Description
Cold Sesame Noodle Bowls are a refreshing and flavorful dish featuring chilled noodles coated in a creamy sesame dressing, topped with crisp fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs. This light and satisfying meal is perfect for warm weather, meal prepping, or a quick, healthy dinner option.
Ingredients
Noodles and Vegetables
- 8 oz spaghetti, ramen, or rice noodles
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup cucumber, julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
Sesame Dressing
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2–3 tablespoons warm water
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and chill them.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, grated fresh ginger, and minced garlic until smooth. Gradually add 2 to 3 tablespoons of warm water to thin the dressing to your desired consistency.
- Toss Noodles with Dressing: Place the chilled noodles in a large mixing bowl, pour the sesame dressing over them, and toss well to coat evenly.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the dressed noodles into serving bowls. Top each bowl with shredded carrots, julienned cucumber, thinly sliced red bell pepper, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Serve: Serve the noodle bowls chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing meal.
Notes
- Add grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or edamame for an extra protein boost.
- For meal prep, store the dressing separately and toss with noodles just before serving to keep noodles fresh.
- Use almond butter or sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter as a peanut-free alternative.
- To make the recipe vegan, substitute honey with maple syrup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
