Cold Teriyaki Noodle Salad Recipe: Refreshing, Flavorful, and Easy to Make
Cold Teriyaki Noodle Salad Recipe is the perfect blend of refreshing textures, bold flavors, and satisfying umami. It’s a dish that balances sweet, salty, and tangy notes with tender noodles, crisp vegetables, and a rich teriyaki dressing, making it ideal for warm weather meals, potlucks, or a light yet filling lunch. The chilled noodles soak up the savory-sweet dressing, while colorful vegetables add crunch and freshness.
This salad is not only delicious but also versatile and quick to prepare. It’s perfect for meal prepping because it tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld together. From the first bite, the combination of chewy noodles, crisp veggies, and nutty sesame flavor provides a satisfying mix of textures and tastes. Whether you want a quick weekday lunch, a side for grilled meats, or a dish to share at a picnic, cold teriyaki noodle salad delivers flavor, freshness, and convenience in every bowl.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s a full ingredient list with approximate calorie counts for 4 servings:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Approximate Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Rice noodles | 8 oz (225 g) | 640 kcal |
| Carrot, julienned | 1 medium | 25 kcal |
| Cucumber, julienned | 1 medium | 20 kcal |
| Red bell pepper, thinly sliced | 1 medium | 30 kcal |
| Green onions, chopped | 3 stalks | 15 kcal |
| Teriyaki sauce | ½ cup (120 ml) | 100 kcal |
| Soy sauce | 2 tbsp | 20 kcal |
| Rice vinegar | 2 tbsp | 10 kcal |
| Sesame oil | 1 tbsp | 120 kcal |
| Honey | 1 tbsp | 60 kcal |
| Sesame seeds | 1 tsp | 15 kcal |
| Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional) | 2 tbsp | 5 kcal |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions until tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Vegetables
While noodles cook, julienne carrots, cucumber, and red bell pepper. Chop green onions and cilantro.
3. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and honey until smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness or saltiness as needed.
4. Combine Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine noodles, vegetables, and green onions. Pour dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
5. Chill
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Serve
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro just before serving. Enjoy cold for maximum freshness.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or edamame for a complete meal.
- Vegetable Variations: Include snap peas, shredded cabbage, or broccoli florets for added crunch and nutrition.
- Spice it Up: Add a teaspoon of Sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes to the dressing.
- Nutty Flavor: Top with chopped peanuts or cashews for extra texture.
- Make Ahead: This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days, making it ideal for meal prep.
Nutritional Information
Approximate values per serving (4 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 265 kcal |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 50 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 700 mg |
| Vitamin A | 80% DV |
| Vitamin C | 100% DV |
Cold teriyaki noodle salad is light yet satisfying, providing a good balance of carbohydrates, fiber, and vitamins from fresh vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a light main dish for lunch or dinner.
- Pair with grilled meats, tofu, or seafood for a balanced meal.
- Great for picnics, potlucks, or as a side dish for an Asian-inspired spread.
- Garnish with extra cilantro, sesame seeds, or a wedge of lime for freshness.
Cold Teriyaki Noodle Salad: Refreshing, Flavorful, and Easy to Make
4
servings15
minutes5
minutes265
kcalIngredients
8 oz (225 g) rice noodles
1 medium carrot, julienned
1 medium cucumber, julienned
1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
3 green onions, chopped
½ cup (120 ml) teriyaki sauce
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp sesame seeds
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Directions
- Cook the Noodles:
- Boil rice noodles according to package instructions until tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Julienne carrots, cucumber, and red bell pepper. Chop green onions and cilantro.
- Make the Dressing:
- Whisk together teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and honey in a small bowl.
- Combine Salad:
- In a large bowl, toss noodles, vegetables, and green onions with the dressing until evenly coated.
- Chill:
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve:
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy cold.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Noodle Tips: Rinse the rice noodles under cold water after cooking to prevent sticking and to stop the cooking process. This also helps the salad stay chilled and fresh.
Dressing Adjustments: Taste the dressing before tossing. You can add more honey for sweetness, soy sauce for saltiness, or rice vinegar for tanginess according to your preference.
FAQs
1. Can I make cold teriyaki noodle salad ahead of time?
Yes! The salad can be made 1–2 hours ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Chilling allows the noodles to absorb the dressing, enhancing the flavor.
2. Which noodles work best for this salad?
Rice noodles are ideal because they remain tender and absorb the dressing well. You can also use soba noodles, udon, or spaghetti if preferred.
3. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free rice noodles and tamari or gluten-free soy sauce in place of regular soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.
4. How long does this salad keep in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, it stays fresh for up to 2 days. Avoid adding delicate herbs like cilantro until just before serving for best freshness.
5. Can I add protein to make it a complete meal?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or edamame make excellent additions, turning this salad into a filling main dish.
6. How spicy is this salad?
The base recipe is mild. Add sriracha, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of chili oil to give it a spicy kick.
Conclusion
Cold teriyaki noodle salad is a simple, refreshing, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its combination of tender noodles, crisp vegetables, and savory-sweet dressing makes it versatile, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing. Quick to prepare, easy to customize, and perfect for make-ahead meals, this salad brings both nutrition and bold flavor to your table. Whether served as a light lunch, a side dish, or a main meal with added protein, cold teriyaki noodle salad delivers freshness, texture, and deliciousness in every bite.
