A perfect dish can sometimes spark joy on the dullest of days. Sesame Noodle Salad is one of those gems that combines comfort with a burst of fresh flavors. Imagine tender whole wheat spaghetti, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, nutty dressing that ties everything together beautifully. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned pro, this recipe makes for an excellent meal. It works just as well for lunch as it does for dinner, and it’s stunning enough to impress your friends on a casual get-together. Plus, it’s simple to vibe with—just throw together the ingredients, and you’ll be rewarded with a colorful and nutritious salad that’s perfect for any occasion. As you read on, you’ll discover why this dish deserves a place in your regular meal rotation!
Why This Recipe Works
Creating a delicious meal comes down to the magic of balancing flavors and textures. The crunchy veggies pop against the chewy whole wheat noodles, while the dressing enriches every bite. The sesame dressing, in particular, brings a warm, nutty flavor that complements the natural sweetness of the vegetables, making each forkful delightful. Whole wheat spaghetti not only provides a satisfying chew but also adds a wholesome element, making this dish guilt-free without sacrificing deliciousness.
Why You’ll Love This Sesame Noodle Salad
You’re going to love how versatile this recipe is! Feel free to enjoy it as a side dish with your grilled chicken or as a complete meal on its own. It’s also perfect for meal prep, as it tastes just as good warm as it does chilled, allowing you to enjoy it throughout the week. Besides its great flavor, the bright colors of the veggies make the noodles visually appealing, promising a dish that’s not just filling but also a pleasure to look at. Plus, it’s loaded with goodness, ensuring you’re fueling your body with nutritious ingredients.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients before you start cooking:
- 1 lb whole wheat spaghetti
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup savoy or napa cabbage, shredded
- 3 green onions, diced
- 1/3 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 1/4 cup cashews, toasted and chopped (for topping)
- 1/2 package ramen noodles, crushed (for topping)
- 2 cloves garlic, fresh and finely minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, fresh and finely minced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp white wine vinegar or plain white vinegar
- 1/4 cup avocado oil or any light oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Preparing the Dressing
Whisking the Dressing
Start by preparing the dressing. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, white wine vinegar, and the minced garlic and ginger. Whisk everything together until it’s well blended. Then, set this delicious mixture aside; it will infuse your salad with fantastic flavor soon.
Cooking the Noodles
Boiling the Spaghetti
Now it’s time to cook the noodles! Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once it’s boiling, add the whole wheat spaghetti. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. You want the noodles to be chewy enough to hold their own against the vegetables without becoming mushy.
Mixing the Salad
Combining Ingredients
Once the spaghetti is cooked, don’t forget to drain it well. Transfer it to a large bowl while it’s still warm. This warmth helps the pasta absorb half of the prepared dressing. Toss it around so that every noodle is coated and full of flavor.
Adding Vegetables
In another bowl, toss together the vibrant veggies: the chopped red bell pepper, shredded cabbage, diced green onions, cilantro, and julienned carrot. The colors are stunning, and they’ll bring amazing crunch and fresh flavors to your salad.
Merging It All
Now, add this beautiful mix of vegetables to the bowl with the spaghetti. Drizzle in the remaining dressing and gently toss everything together. You want the noodles and veggies to be evenly coated, making sure each bite is a balanced flavor bomb!
Serving the Salad
Final Touches
At this point, you can serve the salad warm. But if you’d like, you can chill it in the refrigerator until it’s time to dig in. Before serving, sprinkle the crushed ramen noodles and toasted cashews on top for that extra delightful crunch, turning your salad into something truly special.
Tips for Success
To achieve the best texture, make sure your noodles are al dente. Adjust the amount of sesame oil if you prefer a stronger nutty flavor. Taste along the way—cooking is all about finding what works best for you!
Variations
If you want to switch things up, try substituting whole wheat spaghetti with rice noodles for a gluten-free option. You can also add protein like grilled chicken or tofu to make the dish even more satisfying and filling.
Storage Tips
If there are any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad will absorb some dressing over time, so you might want to add a splash of water or extra dressing if it gets too dry.
Pairing Ideas
This salad partners beautifully with grilled meats or can shine as a standalone dish. For a complete meal, serve it alongside some edamame or spring rolls. Each option offers a new way to enjoy the salad while expanding your dining experience.
FAQs
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a day in advance. Just add the toppings right before serving to keep things crispy.
2. Can I use regular pasta instead of whole wheat?
Absolutely! Any type of pasta will work, but whole wheat adds a nutritious touch.
3. Is this salad suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, the recipe is plant-based. Just ensure you’re using vegan soy sauce.
4. What can I substitute for cashews?
Feel free to use almonds, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds to give the salad a different twist.
5. How long does the dressing last?
Store the dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
In every bowl of Sesame Noodle Salad, there’s a harmony of textures and flavors waiting to be enjoyed. It’s not just a salad; it’s a vibrant meal that offers something for everyone. Try it out for your next gathering, or simply enjoy it solo—it’s bound to become a fixture in your culinary adventures!
Print
Sesame Noodle Salad
This Sesame Noodle Salad is a delightful combination of whole wheat spaghetti, crunchy vegetables, and a rich sesame dressing. It’s versatile, nutritious, and perfect for any meal.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb whole wheat spaghetti
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup savoy or napa cabbage, shredded
- 3 green onions, diced
- 1/3 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 1/4 cup cashews, toasted and chopped (for topping)
- 1/2 package ramen noodles, crushed (for topping)
- 2 cloves garlic, fresh and finely minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, fresh and finely minced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp white wine vinegar or plain white vinegar
- 1/4 cup avocado oil or any light oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing by whisking soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, white wine vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
- Cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain.
- Combine the spaghetti and half of the dressing in a large bowl and toss.
- Mix the chopped vegetables in another bowl, then add them to the spaghetti.
- Drizzle the remaining dressing over the salad and toss gently.
- Serve warm or chill, topping with crushed ramen noodles and cashews before serving.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Ensure noodles are al dente for the best texture.
Adjust sesame oil to taste for a stronger flavor.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 14
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 6
- Protein: 10
- Cholesterol: 0
