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Easy Creamy Cold Sesame Noodles with Cucumber

easy creamy cold sesame noodles - featured image

A quick and refreshing cold noodle dish featuring creamy tahini and mayo sauce, crunchy cucumber, and nutty sesame flavors, perfect for summer meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti or Asian wheat noodles (can substitute rice noodles or gluten-free pasta)
  • 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) tahini (sesame paste)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) mayonnaise (light or vegan mayo optional)
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium preferred, or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 clove fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
  • 1 medium cucumber, julienned or thinly sliced
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, a pinch)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz (225 g) of spaghetti or chosen noodles and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. (Tip: Slightly undercook the noodles if you plan to chill them; they’ll firm up nicely.)
  2. Drain noodles in a colander and rinse thoroughly under cold water to stop cooking and cool them down. Shake off excess water and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup (60 ml) tahini, 1/4 cup (60 ml) mayonnaise, 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger until smooth and creamy. If sauce is too thick, add water 1 tsp at a time to loosen to desired consistency.
  4. Pour the sauce over the cooled noodles. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat every strand. The noodles should glisten with a creamy sheen, not be swimming in sauce.
  5. Fold in the julienned cucumber and sliced green onions.
  6. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
  7. Before serving, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Toss again to redistribute flavors.

Notes

Slightly undercook noodles for best texture after chilling. Rinse noodles well to remove starch and prevent gumminess. Adjust sauce thickness with water as needed. Add red pepper flakes or chili sauce for spice. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Store in airtight container up to 2 days; add cucumber just before serving for freshness.

Nutrition

Keywords: cold sesame noodles, creamy noodles, summer meals, cucumber noodles, tahini sauce, easy noodle recipe, vegetarian, gluten-free option