Cold Asian Noodle Salad

Flavorful Asian salads and noodle dishes

Don't you just love Asian noodle dishes and all the fresh flavors that come with it? The refreshing cold pasta salads and hearty noodle bowls are always the first things I look for when dining out, so making them at home seemed like a no-brainer. They're easy to make and the perfect dishes for any time of year.

Favorites I love include this spicy Nam Sod (Thai Pork Salad), this easy Asian Chicken Noodle Bowl made with rotisserie chicken, and this Thai Beef Salad made with ground beef.

What makes this cold noodle salad so great

If you're looking for a refreshing, flavorful dish that's light yet satisfying, this easy Asian Noodle Salad is exactly what you need! Perfect for warm weather, meal prep, or a quick delicious meal, this noodle salad is packed with crunchy vegetables, tossed in a savory sesame dressing, and absolutely bursting with flavor.

It's cool, crunchy, and full of that irresistible umami goodness. Whether you're making it for lunch, dinner, or a potluck, it's guaranteed to be a hit!

Why this is the best cold Asian noodle salad recipe

This dish checks all the boxes for a perfect meal. It's simple to make, full of fresh ingredients, and totally customizable. Here's why you'll love it:

Easy to Make - Cook the noodles, chop some veggies, shake up the dressing, and toss it all together. That's it!

Great for Summer - No heavy sauces or hot ingredients-just a light, refreshing meal that's perfect for warm days.

Perfect for Meal Prep - Make it ahead of time for an easy grab-and-go lunch or a quick weeknight dinner. The flavors get even better as they sit!

Homemade Dressing - Forget store-bought! This dressing is a perfect balance of savory, tangy, nutty, and slightly sweet flavors.

Easy to Customize - Swap the veggies, change up the noodles, or add some protein. This recipe is endlessly adaptable to fit your taste!

Ingredients

This salad is made with fresh, simple ingredients that come together for a delicious burst of flavor! Here's what you'll need:

For the Asian dressing:

• Soy Sauce - The base of the dressing, adding savory umami flavor.
• Rice Wine Vinegar - Gives the dressing a light, tangy kick.
• Olive Oil - Helps coat the noodles and balance out the flavors.
• Tahini (or Peanut Butter) - Adds a creamy, nutty richness to the dressing.
• Toasted Sesame Oil - Just a little goes a long way in adding a deep, toasty sesame flavor.
• Brown Sugar - A touch of sweetness to balance the salty and tangy flavors.
• Ground Ginger & Garlic Powder - Adds warmth and a subtle spice without overpowering the dressing.
• Salt & Black Pepper - Enhances all the other flavors and gives a little kick.

For the noodle salad:

• Vermicelli Noodles - Thin, light, and perfect for soaking up all the delicious dressing.
• Olive Oil - Helps prevent the noodles from sticking together.
• Snow Peas - Adds a crisp crunch and a touch of sweetness.
• Carrots - Julienned carrots are a fresh, colorful, and slightly sweet addition that add texture to the salad.
• Red Bell Pepper - Sweet, juicy, and full of flavor.
• Green Onions - Mildly sharp with a fresh bite, they give the salad a little extra zing.
• Sesame Seeds - A nutty garnish that adds a final pop of flavor.

How to make cold noodle salad

This salad is so easy to make, you'll be wondering why you haven't made it sooner! Here's what to do:

1. Mix all Asian dressing ingredients in a mason jar and shake well. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
2. To make the salad, place all salad ingredients, including cold noodles, in a large bowl.
3. Pour dressing over all.

4. Toss well and place in the refrigerator to chill until ready to serve. Serve this cold sesame noodle salad as a vegetarian main dish for lunch, add protein for a light dinner, or serve as a delicious side dish to your favorite Asian dishes.

Recipe tips for success

Rinse the Noodles - After cooking, rinse the noodles with cold water to stop them from cooking further and keep them from becoming mushy.

Make it Ahead - The best part about prepping in advance is the flavors get even better after sitting for a few hours or until the next day!

Adjust the Dressing - Like it tangier? Add more rice vinegar. Want it creamier? Add extra tahini or creamy peanut butter. More umami? An extra splash of soy sauce!

Chop Veggies Evenly - Cutting everything into thin, uniform pieces ensures that every bite is balanced and flavorful.

Recipe variations to make it your own

Want to mix things up? Here are some tasty ways to customize your salad:

• Vegetables - Add crunchy veggies like broccoli, shredded red cabbage, edamame, snap peas, or cucumbers for some extra crunch and freshness. You can also opt for a packaged broccoli slaw.
• Meat or Tofu - Toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, crab, or even tofu for added protein.
• Nuts - Sprinkle in chopped peanuts or cashews for a nutty crunch.
• Different Noodles - Swap vermicelli for glass or ramen noodles, soba, udon, or even rice noodles.
• Pasta Salad Twist - Use short pasta like bowtie, orecchiette, or rotini for a fusion-style dish.
• Alternate Dressings - Try a sesame dressing or a creamy peanut sauce for a different spin.
• Make it Spicy - Add sriracha, red pepper flakes, or chili oil for a spicy kick!

Make ahead and meal prep

This noodle salad is perfect for meal prep and busy days. If you're planning to make it ahead, cook the noodles and chop the veggies in advance. Store them separately in the fridge until ready to serve.

The dressing can be made days in advance, just give it a good shake before pouring it over the salad.

If you're packing it for lunch, store the dressing separately and mix it in just before eating to keep everything fresh and crisp.

What to serve it with

This Asian cold noodle salad is versatile enough to be a refreshing main dish or a flavorful side dish. If you're serving it as a side, here are some great options to pair it with:

• Grilled Chicken - A simple grilled chicken breast or teriyaki chicken adds protein while letting the fresh flavors of the salad shine.
• Steak - Thinly sliced steak, especially with an Asian-inspired marinade, makes for a hearty and delicious pairing.
• Seafood - Grilled ahi tuna, or grilled salmon turns this into a protein-packed meal.
• Shrimp - Chilled or grilled shrimp is a fantastic match with the sesame dressing and crisp veggies.
• Tofu or Tempeh - For a vegan option, crispy tofu or marinated tempeh makes a great addition.
• Dumplings or Spring Rolls - Serve alongside some steamed dumplings, vegetable egg rolls, or fresh spring rolls for a complete meal.
• Miso Soup - A warm bowl of miso soup is a great way to round out this refreshing, cold salad.

No matter how you serve it, this cold noodle salad recipe is a winner!

How to store leftovers and how long they last

If you have leftovers, keep them stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The noodles will absorb the dressing over time, so if they seem a little dry, just add a splash of soy sauce or sesame oil before serving.

If possible, keep any added proteins like shrimp or chicken stored separately to maintain the best texture.

The dressing itself will stay fresh for about a week in the fridge, making it easy to whip up a fresh batch of salad anytime!