Reimen(Cold Noodle Salad)
A refreshing and light cold noodle salad featuring tangy vinegar dressing, crisp vegetables, and sesame seeds, perfect for summer gatherings or a quick, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook noodles in boiling water, then immediately drain and place in ice water until very cold.
- Mix vinegar, soy sauce, oil, sesame seed, sugar, and salt to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the cold noodles and cut vegetables before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a gluten-free option, substitute Japanese somen noodles with rice noodles. You can also add proteins like shredded chicken or tofu for extra heartiness. If you prefer a spicier kick, include sliced jalapeños or a dash of chili oil in the dressing. Ensure the noodles are thoroughly chilled for the best texture, and consider garnishing with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cold noodle salad as a light main dish or as a side alongside grilled meats or Asian-inspired dishes. It pairs beautifully with Red Cabbage And Currant Salad for a colorful meal. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions for added flavor and presentation. Enjoy it on a warm day or as a picnic dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To refresh the noodles, you can add a splash of vinegar and soy sauce before serving. Avoid reheating, as cold noodles are best enjoyed chilled, maintaining the refreshing quality of the dish.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Reimen(Cold Noodle Salad) contains roughly 661 calories, with 12g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (62% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), and iron (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2075mg per serving (90% 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 the dressing in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just give it a good shake before pouring it over the noodles and vegetables.
What vegetables can I add to this salad?
Feel free to customize this salad with your favorite vegetables. Bell peppers, radishes, or snap peas work well. You can also experiment with seasonal produce to keep things fresh and exciting.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This cold noodle salad is perfect for meal prep since it holds up well in the fridge. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to eat to prevent the noodles from becoming soggy.
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).