This Asian Noodle Salad Recipe was created by my friend Karlen Poma from Monterrey, California. Karlen works as a private chef, and her dishes are always as beautiful as they are creative. I traded some Eastern Shore Honey for this amazing Asian Noodle Salad recipe. It was a sweet deal.
To achieve the best flavor, it is essential to chill the Cold Asian Noodle Salad before serving. Refrigerating the salad allows the flavors to meld together and ensures the noodles are cold, which is a defining characteristic of the dish.
Introduction to Asian Noodle Salad
Asian Noodle Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines the best of Asian cuisine with the convenience of a cold salad. This popular recipe is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a quick and easy meal. With its colorful vegetables, savory dressing, and satisfying crunch, Asian Noodle Salad is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a favorite. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a side dish to complement your dinner, this noodle salad offers a delightful blend of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients and Preparation
To make Asian Noodle Salad, you’ll need a variety of ingredients, including ramen noodles (or any kind of noodles), vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, and green onions, and a savory dressing made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. You can customize the recipe to your taste by adding protein sources like shredded chicken or tofu, or by using different types of noodles, such as soba or egg noodles. The combination of these fresh ingredients creates a vibrant and delicious dish that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
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How to make Asian Noodle Salad
It’s always about the quality of ingredients you use that make the difference in your meals’ deliciousness. We encourage you to use all organic and fresh-picked ingredients from the market whenever possible. For this noodle salad recipe, you will need the following:
- Dijon mustard
- Bee Inspired Honey
- Fresh-picked mint
- Rice vinegar
- Rice wine vinegar
- pepper
- salt
- soy sauce
- olive oil
- sesame oil
- sesame seeds
- chicken thighs
- fresh pasta of your choice
This is a straightforward recipe to put together. Follow these three steps, which won’t take more than an hour after work.
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One: Cook the noodles.
Cook pasta al dente, rinse/drain with cold water, and set aside in a big bowl.
Two: Mix the soy sauce
Mix mustard, honey, mint, vinegar(s), salt and pepper, and soy sauce. Add olive oil slowly while whisking, and add sesame oil. Pour half of the sauce over the noodles and toss with your hands to create a noodle mixture with the vegetables and dressing. Top with sesame seeds.
Three: Marinate and grill the chicken
Marinate chicken thighs with the balance of the marinade and grill. Serve grilled chicken on top of noodle salad.
Assembling the Salad
To assemble the salad, start by cooking the noodles according to the package instructions. While the noodles are cooking, prepare the vegetables by slicing them thinly and chopping the green onions. In a large bowl, combine the cooked noodles, vegetables, and dressing, and toss to coat. You can also add protein sources like shredded chicken or tofu to the salad if desired. This step ensures that every bite is packed with flavor and texture, making the salad a delightful experience.
Adapting our Asian Noodle Salad Recipe made with Honey
Modify this dish in any number of ways to suit your taste. Change up the protein if the chicken isn't your thing. This recipe would be delicious with grilled rockfish, or consider serving this as a side dish to another Asian-inspired main course.
Adding Vegetables to Your Asian Noodle Salad
Enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your Asian Noodle Salad by incorporating a variety of fresh vegetables. These colorful veggies not only add a delightful crunch but also infuse the dish with essential vitamins and minerals. Here are some fantastic options to consider:
- Bell Peppers: Red, yellow, or green bell peppers bring a sweet and crisp element to the salad. Thinly slice them for a pop of color and a boost of vitamin C.
- Carrots: Julienne or grate carrots to add a vibrant orange hue and a touch of sweetness. They're rich in beta-carotene, promoting good eye health.
- Green Onions: Also known as scallions, these add a mild onion flavor and a refreshing green color. Chop them finely for a subtle garnish.
- Red Cabbage: Thinly sliced red cabbage provides a crunchy texture and a beautiful purple color. It's packed with antioxidants and fiber.
- Snap Peas: These sweet and crunchy peas are perfect for adding a fresh, green element to the salad. They are also a good source of vitamin K.
- Snow Peas: Similar to snap peas, snow peas offer a delicate crunch and a slightly sweet flavor. They pair well with the savory dressing.
- Broccoli Slaw: For an easy addition, use pre-packaged broccoli slaw. It adds a variety of textures and is rich in vitamins C and K.
- Bean Sprouts: These sprouts add a crisp, fresh element to the salad. They're low in calories and high in nutrients, making them a healthy choice.
- Baby Spinach: Toss in some fresh baby spinach leaves for added nutrition and a hint of earthy flavor. They're rich in iron and calcium.
- Napa Cabbage: This mildly flavored cabbage adds a tender crunch and is a great source of vitamin C and folate.
Mix and match these vegetables to create a personalized and nutritious Asian Noodle Salad that suits your taste preferences. Enjoy the vibrant colors and diverse flavors that these fresh ingredients bring to the dish, making it not only delicious but also visually appealing.
Black Locust Honey tasted delicious in this recipe. Feel free to experiment with different types of honey!
Making Asian Noodle Salad Gluten Free
Transforming this Asian Noodle Salad into a gluten-free delight is simple and delicious. Start by selecting gluten-free noodles, such as rice noodles or gluten-free soba noodles, which are perfect substitutes for traditional ramen or egg noodles. These alternatives provide the same delightful texture while keeping the dish gluten-free.
Next, ensure that all other ingredients, like soy sauce, are certified gluten-free. Many soy sauces contain wheat, but tamari sauce is a great gluten-free option that offers the same savory flavor. Additionally, check that any pre-packaged ingredients, such as sesame oil or rice vinegar, are labeled gluten-free.
For the dressing, combine gluten-free soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and your choice of sweetener like honey, ensuring all components are free from gluten. Mix these with fresh vegetables, shredded chicken, and your gluten-free noodles for a vibrant and satisfying salad.
This gluten-free version of Asian Noodle Salad retains all the rich flavors and textures of the original, making it a perfect choice for those with dietary restrictions without compromising on taste.
Storage and Leftovers
Asian Noodle Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To store the salad, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to serve. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep or for having a quick, healthy meal on hand. You can also customize the salad to your taste by adding different ingredients or using different types of noodles, ensuring that it remains a versatile and enjoyable dish.
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Related Recipes
If you enjoy Asian Noodle Salad, you may also like other recipes that feature Asian-inspired flavors and ingredients. Some related recipes include:
- Asian Salad Dressing: a savory and slightly sweet dressing made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
- Sesame Ginger Dressing: a creamy and flavorful dressing made with tahini, soy sauce, and ginger.
- Ramen Noodle Salad: a variation of Asian Noodle Salad that uses ramen noodles instead of soba or egg noodles.
- Shredded Chicken Salad: a protein-packed salad made with shredded chicken, vegetables, and a savory dressing.
These recipes offer a range of flavors and textures that complement the Asian Noodle Salad, providing you with even more delicious options to explore.
We always encourage you to play with your food! Here are some ideas on how to modify this fantastic recipe:
- Julienne some carrots, scallions, red pepper, green pepper, snow peas, bean sprouts, or any of your favorite veggies in season, stir in a little extra oil mixture, and toss them in!
- Add salted peanuts or cashews to the mix.
- Swap out your favorite protein; instead of chicken, try seared blackened rare tuna or salmon, or try these noodles with grilled shrimp.
- Sprinkle fresh chopped green onion or sesame seeds on top.
This is delicious with all the extras or by itself.
Do you have recipes with honey to share with us? We would love to share your favorite recipes with honey with our friends here at the Honey House. We are always happy to exchange a jar of honey for recipes that do well in our test kitchen. Please share this opportunity with your friends and family!