Description
This Summer Cold Sesame Noodle Pasta is a quick, refreshing, and flavorful dish made with tender noodles, crisp veggies, and a creamy sesame-peanut sauce. It’s perfect for hot days, meal prep, or easy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti or soba noodles
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp smooth peanut butter or tahini
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup sliced cucumber
- ½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro or mint for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook noodles according to package instructions. Rinse under cold water, drain, and toss with a little sesame oil to prevent sticking.
- In a bowl, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), peanut butter, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Thin with a splash of warm water if needed.
- Toss the noodles with the sauce until evenly coated.
- Add carrots, cucumber, bell pepper, and green onions. Mix gently.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
- Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
- Swap peanut butter for tahini or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
- Use maple syrup and egg-free noodles for a vegan version.
- Add grilled chicken, tofu, or edamame for extra protein.
- Use rice noodles or gluten-free spaghetti and tamari to make it gluten-free.
- Top with crushed peanuts, sesame sticks, or a squeeze of lime for extra flair.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
