As the temperatures rise and summer approaches, our minds turn to refreshing, light, and delicious meals that can be enjoyed outdoors. One such dish that perfectly fits this description is a cold noodle salad. A classic combination of noodles, vegetables, and flavor-packed dressing, cold noodle salads are not only easy to make but also provide the perfect respite from the scorching heat.
From the spicy kick of Korean Bibim Guksu to the creamy delight of Thai-Inspired Cold Noodle Salad with Lime Dressing, there’s a recipe to suit every taste and preference. Whether you’re in the mood for something Asian-inspired, Mediterranean-flavored, or simply a light and herby treat, we’ve got you covered with these 18 refreshing cold noodle salad recipes that are sure to become your new summer staples.
Sesame Soy Cold Noodle Salad with Cucumber
A refreshing and flavorful summer salad that combines the crunch of cucumbers with the savory taste of sesame and soy. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner on-the-go.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. cold noodles (rice or soba)
– 1/2 cucumber, sliced
– 2 tbsp. sesame oil
– 2 tbsp. soy sauce
– 1 tsp. grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, and grated ginger.
3. Add the cold noodles, cucumber slices, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Toss until well combined.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
6. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Spicy Peanut Soba Noodle Salad
A flavorful and refreshing salad that combines the nutty taste of peanuts with the spicy kick of Korean chili flakes, all wrapped up in a bed of tender soba noodles.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz soba noodles
– 1/2 cup creamy natural peanut butter
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 1 tsp honey
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 1/4 cup sliced red bell pepper
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tbsp toasted peanuts
Instructions:
1. Cook soba noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, Gochujang, and honey. Blend until smooth.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooked noodles, cilantro, red bell pepper, and toasted peanuts. Pour the peanut sauce over the top and toss to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Vietnamese Vermicelli Salad with Herbs
A refreshing and light Vietnamese-inspired salad, this recipe combines delicate rice noodles, crunchy vegetables, and a burst of fresh herbs.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rice vermicelli noodles
– 2 cups mixed greens (such as mint, basil, cilantro)
– 1 cup shredded carrot
– 1/2 cup diced cucumber
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions
– 2 tablespoons fish sauce
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Crushed peanuts or cashews for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook vermicelli noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, shredded carrot, diced cucumber, and chopped scallions.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together fish sauce and lime juice.
4. Add cooked vermicelli noodles to the salad and toss with the dressing until well combined.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with crushed peanuts or cashews, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Thai-Inspired Cold Noodle Salad with Lime Dressing
Thai-Inspired Cold Noodle Salad with Lime Dressing
Beat the heat with this refreshing Thai-inspired noodle salad, featuring a zesty lime dressing and crunchy vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz rice noodles
– 2 cups mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, and/or basil)
– 1 cup diced cucumber
– 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
– 1/2 cup diced carrots
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 tbsp lime juice
– 1 tsp honey
– Salt to taste
– 1/4 cup toasted peanuts or cashews
Instructions:
1. Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions and chill.
2. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cucumber, bell peppers, carrots, and cilantro.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice and honey until well combined.
4. Pour the dressing over the noodle mixture and toss to coat.
5. Add the cooked noodles and toss gently to combine.
6. Sprinkle with toasted nuts and season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Korean Bibim Guksu (Spicy Cold Noodles)
A refreshing summer treat, Bibim Guksu is a popular Korean dish that combines the perfect balance of spicy and savory flavors with chewy noodles. This recipe is quick to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 200g cold buckwheat or starch noodles
– 1/4 cup Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tsp sugar
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish
– 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds for garnish
– 1/4 cup diced cucumber for garnish
– 1/4 cup pickled ginger for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook noodles according to package instructions and rinse in cold water.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together Gochujang, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar until smooth.
3. Toss cooked noodles with the Gochujang mixture until well coated.
4. Divide noodles among bowls and garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, cucumber, and pickled ginger (if using).
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Japanese Zaru Soba with Dipping Sauce
A classic Japanese dish that’s perfect for a light and refreshing meal or snack. This recipe serves 2-4 people.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of zaru soba noodles (buckwheat and wheat flour)
– 2 cups water
– For the dipping sauce:
+ 1/2 cup soy sauce
+ 1/4 cup sake (or dry white wine)
+ 1/4 cup mirin (sweet Japanese cooking wine)
+ 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
+ 1 teaspoon grated ginger
Instructions:
1. Cook the soba noodles according to package instructions. Typically, it takes 3-5 minutes in boiling water. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, sake, mirin, rice vinegar, and grated ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat until the sauce is slightly reduced and syrupy (about 5 minutes).
3. Serve the cooked soba noodles in a bamboo or wooden basket (zaru). Offer the dipping sauce on the side for guests to enjoy.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Chilled Ramen Salad with Miso Dressing
This refreshing salad takes the humble noodle game to new heights by transforming it into a cool and creamy delight. Perfect for hot summer days, this unique recipe combines the comfort of ramen with the tanginess of miso dressing.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked ramen noodles
– 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– 1/2 cup diced cucumber
– 1/4 cup sliced red bell pepper
– 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
– 2 tablespoons white miso paste
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook ramen noodles according to package instructions, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cucumber, and red bell pepper.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together miso paste, rice vinegar, and honey until smooth.
4. Add chilled ramen noodles to the salad mixture and toss with the miso dressing until coated.
5. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes (excluding noodle cooking time)
Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad with Feta
This refreshing pasta salad combines the flavors of the Mediterranean with the tanginess of feta cheese, perfect for a light and satisfying meal or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked orzo pasta
– 2 cups mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, and parsley)
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped red onion
– 1/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives, sliced
– 1/4 cup artichoke hearts, canned or marinated
– 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
– 1 tbsp. lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook orzo pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, feta cheese, red onion, olives, and artichoke hearts.
3. Add cooked orzo pasta to the bowl and toss gently to combine.
4. Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the salad, tossing again to coat.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cold Udon Noodle Salad with Edamame
Beat the heat with this light and satisfying salad, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Thinly sliced edamame adds a burst of protein and flavor to this classic Japanese-inspired dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup udon noodles
– 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– 1 cup cooked edamame, sliced
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook udon noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced edamame, and chopped green onions.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Pour dressing over the salad mixture.
4. Add cooked udon noodles to the salad and toss gently to combine.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Chinese Sesame Cold Noodles with Chicken
A refreshing and flavorful summer noodle dish, perfect for hot days when you need a quick and easy meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cold soba noodles
– 1/2 cup cooked chicken breast, diced
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook soba noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and grated ginger.
3. Add diced chicken breast and chopped scallions to the bowl. Toss to combine.
4. Add cooked noodles to the bowl and toss until well coated with the sauce.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Herbed Rice Noodle Salad with Lemongrass
This refreshing salad combines the subtle flavors of lemongrass, herbs, and rice noodles for a light and satisfying meal. Perfect for warm weather or as a quick lunch option.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz rice noodles
– 2 cups mixed greens (such as mint, basil, and cilantro)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh lemongrass
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, lemongrass, and scallions.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, and lime juice.
4. Pour the dressing over the noodle mixture and toss to combine.
5. Season with salt to taste.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cold Somen Noodles with Dipping Broth
This refreshing Japanese-inspired dish is perfect for hot summer days. Simply cook somen noodles, then chill them before serving with a savory dipping broth made from dashi, soy sauce, and mirin.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz somen noodles
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup dashi powder (or 1/2 cup homemade dashi)
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp mirin
– Sliced green onions and grated daikon for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook somen noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. In a small saucepan, combine dashi powder (or homemade dashi) and 2 cups water. Whisk until dissolved. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Reduce the dashi mixture to 1 cup by cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce and mirin.
5. Combine the reduced dashi mixture with the soy-mirin mixture.
6. Chill cooked noodles in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
7. Serve chilled noodles with dipping broth on the side. Garnish with green onions and grated daikon if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (including cooking time)
Spicy Kimchi Cold Noodle Salad
A refreshing twist on traditional kimchi, this spicy and sour cold noodle salad is perfect for hot summer days.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. Korean-style noodles (such as naengmyeon or somyeon)
– 1/2 cup kimchi, chopped
– 1/4 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup carrots, peeled and grated
– 1/4 cup bean sprouts
– 2 tbsp. Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 tbsp. soy sauce
– 2 tbsp. rice vinegar
– 1 tsp. sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook noodles according to package instructions, then chill in refrigerator.
2. In a large bowl, combine kimchi, cucumber, carrots, and bean sprouts.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together Gochujang, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour dressing over noodle mixture and toss to coat.
5. Combine noodles with the kimchi mixture and toss to combine.
6. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
7. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes (not including cooking time for noodles)
Avocado Lime Cold Noodle Salad
This vibrant salad combines the creaminess of avocado with the zesty freshness of lime juice, perfect for a light and satisfying meal or snack.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. rice noodles
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 2 limes, juiced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions and set aside to cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine diced avocado, lime juice, chopped cilantro, and chopped red bell pepper.
3. Add the cooled noodles to the bowl and toss gently to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None, as this salad is served chilled.
Greek-Inspired Cold Pasta Salad with Olives
This refreshing salad combines the flavors of Greece with the simplicity of a cold pasta dish, perfect for hot summer days or as a quick lunch. With its medley of colors and textures, it’s sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. bow-tie pasta
– 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
– 1/4 cup artichoke hearts, canned or marinated
– 1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 2 tbsp. olive oil
– 2 tbsp. lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine olives, artichoke hearts, bell pepper, and feta cheese.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and lemon juice.
4. Pour dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to combine.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes (plus pasta cooking time)
Chilled Glass Noodle Salad with Shrimp
This refreshing salad combines the sweetness of glass noodles with succulent shrimp, all tied together with a zesty dressing.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz glass noodles
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions, for garnish
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the glass noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and grated ginger.
3. Add the cooked shrimp to the dressing and toss to coat.
4. Combine the noodles and shrimp mixture in a large bowl.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Just before serving, garnish with chopped scallions and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes (including chilling time)
Cold Buckwheat Noodle Salad with Radish
This refreshing salad combines the nutty flavor of buckwheat noodles with the crunch and spice of radish, perfect for a light and healthy meal or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz buckwheat noodles
– 2 medium radishes, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 1 tsp honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook buckwheat noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, apple cider vinegar, and honey until smooth.
3. Add sliced radishes to the bowl and toss to combine.
4. Add cooked noodles to the bowl and toss gently to combine.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley or dill if desired.
7. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (including cooking time)
Asian-Inspired Cold Noodle Salad with Tofu
A refreshing twist on traditional noodle salads, this dish combines the flavors of Asia with the convenience of cold noodles and crispy tofu.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz rice noodles
– 1 block firm tofu, drained and cut into small cubes
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions
– 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
– 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
3. Add tofu cubes to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
4. In a separate pan, sauté green onions, red bell pepper, and mushrooms until tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine cooked noodles, marinated tofu, and sautéed vegetables in a large bowl.
6. Toss to combine and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes (including cooking time for noodles)
Summary
Beat the heat this summer with these refreshing cold noodle salad recipes! From classic Japanese Zaru Soba to spicy Korean Bibim Guksu, and from Mediterranean orzo pasta salads to Asian-inspired tofu dishes, there’s something for everyone. Try a Thai-inspired lime dressing, a Vietnamese vermicelli salad with herbs, or a Chinese sesame cold noodles with chicken. Each recipe is carefully crafted to keep you cool and satisfied on those long summer days. Whether you’re in the mood for spicy, savory, or sweet, these 18 refreshing cold noodle salads are sure to hit the spot!
