Asian Sesame Noodle Salad with Crunchy Vegetables

BY

February 17, 2026

Asian Sesame Noodle Salad with Crunchy Vegetables delivers bright flavor and satisfying texture in every bite. Tender noodles mix with crisp cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and a savory sesame dressing. This salad tastes fresh, nutty, and slightly sweet with just the right crunch.

Hi, Iโ€™m Laura Jennings, a 38-year-old home cook from Asheville, North Carolina. I started cooking beside my grandmother, standing on a stool and learning that simple ingredients create meaningful meals. After years in office jobs, I returned to the kitchen and began sharing easy, comforting recipes through my blog and weekend classes. I believe cooking should feel joyful, not complicated. This Asian Sesame Noodle Salad with Crunchy Vegetables reflects that philosophy. It looks vibrant but comes together easily for busy weeknights or gatherings.


Why Youโ€™ll Love This Asian Sesame Noodle Salad with Crunchy Vegetables

  • Packed with crisp, colorful vegetables
  • Bold sesame flavor
  • Perfect for meal prep
  • Easy to customize
  • Great served cold or at room temperature

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Total Time: 28 minutes

Ingredients

Salad

  • 8 oz spaghetti or rice noodles
  • 2 cups shredded red cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup cucumber, julienned
  • 3 green onions, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds

Sesame Dressing

  • ยผ cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, minced

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Whisk soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, ginger, and garlic in a bowl.
  3. Place cooled noodles in a large mixing bowl.
  4. Add cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, cucumber, and green onions.
  5. Pour dressing over the salad.
  6. Toss Asian Sesame Noodle Salad with Crunchy Vegetables until evenly coated.
  7. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this salad alongside grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Garnish with extra sesame seeds and chopped cilantro for added flavor. Present it in a wide white bowl to highlight the vibrant colors.


Quick Tips or Variations

  • Add shredded rotisserie chicken for protein.
  • Use peanut butter in the dressing for a creamy twist.
  • Substitute tamari for a gluten-free option.

FAQs

Can I make Asian Sesame Noodle Salad with Crunchy Vegetables ahead of time?

Yes. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

What noodles work best?

Spaghetti, rice noodles, or soba noodles all work well.

Can I serve it warm?

Yes, but it tastes best chilled or at room temperature.

How do I keep the vegetables crisp?

Toss the dressing just before serving for maximum crunch.


Conclusion

Asian Sesame Noodle Salad with Crunchy Vegetables combines bold flavor, fresh texture, and easy preparation. Make it once and add it to your regular meal rotation.

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Asian Sesame Noodle Salad with Crunchy Vegetables


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  • Author: Laura Jennings
  • Total Time: 28 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Asian Sesame Noodle Salad with Crunchy Vegetables tossed in a bold sesame dressing. Fresh, crisp, and perfect for meal prep or potlucks.


Ingredients

Scale

8 oz spaghetti or rice noodles

2 cups shredded red cabbage

1 cup shredded carrots

1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

1 cup cucumber, julienned

3 green onions, sliced

2 tablespoons sesame seeds

Dressing:

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 tablespoons sesame oil

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

1 tablespoon honey

1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

1 clove garlic, minced


Instructions

1. Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse cold.

2. Whisk dressing ingredients together.

3. Place noodles in large bowl.

4. Add vegetables.

5. Pour dressing over salad.

6. Toss until evenly coated.

7. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve.

Notes

Store refrigerated up to 3 days.

Add grilled chicken or tofu for protein.

Use tamari for gluten-free version.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

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