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Cold Sesame Noodle Salad with Edamame

Elina James
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Salads
Servings 4 servings
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • For the Salad:
  • 8 oz (225 g) soba noodles or spaghetti noodles
  • 1 cup edamame beans, cooked and shelled
  • 1 medium carrot, julienned
  • 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced or spiralized
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 2 green onions, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro or mint leaves, chopped (optional)
  • For the Sesame Dressing:
  • 3 tablespoons tahini or peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice (or lemon juice)
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1–2 tablespoons warm water (to thin the sauce)
  • ½ teaspoon chili flakes or chili oil (optional for heat)

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Cook the Noodles : Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add noodles and cook according to package instructions (usually 5–7 minutes). Drain immediately and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and remove excess starch. Toss with a drizzle of sesame oil to prevent sticking.
  • Step 2: Cook the Edamame : Boil or steam the edamame beans for 3–4 minutes until tender. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
  • Step 3: Make the Sesame Dressing : In a bowl, whisk together tahini, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, lime juice, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes. Add warm water gradually to thin the dressing until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the flavor — add more soy for saltiness, honey for sweetness, or lime juice for tang.
  • Step 4: Assemble the Salad : In a large mixing bowl, combine noodles, edamame, carrots, cucumber, and bell pepper. Pour the sesame dressing over the salad. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  • Step 5: Garnish and Chill : Sprinkle with sesame seeds, green onions, and cilantro. Chill in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes before serving for best flavor.