Sesame Noodle Salad Recipe – Cold, Easy & Ready in 15 Minutes
Quick Answer
This cold sesame noodle salad is ready in 15 minutes: cook spaghetti or soba noodles, toss with a sauce of toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, and chili. Top with cucumber, scallions, and sesame seeds.
By Sarah Mitchell • June 14, 2026
Cold soba noodles tossed in a nutty sesame-soy dressing with crunchy vegetables and toasted sesame seeds.
About This Recipe
"Sesame Noodle Salad Recipe – Cold, Easy & Ready in 15 Minutes" is a Lunch recipe that brings soba noodles, sesame paste/tahini, soy sauce, rice vinegar and cucumber, julienned together into a flavorful, well-balanced dish. Rated Easy and ready in about 25 minutes, this recipe fits easily into a busy schedule. It serves 2 and works equally well for a weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal. The Japanese inspiration behind this dish balances classic techniques with clean, vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
- 200 g soba noodles
- 3 tbsp sesame paste/tahini
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 cucumber, julienned
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- 1
Cook noodles, rinse under cold water.
- 2
Whisk sesame paste, soy sauce, vinegar, and a splash of water.
- 3
Toss noodles with dressing, cucumber, carrot. Top with sesame seeds.
Expert Tips
For the best result, use the freshest, highest-quality ingredients you can find. Soba noodles is the heart of this dish, so choose it with care. Read the recipe through before you start and prep all ingredients in advance (mise en place) so the cooking process is smooth. Stovetop work especially well for this preparation. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and acid at the end to make the flavors pop.
What To Serve With This
"Sesame Noodle Salad Recipe – Cold, Easy & Ready in 15 Minutes" is a versatile Lunch dish that pairs beautifully with a simple side salad, buttered green beans, roasted potatoes and classic Japanese sides. Choose at least one fresh and one hearty side to create a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Sesame Noodle Salad Recipe – Cold, Easy & Ready in 15 Minutes stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days. Let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating before sealing the container. Reheat gently until warmed through, adding a small splash of liquid if needed to restore the original texture.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you make sesame noodle salad ahead?
Yes — it's actually better the next day! The noodles absorb the sauce and develop deeper flavor. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If the noodles get sticky, toss with a splash of sesame oil before serving.
What noodles work best for sesame salad?
Soba (buckwheat) noodles are the most traditional choice. Regular spaghetti, lo mein noodles, or rice noodles all work great too. The key is cooking until al dente and rinsing under cold water immediately to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
Is sesame noodle salad served hot or cold?
It's traditionally served cold or at room temperature, making it perfect for summer meals, picnics, and meal prep. You can serve it warm too — just toss freshly cooked noodles with the sauce — but the cold version is the classic.
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