Name: Cold Sesame Peanut Noodle Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 8 oz Chinese wheat noodles, fresh ramen, lo mein, or spaghetti; 1 cup shredded purple cabbage; 1 cup matchstick carrots; 1 cup English cucumber, cut into thin julienne strips; 1/2 cup shelled edamame, thawed; 3 green onions, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup smooth creamy peanut butter; 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil; 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce or tamari; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup; 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated; 2 cloves garlic, finely minced; 1 tbsp sriracha or chili crisp (optional); 3–4 tbsp warm water; 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped; 2 tbsp toasted white and black sesame seeds; Fresh cilantro leaves; Fresh lime wedges

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Refreshed, savory, and packed with crisp texture, Cold Sesame Peanut Noodle Salad is the ultimate warm-weather meal. Tender noodles are tossed in a velvety, garlic-ginger peanut dressing and loaded with colorful, crunchy summer vegetables like purple cabbage, matchstick carrots, and fresh cucumber.

At inasrecipes.com, we love dishes that can be prepped ahead of time and taste even better as the flavors sit and meld together in the fridge!

Asian Carrot & Cucumber Salad – A 15-Minute Taste Boost!

The Culinary Science: Emulsification & Bouncy Noodle Texture

A perfect cold noodle salad comes down to mastering two core food science principles:

Emulsifying High-Fat Sauces: Creamy peanut butter and toasted sesame oil contain high concentrations of fats that tend to separate when mixed with water-based liquids like soy sauce and rice vinegar. By whisking warm water gradually into the base, you create a stable oil-in-water emulsion that turns smooth, glossy, and light instead of thick and greasy.
Temperature Shocking & Starch Removal: Boiling pasta coats the noodles in excess gelatinized surface starch. If left unrinsed, this starch causes the noodles to clump together into a gummy block as they cool. Rinsing cooked noodles thoroughly under cold running water washes away excess starch and rapidly contracts the gluten structure, yielding a firm, springy texture that holds up to rich dressing.

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Masterclass Recipe: Cold Sesame Peanut Noodle Salad

Prep time: 15 mins | Cook time: 8 mins | Yield: 4-6 Servings

Ingredients

The Noodles & Salad Base:

8 oz Chinese wheat noodles, fresh ramen, lo mein, or spaghetti
1 cup shredded purple cabbage
1 cup matchstick carrots
1 cup English cucumber, cut into thin julienne strips
1/2 cup shelled edamame (thawed)
3 green onions, thinly sliced

The Creamy Sesame Peanut Dressing:

1/2 cup smooth creamy peanut butter
2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tbsp sriracha or chili crisp (optional, for heat)
3-4 tbsp warm water (to adjust thickness)

The Garnishes:

1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
2 tbsp toasted white and black sesame seeds
Fresh cilantro leaves and fresh lime wedges

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Instructions

‫1.Boil and Shock the Noodles:‏8 mins.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your noodles according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain immediately in a colander and rinse under ice-cold running water for 1 minute while tossing with your hands to remove excess starch. Drain well and set aside.

‫2.Whisk the Sesame Peanut Dressing:‏3 mins.

In a medium bowl or glass measuring cup, combine the peanut butter, toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sriracha. Whisk vigorously while streaming in 3 to 4 tablespoons of warm water until the dressing becomes completely smooth, silky, and pourable.

‫3.Prep the Vegetables:‏3 mins.

Thinly slice the purple cabbage, carrots, cucumber, and green onions. Having crisp, thinly sliced vegetables ensures every bite has the ideal ratio of noodles to crunch.

‫4.Toss and Serve:‏1 min.

In a large serving bowl, combine the chilled noodles, prepared vegetables, and edamame. Pour the sesame peanut dressing over the top and toss thoroughly using tongs until every noodle is coated. Garnish with chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Serve chilled!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the ingredients in a cold sesame noodle salad with peanut sauce?

A traditional cold sesame peanut noodle salad includes three key layers:

The Noodle Base: Chinese wheat noodles, lo mein, or spaghetti.
The Dressing: Creamy peanut butter, toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, fresh ginger, sweetener (honey or maple syrup), and optional chili crisp or sriracha.
The Veggie Crunch: Crisp shredded purple cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, edamame, scallions, roasted peanuts, and toasted sesame seeds.

What type of noodles are used in cold sesame noodles?

Traditionally, fresh Chinese wheat egg noodles or thin lo mein noodles are used. However, this dish is extremely versatile! You can easily substitute:

Standard Spaghetti or Angel Hair: Excellent everyday substitutes that hold the thick sauce well.
Soba Noodles: Buckwheat noodles add a wonderful nutty flavor.
Ramen Noodles: Fresh or air-dried ramen noodles offer a springy, chewy texture.
Rice Noodles: Perfect for a gluten-free option.

How long do cold sesame noodles last in the refrigerator?

Cold sesame peanut noodles store exceptionally well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Note that the noodles will absorb some of the dressing as they sit overnight. Before serving leftovers, toss with a tablespoon of warm water, a splash of soy sauce, or a drizzle of extra sesame oil to loosen up the sauce.

Are cold noodles with sesame sauce healthy?

Yes! This noodle salad is balanced and nutrient-dense. The peanut butter and sesame seeds supply plant-based protein and healthy monounsaturated fats that keep you full. The fresh raw vegetables (cabbage, carrots, cucumber, edamame) add fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. To boost the nutrition even further, you can use whole-wheat or buckwheat soba noodles and load up on extra vegetables!