Salad > Cold Salads > Noodle Salads

Cold Udon Noodle Salad Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 8 oz udon noodles
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped mint
- 1/4 cup chopped basil
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced

Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Colander
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Cook udon noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic.
3. Add cooked udon noodles, red bell pepper, cucumber, scallions, cilantro, mint, and basil to the mixing bowl. Toss to combine.
4. Top with chopped peanuts and sesame seeds.
5. Serve cold.


Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Temperature:
Serve cold
Serving size:
4 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 300
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 10g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Udon noodles can be substituted with soba noodles or spaghetti.
- Red bell pepper can be substituted with yellow or orange bell pepper.
- Cucumber can be substituted with zucchini or carrot.
- Soy sauce can be substituted with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Rice vinegar can be substituted with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.
- Honey can be substituted with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Sesame oil can be substituted with olive oil or avocado oil.
- Peanuts can be substituted with cashews or almonds.
- Sesame seeds can be substituted with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.

Variations:
- Add cooked shrimp or chicken for extra protein.
- Add sliced avocado for creaminess.
- Add sliced jalapeno for heat.
- Add edamame for extra crunch.

Tips and tricks:
- Rinse cooked udon noodles with cold water to prevent them from sticking together.
- Use a mandoline or vegetable peeler to thinly slice vegetables.
- Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes to enhance their flavor.
- Make the dressing ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to a week.
- Double the recipe for leftovers.

Storage instructions:
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
This recipe is meant to be served cold, but if you prefer it warm, microwave for 30 seconds or heat in a pan over medium heat until warmed through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve in a large bowl or individual bowls. Garnish with extra herbs and peanuts.

Garnishes:
Chopped herbs and peanuts.

Pairings:
This dish pairs well with grilled chicken or fish.

Suggested side dishes:
Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad.

Troubleshooting advice:
If the noodles are too sticky, rinse with cold water until they separate.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to wash all vegetables before slicing and using.

Food history:
Udon noodles originated in Japan and are made from wheat flour.

Flavor profiles:
Salty, sweet, tangy, nutty.

Serving suggestions:
Serve as a light lunch or dinner.

Related Categories

Cooking Method: N/A

Course Type: N/A

Dietary: N/A

Ingredient: N/A

Meal type: N/A

Occassion: N/A

Region: Japanese

Taste: Refreshing, Tangy, Savory, Crisp