Hot Noodle Salad
A flavorful cold noodle salad featuring crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and a tangy vinaigrette, perfect for light lunches or summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook noodles in boiling water for 7 to 9 minutes or until tender.
- Drain well.
- Cook bacon slices until crispy, then crumble or chop.
- In a saucepan, combine water, vinegar, sugar, flour, salt, and dry mustard. Cook over medium heat, stirring until mixture thickens.
- Add chopped onion and chopped celery to the sauce and cook briefly.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked noodles, bacon, vegetables, and parsley.
- Pour the warm sauce over the noodle mixture and toss to combine.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, try adding some minced garlic or ginger to the sauce. You can substitute the bacon with turkey bacon or omit it for a vegetarian version. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Using whole grain noodles can add more nutrition to the dish, making it a healthier option without sacrificing taste.
Serving Suggestions
This hot noodle salad is perfect as a light main dish or a side. It pairs beautifully with Barbecue Meats or can be served alongside a fresh garden salad. For added texture, consider garnishing with toasted nuts or seeds. It also makes a great picnic dish, served at room temperature.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover hot noodle salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy, you can serve it cold or reheat it gently in the microwave. If reheating, add a splash of water to prevent it from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Noodle Salad contains roughly 270 calories, with 13g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (56% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value), and protein (25% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2022mg per serving (88% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of noodle?
Absolutely! While medium noodles work well, you can substitute with rice noodles, soba, or whole wheat pasta. Each will give a unique texture and flavor to the dish, so feel free to experiment with what you have on hand.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this noodle salad is great for meal prep! Just prepare the components separately and combine them when you’re ready to eat. This will keep the noodles from becoming soggy and maintain the freshness of the vegetables.
How can I make this dish vegan?
To make this hot noodle salad vegan, simply omit the bacon and replace it with smoked tofu or tempeh for a similar flavor. Ensure that the other ingredients, like the sauces, are also vegan-friendly. It will still be delicious and satisfying!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).