Ken'S Cold Noodle Salad
A refreshing cold noodle salad with soy, sesame, and tarragon vinegar, perfect for light meals or summer gatherings, offering a balance of savory and tangy flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook noodles in 4 quarts boiling water until tender; drain and cool.
- Mix soy sauce, sesame oil, tarragon vinegar, sugar, minced garlic, peanut oil, and scallions well.
- Toss the cooled noodles with the dressing mixture.
- Chill the salad before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using whole wheat egg noodles or substituting rice noodles. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch. If you prefer a spicier kick, try incorporating a dash of sriracha or chili oil into the dressing. This dish is great for meal prep as it tastes even better after marinating in the fridge for a few hours.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cold noodle salad as a refreshing side dish during summer barbecues or as a light main dish. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or seafood. For a vegetarian option, consider serving it alongside Czeck Potato Dumplings or a fresh garden salad. Garnish with additional scallions or sesame seeds for an appealing presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To refresh the noodles before serving, you can toss them with a little sesame oil or peanut oil to prevent sticking. If you prefer a warm dish, gently reheat in the microwave for short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even warming.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ken'S Cold Noodle Salad contains roughly 172 calories, with 3g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 543mg per serving (24% 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 make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this cold noodle salad can be made a day in advance. Simply prepare the dressing and noodles, toss them together, and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just give it a good stir before serving and add a splash of soy sauce or sesame oil if it seems dry.
What can I add to make it more filling?
To make this salad more filling, consider adding protein such as shredded chicken, tofu, or edamame. You can also incorporate sliced avocado or nuts for added texture and richness. This enhances the nutritional value while still keeping it light and refreshing.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Traditional egg noodles contain gluten, so this salad is not gluten-free as written. However, you can easily adapt the recipe by using gluten-free noodles like rice noodles or zucchini noodles. Just ensure that all other ingredients, especially soy sauce, are gluten-free alternatives.
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).