This Asian Noodle Salad is sure to be a hit. Everyone loves it and the mix of textures and colors makes it so pretty.
This summer we hosted a garden party for the ladies from church. We have had beautiful weather all summer and wouldn’t you know it, it rained on the day of the party. Fortunately it turned into more of a light mist so we were still able to sit outside in our coats and with our blankets! Everyone is asked to bring a salad or a dessert to the party. I don’t know about you, but I have gotten some of my favorite recipes from potluck events.
I love to see the variety of food that shows up and then being able to taste a little bit of everything. Of course, for me, any dish I take needs to be two things, pretty and delicious. I decided to make this Asian noodle salad because it was both pretty and delicious and it makes a lot so it’s good for a crowd.
You are truly eating the rainbow when you enjoy this salad. So many amazing colors, flavors and textures all in one place!! I love how easy this salad is to make and prep ahead of time and then just combine everything and add dressing right before serving.
How to Make Asian Noodle Salad
Clean and cut up veggies. This can be done the night before or the morning of. Just store all your cut up veggies in an air tight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and prevent them from drying out.
Cook your noodles. I often cook my noodles ahead of time too. I like to cook them al dente, so they are not too soft. After cooking them I rinse them with water to remove any starch and then drain them. I like the noodles to be chilled for this salad so I always do this part ahead of time. After cooking the noodles I will place them in some kind of air tight container and add just a little bit of olive oil and toss them to coat. Adding the oil helps prevent the noodles from sticking together in one big lump. If they do stick together a bit, just run them under some water right before serving to loosen them up.
Make your salad dressing. This salad dressing will last for 2-3 days in the refrigerator without the cilantro, so you can prepare it ahead. Just add the chopped cilantro right before serving. The salad dressing is a delicious combination of lots of great flavors including, cilantro, sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, jalapeno and sugar. Keep the dressing refrigerated until ready to use.
There is a bit of chopping involved with this recipe but it is worth the effort and it can easily be done ahead of time, even the night before. This recipe makes a TON so be sure and have a lot of mouths to feed. If you want to add some protein to this salad, some shredded chicken works great.
All you have to do right before serving is combine all the ingredients in a large bowl, remember, it makes a lot so grab a big bowl. Then just add your dressing and toss to coat.
Not only is it delicious but it is so pretty too. Your guests will be oohing and aahing over it!
Other favorite salads:
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Asian Noodle Salad Recipe
Asian Noodle Salad
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb linguine noodles cooked, rinsed, and cooled
- 3/4 lb Napa cabbage sliced thin
- 3/4 lb purple cabbage sliced thin
- 12 oz baby spinach
- 1 red bell pepper sliced thin
- 1 yellow bell pepper sliced thin
- 1 orange bell pepper sliced thin (if available)
- 1 small bag bean sprouts also called “mung bean sprouts”
- 3 green onions sliced
- 3 cucumbers sliced and peeled
- 1/2 cup cilantro chopped
- 1 cup cashews roasted
Dressing:
- Juice of 1 lime
- 8 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 6 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 3 Tbsp fresh ginger chopped
- 2 cloves chopped garlic
- 2 hot peppers or jalapenos chopped
- 1/2 cup cilantro chopped
Instructions
- Mix together salad ingredients
- Whisk together dressing ingredients and pour over salad
- Mix with tongs or hands and serve on platter
- *Dressing keeps up to three days before serving, WITHOUT cilantro
Notes
Nutrition
Originally posted September 2008
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I made this salad last night for my book club. It was a big hit. I added chicken which I marinated in Yoshida’s, orange juice, and chinese 5 spice. I also topped with fried wontons and carmelized sesame almonds. Thank you for yet another tried and true recipe. Can’t wait to make it again!
I am curious, what does Heather have in her green boxes on the wall? Where does she purchase them? I loved all three rooms and ideas. Amazing! Something to plan in a few years when the bedrooms start opening up.
Is Heather available for hire to come and organize my life?
I abolutely LOVE this salad. I try to make it at least once a month and find myself actually craving it. Thanks so much for recomending pioneer woman. I found her site through you ( I don’t remember how I found your site)and it has become one of my favorites.
Thanks for the inspiration on the craft room. WOW. We’ll be excited to your transformation. THANKS for the yummy recipe too!!!!!
Um, my craft room is a severe disappointment by comparison. But I have made that very salad and it is delicious!