How to make Asian Sesame Ginger Noodle Salad

Creating an Asian Sesame Ginger Noodle Salad is a flavorful and vibrant dish. Here’s a simple recipe to guide you through making this delicious salad:

For the Salad:

• 8 oz (about 225g) noodles (such as soba noodles, spaghetti, or rice noodles)
• 1 red bell pepper, julienned
• 1 large carrot, julienned or shredded
• 1/2 cucumber, julienned or thinly sliced
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro or parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts or sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
• Lime wedges (for serving, optional)

For the Sesame Ginger Dressing:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (like canola or grapeseed oil)

1. Cook the Noodles: Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, honey or maple syrup, sriracha or chili garlic sauce, and vegetable oil. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. Set the dressing aside.
3. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled noodles with the julienned red bell pepper, carrot, cucumber, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro or parsley.
4. Add Dressing: Pour the sesame ginger dressing over the noodle and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to coat everything evenly with the dressing.
5. Garnish and Serve: If desired, garnish with chopped roasted peanuts or sesame seeds. Serve the salad at room temperature or chilled. Optionally, serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.

This Asian Sesame Ginger Noodle Salad is a delightful blend of flavors with a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes, making it a great side dish or a light meal on its own.

Feel free to adjust the spice level or add more vegetables like snap peas, edamame, or bell peppers based on your preferences. Enjoy your flavorful noodle salad!