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- 8 oz rice noodles - 1 cup shredded carrots - 1 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced - 1 cucumber, julienned - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 3 green onions, chopped - 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped - 1/4 cup sesame seeds (toasted) - 1/4 cup roasted peanuts (chopped) In this salad, rice noodles shine as a soft base. They soak up flavors well. Fresh vegetables add crunch and color. Shredded carrots bring sweetness, while red cabbage offers a slight bite. The cucumber cools the dish, and red bell pepper adds brightness. Green onions and cilantro provide a fresh taste. - 3 tablespoons sesame oil - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium) - 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup - 1 tablespoon lime juice - Salt and pepper to taste The dressing is where the magic happens. Sesame oil gives a nutty flavor. Soy sauce adds saltiness, enhancing all the tastes. Fresh ginger brings warmth and zing. Honey or maple syrup sweetens the blend, while lime juice adds a fresh twist. Adjust salt and pepper for your preference. - Additional vegetables - Protein options Feel free to customize your salad! You can add more vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas. For protein, try grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. These add-ins make this salad even heartier. You can enjoy it as a meal or a side dish. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. To start, cook 8 oz of rice noodles according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. You want them soft but not mushy. Once cooked, drain them in a colander. Rinse the noodles under cold water. This stops the cooking and cools them down quickly. Set the noodles aside while you prepare the veggies. Next, grab your fresh vegetables. You will need 1 cup of shredded carrots, 1 cup of thinly sliced red cabbage, 1 julienned cucumber, and 1 sliced red bell pepper. Chop 3 green onions and 1/4 cup of cilantro. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. In a large bowl, mix all the veggies together until they look colorful and vibrant. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of sesame oil and 2 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce. Add 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger, 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup, and 1 tablespoon of lime juice. Mix well until all the ingredients come together. Taste the dressing and adjust with salt and pepper if needed. Now, it’s time to combine. Add the cooled rice noodles to the bowl with the fresh vegetables. Pour the dressing over the top. Gently toss everything together. Make sure every noodle and veggie gets coated in that tasty dressing. For added crunch, sprinkle 1/4 cup of toasted sesame seeds and 1/4 cup of chopped roasted peanuts on top. Toss one last time to mix in the garnishes. Enjoy your refreshing Sesame Ginger Noodle Salad! You can find the Full Recipe for detailed steps. Using cold noodles makes the salad refreshing. Rinse the cooked rice noodles under cold water. This stops the cooking and keeps them firm. The crunch of your veggies matters too. Use fresh carrots, red cabbage, cucumber, and bell pepper. Slice them thin for a nice bite. Keep them crisp by adding them just before serving. Want to spice things up? Add some red pepper flakes or sriracha for heat. A splash of rice vinegar can brighten the flavors too. If you have leftover dressing, use it on other salads or as a dip. It’s great with fresh veggies or even grilled meats. Presentation is key to impressing guests. Serve the salad in a large bamboo bowl. Garnish with extra sesame seeds and cilantro. Use chopsticks for a fun, authentic experience. Pair it with grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal. This salad also goes well with crispy spring rolls or wontons. {{image_2}} You can easily make this salad fit your needs. For gluten-free options, use rice noodles. They are naturally gluten-free and work perfectly in this dish. If you want a vegan adaptation, swap honey for maple syrup. This small change keeps the flavors bright and sweet without animal products. Feel free to get creative with the veggies. Instead of red cabbage, try adding kale or spinach for a twist. You can also mix in bell peppers of different colors for a vibrant look. If you're out of rice noodles, use soba noodles or even zucchini noodles for a fun texture. This dish shines with Asian-inspired twists. Add a splash of sesame dressing or a sprinkle of seaweed for extra flavor. For fusion ideas, consider topping it with grilled chicken or shrimp. You can even toss in some avocado for a creamy finish. This versatility makes the salad a delight for any meal. To keep your sesame ginger noodle salad fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers both work well. Store the salad in the fridge right after serving. You can enjoy it for up to three days. After that, the noodles and veggies may lose their crispness. If you have leftover noodles, reheat them gently. Use a microwave or a pan on low heat. Add a splash of water to the noodles to keep them moist. For the veggies, avoid reheating if possible. They taste best cold and crunchy. If you must, heat them briefly to keep their texture intact. Prepping this salad in advance is simple. Cook the rice noodles and chop the veggies ahead of time. Store each part separately. When you're ready to eat, just toss everything together. This makes for a quick meal during busy days. You can also make a larger batch of the dressing to save time. To make your Sesame Ginger Noodle Salad vegan, swap honey for maple syrup. This adds sweetness without animal products. You can also use soy yogurt instead of any dairy. This keeps the salad creamy and delicious while staying plant-based. Yes, you can! Here are some options: - Soba noodles: These are made from buckwheat and add a nutty flavor. - Udon noodles: Thick and chewy, they bring great texture. - Zucchini noodles: A low-carb option that adds freshness. Just make sure to cook them according to their package directions for the best results. You can add many tasty toppings and proteins: - Grilled chicken or shrimp: These add a nice protein boost. - Tofu: This is a great plant-based protein option. - Avocado: It gives creaminess and healthy fats. - Chili flakes: For a spicy kick, sprinkle these on top. Feel free to mix and match to suit your taste! For the full recipe, check the section above. In this blog, we explored making a tasty Sesame Ginger Noodle Salad. We covered the main ingredients like rice noodles, fresh veggies, and herbs. We walked through step-by-step instructions for cooking, prepping, and dressing. I shared tips to perfect the texture and flavor. We also looked at variations for different diets and storage tips. Enjoy making your salad and try new ingredient swaps. Each bite can be a fresh surprise.

Sesame Ginger Noodle Salad

Discover the fresh flavors of Sesame Ginger Noodle Salad with this easy and delicious recipe! Packed with colorful veggies, tender rice noodles, and a zesty sesame dressing, it's perfect for any occasion. Learn how to whip up this vibrant salad in just 30 minutes and impress your friends and family.
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Ingredients
  

8 oz rice noodles

1 cup shredded carrots

1 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced

1 cucumber, julienned

1 red bell pepper, sliced

3 green onions, chopped

1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

1/4 cup sesame seeds (toasted)

1/4 cup roasted peanuts (chopped)

Dressing:

3 tablespoons sesame oil

2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)

1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger

1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

1 tablespoon lime juice

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Begin by cooking the rice noodles according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded carrots, sliced red cabbage, julienned cucumber, sliced red bell pepper, chopped green onions, and cilantro. Toss the vegetables together until evenly mixed.

      In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, grated ginger, honey (or maple syrup), and lime juice until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

        Add the cooked rice noodles to the bowl with the vegetables and pour the dressing over the top. Gently toss everything together until the noodles and veggies are well coated with the dressing.

          Finally, sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds and chopped roasted peanuts over the salad, tossing gently once more to distribute.

            Serve immediately or allow to chill in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

              Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a large bamboo bowl, garnishing with additional sesame seeds and chopped cilantro for an extra pop of color. Use chopsticks for an authentic touch!