Beat the heat with a bowl of Cold Sesame Noodles, a refreshing and flavorful dish that’s perfect for warm days or quick meals. These Sesame Peanut Noodles feature chewy noodles tossed in a creamy sesame-peanut sauce, topped with crisp veggies for a vibrant, satisfying bite. Ideal for meal prep, picnics, or weeknight dinners, this chilled sesame pasta gets even better as it sits, making it a go-to for make-ahead lunches. Let’s whip up this Cold Sesame Noodles recipe and savor its bold, nutty goodness!
Why You’ll Love Cold Sesame Noodles
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy days.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Flavors deepen after chilling, ideal for meal prep.
- Versatile: Customize with veggies, proteins, or spice for your perfect Asian-inspired noodles.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: Naturally meat-free and easily vegan.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Great for picnics, potlucks, or family meals.
Ingredients for Cold Sesame Noodles
Here’s what you’ll need for this creamy sesame noodles dish (serves 4):
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup (60g) tahini (or sesame paste)
- 2 tbsp smooth peanut butter
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 2 garlic cloves, grated
- 1–2 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2–3 tbsp warm water (to thin sauce)
- ½–1 tsp chili crisp or Sriracha (optional, for heat)
For the Noodles & Toppings:
- 8 oz (225g) noodles (e.g., lo mein, soba, spaghetti, or rice noodles)
- 1 medium cucumber, julienned or sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned or shredded
- 2 scallions, sliced
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- Chopped cilantro or mint (optional)
- Chopped peanuts (optional, for crunch)
Optional Proteins:
- Tofu, shredded chicken, edamame, or tempeh
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Vegetable peeler or julienne slicer
- Large serving bowl
Ingredient Tips
- Noodles: Lo mein or soba are ideal for this Cold Sesame Noodles; spaghetti works for a pantry-friendly chilled sesame pasta.
- Tahini: Stir well before measuring for a smooth creamy sesame noodles sauce.
- Peanut Butter: Use smooth for a pourable Asian-inspired noodles sauce; almond butter is a great swap.
- Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce balances saltiness in this chilled sesame pasta.
- Veggies: Cucumber and carrot add crunch; shredded cabbage works for extra texture in these creamy sesame noodles.
Directions for Cold Sesame Noodles
Let’s make this Cold Sesame Noodles—a perfect Asian-inspired noodles dish!
Cook the Noodles
I bring a medium saucepan of salted water to a boil and cook 8 oz noodles until al dente, following package instructions. I drain, rinse under cold water to prevent sticking, and set aside for this chilled sesame pasta.
Make the Sesame Sauce
In a mixing bowl, I whisk ¼ cup tahini, 2 tbsp peanut butter, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 2 grated garlic cloves, and 1–2 tsp grated ginger. I add 2–3 tbsp warm water gradually, whisking until smooth and pourable, adding ½–1 tsp chili crisp if I want heat for these creamy sesame noodles.
Toss Noodles with Sauce
I add the cooled noodles to the sauce and toss with tongs until evenly coated, ensuring every strand is covered for this Asian-inspired noodles dish.
Add Veggies and Toppings
I stir in 1 julienned cucumber, 1 shredded carrot, and 2 sliced scallions. I sprinkle with 1 tbsp sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, peanuts, or optional proteins like tofu for this chilled sesame pasta.
Chill and Serve
I serve immediately or refrigerate for 1–2 hours to let flavors meld, making this Cold Sesame Noodles even more delicious.
Nutrition
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 1–2 hours (optional)
- Total Time: ~15–30 minutes (without chilling)
- Servings: 4 (1.5 cups per serving)
- Calories: ~400–450 kcal per serving (without proteins)
- Macros per Serving: 45g carbs, 10g protein, 22g fat, 4g fiber
Variations for Cold Sesame Noodles
Try these twists on this chilled sesame pasta:
- Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter, inspired by Layla Cooks’ Cucumber Avocado Salad.
- Spicy Boost: Double the chili crisp or add fresh chili slices for fiery creamy sesame noodles.
- Veggie Swap: Add shredded cabbage or spiralized zucchini, inspired by Layla Cooks’ Chicken Zucchini Pasta Skillet.
- Protein Add-In: Top with crispy chickpeas or grilled shrimp, inspired by Layla Cooks’ Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken.
- Umami Kick: Stir in 1 tsp miso paste for depth, inspired by Layla Cooks’ Mango Coconut Smoothie.
Serving Ideas:
- Pair with Layla Cooks’ Protein Pancake Bowls for a balanced brunch.
- Serve with Layla Cooks’ Pomegranate Margarita for a fun summer meal.
- Enjoy with Layla Cooks’ Pumpkin Spice Matcha Latte for a cozy contrast.
Storage
I store leftover Asian-inspired noodles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days; I add a splash of water or sesame oil before serving if thickened. For meal prep, I keep veggies and sauce separate until mixing. I avoid freezing, as the sauce and noodles may lose texture, affecting this chilled sesame pasta.
Serving Tips
- Presentation: Serve this Cold Sesame Noodles in bowls with chopsticks and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for stunning creamy sesame noodles.
- Garnish: Top with avocado slices or lime wedges for this Asian-inspired noodles dish.
- Pairing: Enjoy with miso soup or Layla Cooks’ Mango Coconut Smoothie for a refreshing meal.
- Portion Size: 1.5 cups per person for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
- Occasions: Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or quick weeknight meals.
FAQs About Cold Sesame Noodles
Here are answers to common questions about this dish:
Can I make it nut-free?
Yes, use tahini only or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free chilled sesame pasta.
Is it vegan?
Yes, use maple syrup instead of honey for vegan creamy sesame noodles.
Can I serve it warm?
Yes, but flavors shine best when chilled for this Asian-inspired noodles dish.
What noodles are best?
Lo mein, soba, or spaghetti work great for this Cold Sesame Noodles recipe.
How do I prevent sticky noodles?
Rinse under cold water and toss with a little sesame oil for smooth chilled sesame pasta.
More Dinner Recipes
- Classic Moussaka: A Hearty, Soul-Warming Treat
- Honey Garlic Salmon Air Fryer
- Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce
Conclusion
Cold Sesame Noodles are a vibrant, refreshing dish that’s quick to make and perfect for any occasion. This creamy sesame noodles recipe is a meal prep star and a picnic favorite. Toss together this Asian-inspired noodles dish, chill, and enjoy a bold, satisfying meal!
Cold Sesame Noodles
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup 60g tahini (or sesame paste)
- 2 tbsp smooth peanut butter
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 2 garlic cloves grated
- 1 –2 tsp fresh ginger grated
- 2 –3 tbsp warm water to thin sauce
- ½ –1 tsp chili crisp or Sriracha optional, for heat
For the Noodles & Toppings:
- 8 oz 225g noodles (e.g., lo mein, soba, spaghetti, or rice noodles)
- 1 medium cucumber julienned or sliced
- 1 medium carrot julienned or shredded
- 2 scallions sliced
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- Chopped cilantro or mint optional
- Chopped peanuts optional, for crunch
Optional Proteins:
- Tofu shredded chicken, edamame, or tempeh
Instructions
Cook the Noodles
- I bring a medium saucepan of salted water to a boil and cook 8 oz noodles until al dente, following package instructions. I drain, rinse under cold water to prevent sticking, and set aside for this chilled sesame pasta.
Make the Sesame Sauce
- In a mixing bowl, I whisk ¼ cup tahini, 2 tbsp peanut butter, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 2 grated garlic cloves, and 1–2 tsp grated ginger. I add 2–3 tbsp warm water gradually, whisking until smooth and pourable, adding ½–1 tsp chili crisp if I want heat for these creamy sesame noodles.
- Toss Noodles with Sauce
- I add the cooled noodles to the sauce and toss with tongs until evenly coated, ensuring every strand is covered for this Asian-inspired noodles dish.
Add Veggies and Toppings
- I stir in 1 julienned cucumber, 1 shredded carrot, and 2 sliced scallions. I sprinkle with 1 tbsp sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, peanuts, or optional proteins like tofu for this chilled sesame pasta.
Chill and Serve
- I serve immediately or refrigerate for 1–2 hours to let flavors meld, making this Cold Sesame Noodles even more delicious.
Notes
- Rinse noodles in cold water after cooking to stop them from sticking
- Toss noodles in a little sesame oil before adding sauce if storing
- Thin sauce gradually to avoid watering it down too much
- Chill the noodles before serving for best flavor and texture
- Dont skip garlic and ginger they provide essential depth
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