Noodle Salad with Sesame Dressing Recipe

Introduction

This refreshing noodle salad with sesame dressing offers a vibrant mix of textures and flavors. It’s a quick, nutritious meal perfect for lunch or a light dinner, featuring crunchy vegetables, citrusy clementines, and nutty cashews.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tsp tamari
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 wholemeal noodle nests (about 100g)
• 160g sugar snap peas
• 4 small clementines, peeled and chopped
• 160g shredded carrots
• Large handful of coriander, chopped
• 50g roasted unsalted cashews

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, mix together the sesame oil, tamari, lemon juice, chopped red chilli, and finely chopped onion to create the dressing.
2. Step 2: Bring a pan of water to a boil and cook the noodles for 5 minutes. Add the sugar snap peas halfway through the cooking time so both the noodles and peas become just tender.
3. Step 3: Drain the noodles and peas, then rinse under cold running water to cool them down. Drain again thoroughly, then snip or cut the noodles into smaller, manageable lengths.
4. Step 4: Add the cooled noodles and sugar snap peas to the bowl with the dressing. Toss in the chopped clementines, shredded carrots, chopped coriander, and roasted cashews.
5. Step 5: Toss everything gently to combine well, then serve immediately in bowls or pack into airtight containers for a convenient packed lunch.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, leave some seeds in the red chilli or add a splash of chilli oil to the dressing.
• Swap tamari for soy sauce if preferred, but choose a low-sodium option to control saltiness.
• Try adding shredded cooked chicken or tofu for extra protein and make it a more substantial meal.
• For extra crunch, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top just before serving.

Storage

Store the noodle salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the salad fresh and crunchy, add the cashews just before serving rather than mixing them in if storing for later. If reheating, warm gently in the microwave but the salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular noodles instead of wholemeal?

Yes, regular noodles work just fine in this recipe. Wholemeal adds extra fiber and a nuttier flavor, but feel free to use your favorite noodle type.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make this noodle salad gluten-free, use gluten-free noodles and tamari labeled gluten-free. Regular tamari and many noodles contain gluten unless specified otherwise.

Noodle Salad with Sesame Dressing Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 92 reviews

• Author: Cleo
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

A vibrant and refreshing noodle salad tossed in a zesty sesame dressing, packed with crisp sugar snap peas, sweet clementines, shredded carrots, fresh coriander, and crunchy roasted cashews. This light, nutritious dish is perfect for a healthy lunch or a flavorful side.

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Ingredients

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Dressing

• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tsp tamari
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped
• 1 small onion, finely chopped

Salad

• 2 wholemeal noodle nests (about 100g)
• 160g sugar snap peas
• 4 small clementines, peeled and chopped
• 160g shredded carrots
• Large handful of coriander, chopped
• 50g roasted unsalted cashews

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Instructions

1. Prepare the dressing: In a large bowl, mix together the sesame oil, tamari, lemon juice, red chilli, and finely chopped onion until well combined.
2. Cook the noodles and peas: Bring a pan of boiling water to a rapid boil. Add the wholemeal noodles and cook for 5 minutes; halfway through the cooking time (around 2.5 minutes), add the sugar snap peas. Both the noodles and peas should be tender but still have a slight bite.
3. Drain and cool: Drain the noodles and peas, then rinse them under cold running water to stop the cooking process and cool them down. Drain thoroughly again.
4. Cut the noodles: Snip or cut the noodles into smaller, manageable lengths to make them easier to eat.
5. Assemble the salad: Tip the cooled noodles and sugar snap peas into the bowl with the dressing. Add the chopped clementines, shredded carrots, chopped coriander, and roasted cashews.
6. Toss and serve: Toss all ingredients together gently to evenly coat with the dressing. Serve immediately in bowls or pack into airtight containers for a healthy packed lunch.

Notes

• Use tamari as a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce if required.
• For extra protein, consider adding grilled chicken or tofu.
• To make it spicier, keep some seeds in the red chilli or add extra chilli flakes.
• This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours in an airtight container.
• Wholemeal noodles provide added fiber and nutrients compared to regular noodles.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Fusion

Keywords: noodle salad, sesame dressing, healthy lunch, sugar snap peas, clementines, wholemeal noodles, roasted cashews, fresh coriander