peanut-ginger-dressing-recipe/