Lo Mein Salad
A flavorful cold noodle salad featuring garlic, sesame, soy, and honey, perfect for light lunches or gatherings with customizable vegetables and protein options.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring all liquid ingredients and garlic to a boil.
- Toss the boiled liquid mixture with the warm rinsed spaghetti.
- Fold in toasted sesame seed.
- Chill the salad for 24 hours.
- Before serving, add scallions, lightly steamed broccoli, mushrooms, and snow peas.
- Optionally, lightly sauté these vegetables in corn oil.
- Feel free to substitute or add ingredients such as carrots and asparagus.
- To turn this into a main dish, add ground beef, pork, chicken, or shrimp.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavors, let the spaghetti soak in the boiled liquid for at least 30 minutes before chilling. Substitute the thin spaghetti with rice noodles for a gluten-free option. For added crunch, consider including Fresh Green Beans or carrots. When adding proteins, ensure they are cooked and seasoned to complement the Asian-inspired flavors of this dish.
Serving Suggestions
This Lo Mein Salad pairs beautifully with Chinese recipes like a Chinese Green Salad for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside grilled meats or as a side dish for barbecues. Garnish with chopped scallions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the salad in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to prevent sticking. Alternatively, enjoy it cold for a refreshing meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lo Mein Salad contains roughly 1186 calories, with 35g protein, 107g carbohydrates, and 74g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (70% of the Daily Value), iron (62% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2250mg per serving (98% 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 vegan?
Absolutely! Simply omit the meat options and ensure any sauces used are vegan-friendly. You can enhance the dish with additional vegetables like bell peppers or tofu for protein. This makes it a perfect option for vegan recipes.
How can I make this salad spicier?
To add heat, incorporate sliced chili peppers or a splash of sriracha into the dressing. You can also use spicy taco sauce instead of the mild version. Adjust according to your heat preference to create a zesty flavor profile.
What can I do with leftover salad?
Leftover Lo Mein Salad can be transformed into a stir-fry by adding fresh vegetables and protein in a hot skillet. Alternatively, enjoy it cold as a quick lunch or snack. Just drizzle with a bit more soy sauce or dressing to refresh the flavors.
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).