Crunchy Sesame Noodle Salad -

Crunchy Sesame Noodle Salad

Discover the vibrant flavors of Asia with this Crunchy Sesame Noodle Salad! This delightful dish combines tender rice noodles, crisp vegetables, and a savory sesame dressing for a perfect balance of textures and tastes. Easy to prepare and customizable to your preference, this salad is ideal for lunch, dinner, or picnics. Enjoy a healthy, refreshing meal that brings together fresh ingredients and exciting flavors, making it a must-try recipe for any occasion. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

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Ingredients

8 oz rice noodles

1 cup shredded carrots

1 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced

1 cup cucumber, julienned

1 cup edamame, shelled and cooked (frozen is fine)

1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped

1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped

For the Dressing:

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 tbsp sesame oil

1 tbsp rice vinegar

1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (choose maple syrup for a vegan option)

1 clove garlic, finely minced

1 tsp fresh ginger, grated

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

Instructions

Cook the Noodles: Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the rice noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente — typically about 4 to 6 minutes. Once done, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to halt the cooking process. Set aside.

Prepare the Vegetables: While the noodles are cooking, take this time to prepare your vegetables. Use a grater or a food processor to shred the carrots into fine strips. Slice the red bell pepper into thin pieces and julienne the cucumber into matchsticks. If using frozen edamame, heat them in accordance with the package instructions until hot and then shell them.

Make the Dressing: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Whisk the ingredients vigorously until fully combined and the mixture is smooth.

Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked rice noodles, shredded carrots, sliced red bell pepper, julienned cucumber, cooked edamame, chopped green onions, and cilantro. Pour the prepared dressing over the top and carefully toss everything together until all ingredients are well coated with the dressing.

Add Crunch: Just before serving, sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the salad. Give it a gentle toss to distribute the seeds without breaking them.

Serve: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed; consider adding a splash of soy sauce for saltiness or a dash of lime juice for brightness. Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature for best flavor. Enjoy every crunchy bite!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 30 minutes | Serves 4-6