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Quick Crunchy Sesame Noodle Salad with Edamame in 20 Minutes

quick crunchy sesame noodle salad with edamame - featured image

A quick and easy noodle salad with chewy ramen or soba noodles, creamy edamame, crunchy vegetables, and a nutty sesame dressing. Ready in 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces dried ramen noodles or soba noodles
  • 1 ½ cups frozen shelled edamame, thawed
  • 1 large English cucumber, julienned
  • 1 large carrot, peeled and julienned
  • 4 scallions, sliced thinly on the diagonal
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (unseasoned)
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
  • ¼ cup chopped roasted peanuts or cashews

Instructions

  1. Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Set aside.
  2. Cook the noodles according to package directions until tender but still with a bite. Drain and rinse under cold water. Drain well.
  3. Thaw the edamame by covering with hot water for 2-3 minutes or microwaving for 60 seconds. Drain.
  4. Prepare the vegetables: julienne the cucumber and carrot, slice the scallions, and pick the cilantro leaves.
  5. Make the dressing: whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, maple syrup, ginger, garlic, and sriracha (if using) until emulsified.
  6. In a large bowl, combine the cooled noodles, edamame, and prepared vegetables. Pour the dressing over and toss until well coated.
  7. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds and chopped peanuts over the top. Toss gently or leave as garnish.
  8. Serve immediately at room temperature or chilled. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Notes

For gluten-free, use tamari and 100% buckwheat soba noodles or rice noodles. To keep cucumbers from getting watery, pat them dry with paper towels after cutting. The salad tastes even better the next day as flavors meld. Add crunchy toppings just before serving to maintain texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: noodle salad, sesame, edamame, quick, easy, vegetarian, meal prep, summer salad