Cold Sesame Noodle Salad

Name: Cold Sesame Noodle Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 10 oz spaghetti or soba noodles; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (optional); 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 carrot, julienned; 2 green onions, sliced; 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

4 servings15 min prep10 min cookEasy

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The Story Behind It

The Tale of Cold Sesame Noodle Salad

Story updated September 18, 2026

Cold sesame noodles draw on Chinese liangmian, or 'cold noodle,' traditions found across northern China, where noodles are tossed with sesame paste for a refreshing warm-weather dish. The version popular in the US developed largely through American Chinese restaurant menus in the 20th century.

Ingredients

Scale:· 4 servings

10 oz spaghetti or soba noodles
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (optional)
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 carrot, julienned
2 green onions, sliced
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

1Cook the noodles in boiling water according to package directions until tender, then drain and rinse thoroughly under cold water until fully cooled.
2In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, ginger, garlic, and chili garlic sauce if using.
3Add the cooled noodles to the bowl and toss well to coat evenly in the dressing.
4Add the bell pepper and carrot and toss again to combine.
5Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to chill.
6Top with green onions and toasted sesame seeds just before serving.

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