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Looking for a fresh and easy dish? Try my Savory Sesame Ginger Noodle Salad! This vibrant meal is packed with flavor and can be made in just a few simple steps. With tasty ingredients and a quick dressing, you’ll have a delightful salad that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Plus, I’ll share tips for variations and storage to make meal prep a breeze. Let’s get started!

Why I Love This Recipe
- Healthy and Nutritious: This salad is packed with vibrant vegetables and protein-rich edamame, making it a wholesome meal option.
- Quick to Prepare: With only 15 minutes of prep time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Flavorful Dressing: The sesame-ginger dressing adds a delightful zing that elevates the fresh ingredients beautifully.
- Versatile and Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients based on your preferences or seasonal produce.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Sesame Ginger Noodle Salad
To make a tasty Sesame Ginger Noodle Salad, gather these fresh ingredients:
– 8 oz soba noodles
– 1 cup shredded carrots
– 1 cucumber, julienned
– 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), thinly sliced
– 1 cup edamame (cooked and shelled)
– 2 green onions, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup sesame seeds (toasted)
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
These ingredients bring color and crunch to the dish. The soba noodles are the base, while the veggies add nutrition. Edamame gives protein, and sesame seeds add a nutty flavor.
Dressing Ingredients
The dressing ties this salad together. You will need:
– 1/4 cup sesame oil
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
– 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
This dressing is simple yet full of flavor. The sesame oil and soy sauce bring depth, while ginger adds a zing. Honey or maple syrup balances the saltiness.
Optional Ingredients for Customization
Feel free to customize your salad with these extras:
– Chopped bell peppers or other colorful veggies
– Sliced radishes for extra crunch
– Fresh herbs like mint or basil
– Protein options like grilled chicken or tofu
These optional ingredients let you tailor the salad to your taste. You can add more veggies or proteins to make it a full meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Soba Noodles
Start by boiling water in a pot. Once it boils, add 8 ounces of soba noodles. Cook them according to the package directions, usually about 6-8 minutes. When they finish cooking, drain the noodles in a colander. Rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking. This helps them stay firm. Place the noodles in a large mixing bowl and set them aside.
Preparing the Vegetables
Now, let’s add some color and crunch. Take 1 cup of shredded carrots and add them to the bowl. Next, slice 1 cucumber into thin strips, known as julienne. Add this to the bowl as well. Then, take 1 bell pepper, either red or yellow, and slice it thinly. Toss this in, too. For protein, add 1 cup of cooked and shelled edamame. Finally, chop 2 green onions and mix everything gently.
Making the Dressing
In a small bowl, we will make the dressing. Start with 1/4 cup of sesame oil. Add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce or tamari if you need it gluten-free. Then, add 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger. This gives a nice kick. Next, pour in 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar and 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup for sweetness. Add 1 teaspoon of minced garlic and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk it all together until smooth.
Combining Ingredients
Now, it’s time to bring it all together. Drizzle the dressing over the noodle and vegetable mix. Toss everything together gently until all the noodles and veggies are well-coated. Just before serving, sprinkle 1/4 cup of toasted sesame seeds and 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro on top. Let the salad sit for about 10-15 minutes. This helps the flavors blend well. Enjoy your fresh and easy Sesame Ginger Noodle Salad!
Tips & Tricks
Best Practices for Cooking Soba Noodles
To cook soba noodles, follow the package directions carefully. Use plenty of water to let them move freely. Once they soften, drain them right away. Rinse under cold water to stop cooking. This keeps them from getting sticky. Always taste them to ensure they are just right. Perfectly cooked noodles are key to a great salad.
Flavor Enhancement Techniques
To boost flavor, use fresh ingredients. Fresh ginger adds a bright kick. A good quality sesame oil makes a big difference too. Don’t forget to taste your dressing as you mix. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. You can also add a splash of lime juice for extra zing. This small change can elevate your salad to a new level.
Presentation Suggestions
For a stunning display, serve your salad in a large bowl or plate it individually. Sprinkle extra sesame seeds on top for a nice crunch. Fresh cilantro adds a pop of color. A lime wedge on the side brings a fresh touch. This simple act of garnishing makes your dish more appealing and fun to eat.
Pro Tips
- Use Cold Water for Noodles: Rinsing the soba noodles under cold water not only stops the cooking process but also helps to keep them from becoming sticky.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Opt for fresh vegetables and herbs to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your salad.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute other veggies like bell peppers, radishes, or snap peas based on your preference or what you have on hand.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the salad to sit for 10-15 minutes before serving helps the flavors to meld beautifully.

Variations
Gluten-Free Substitutions
If you want a gluten-free dish, swap the soba noodles for rice noodles. Rice noodles taste great and stay light. For the dressing, use tamari instead of soy sauce. This change keeps the flavor rich without gluten. Always check labels to ensure your ingredients are gluten-free.
Protein Add-Ins
Adding protein makes this salad more filling. You can use grilled chicken for a tasty option. Cook the chicken, slice it, and mix it in. Tofu is another great choice. Use firm tofu, pan-fry it, and add it to the salad. Both options work well with the sesame ginger flavors.
Vegan Alternatives
For a vegan dish, replace honey with maple syrup. This keeps the sweetness without using animal products. You can also add chickpeas for extra protein. They add texture and a nutty flavor. These changes keep your salad vegan and delicious!
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
After you enjoy your Sesame Ginger Noodle Salad, store any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the salad fresh for up to three days. You want to ensure the dressing is well mixed with the noodles and veggies before sealing it. If you separate the dressing, it helps keep the noodles from getting soggy.
Reheating Tips
This salad tastes best cold. If you prefer to reheat it, do so gently. Use a microwave on low power for about 30 seconds. Stir the salad and check the warmth. Be careful not to overheat, as the flavors can change. You can also serve it at room temperature if you like.
Best Practices for Meal Prep
For meal prep, you can prepare the noodles and veggies ahead of time. Store them in separate containers. This way, you can mix them with the dressing when you are ready to eat. The salad stays crisp, and the flavors stay fresh. You can make the dressing up to a week ahead. Just store it in the fridge in a sealed jar.
FAQs
How long can I store Sesame Ginger Noodle Salad?
You can store Sesame Ginger Noodle Salad in the fridge for up to three days. Keep it in an airtight container. The flavors will stay fresh and tasty. However, the vegetables may lose some crunch over time. To keep them crisp, add the dressing just before serving.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dressing ahead of time. In fact, I often do this for convenience. Store it in the fridge for up to one week. The flavors blend well when it sits. Just give it a quick stir before using it on your salad.
What can I serve with Sesame Ginger Noodle Salad?
Sesame Ginger Noodle Salad pairs well with many dishes. You can serve it with grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein. It also goes great with spring rolls or dumplings. If you want a lighter meal, enjoy it on its own. The salad is filling and satisfying.
Can I use other types of noodles for this recipe?
Absolutely! While soba noodles are my favorite, you can use other types. Try rice noodles for a gluten-free option. You can also use whole wheat spaghetti or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb choice. Just remember to adjust cooking times as needed.
This blog post covers all you need for a tasty Sesame Ginger Noodle Salad. We explored the main ingredients, dressing, and options for customization. I provided step-by-step instructions to help you prepare and combine everything. We also shared tips to enhance flavor and suggestions for a nice presentation. You can even find variations for gluten-free, protein-rich, or vegan meals. Storage and reheating tips ensure your salad stays fresh. Enjoy making this dish your own and savor the flavor
Sesame Ginger Noodle Salad
A refreshing and flavorful noodle salad with a sesame ginger dressing.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal
- 8 oz soba noodles
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cucumber julienned cucumber
- 1 bell pepper thinly sliced (red or yellow)
- 1 cup edamame (cooked and shelled)
- 2 green onions thinly sliced
- 1 4 cup toasted sesame seeds
- 1 4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 4 cup sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- to taste salt and pepper
Begin by cooking the soba noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
In the bowl with the soba noodles, add the shredded carrots, julienned cucumber, sliced bell pepper, edamame, and sliced green onions. Toss gently to combine.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, grated ginger, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
Drizzle the dressing over the noodle mixture and toss everything together until evenly coated.
Just before serving, sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds and chopped cilantro on top for added flavor and garnish.
For best results, allow the salad to sit for about 10-15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
For best results, allow the salad to sit for about 10-15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
Keyword gluten-free, noodles, salad, vegan
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