The Cold Sesame Peanut Pasta Salad is a bright, protein-rich dish that balances textures and flavors in every forkful. Delicate angel hair pasta gets coated in a creamy, nutty dressing with savory soy, honey sweetness, and zesty ginger and garlic. Add to that crunchy cabbage, julienned carrots, and buttery edamame, and you’ve got a refreshing and satisfying meal ready in minutes.
Ideal for make-ahead lunches or easy dinners, this recipe brings vibrant Asian-inspired ingredients together in a fuss-free and wholesome way. With endless topping options and versatile veggie swaps, it’s your go-to when you want to eat well without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it looks just as good as it tastes!
Full Recipe:
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300 g (10½ oz) angel hair pasta
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1 tbsp sesame oil
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1 cup (140 g) edamame beans, thawed if frozen
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1 carrot, grated or julienned
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2 cups (150 g) shredded purple cabbage
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1 cup (30 g) coriander (cilantro) leaves
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2 spring onions (scallions), finely chopped
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Chilli oil, to drizzle (optional)
For the Peanut Dressing:
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⅓ cup (80 ml) tamari or all-purpose soy sauce
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½ cup (125 g) crunchy peanut butter
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3 tbsp rice wine vinegar
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2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
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1 tbsp sesame oil
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1 tsp freshly grated garlic
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1 tsp freshly grated ginger
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2–3 tbsp water
To Serve:
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¼ cup (40 g) crushed peanuts
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2 tbsp white sesame seeds
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1 lime, cut into wedges
Directions:
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Cook angel hair pasta as per package instructions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and toss with 1 tbsp sesame oil to prevent sticking.
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In a bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients except the water. Then add 2–3 tbsp water until the dressing is creamy and pourable.
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In a large bowl, combine pasta, edamame, cabbage, carrot, coriander, spring onions, and ⅓ of the dressing. Toss until well coated.
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Serve in bowls, drizzle remaining dressing over the top, and garnish with crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, and lime wedges. Add chilli oil if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes
Kcal: ~480 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Introduction to Cold Sesame Peanut Pasta Salad
Cold Sesame Peanut Pasta Salad is a vibrant, refreshing, and satisfying dish that combines bold Asian-inspired flavors with a modern twist. This recipe is a celebration of balance—between creamy and crunchy textures, tangy and savory notes, and hearty yet wholesome ingredients. Designed with convenience in mind, it’s perfect for meal prep, potlucks, warm-weather dinners, or light lunches that don’t compromise on taste or nutrition.
This dish offers more than just visual appeal; it’s packed with nutrient-dense vegetables, protein-rich edamame, and a luscious peanut dressing that brings all the components together. Whether you’re a busy parent, a health-conscious professional, or a passionate home cook, this pasta salad offers versatility, simplicity, and gourmet-level flavor in every bite.
The Appeal of Cold Noodle Salads
Cold noodle salads have become increasingly popular, not only for their refreshing qualities but also because they are easy to prepare and incredibly adaptable. Unlike traditional warm pasta dishes, cold salads allow the flavors to meld over time, making them even more delicious after a few hours in the fridge.
Cold Sesame Peanut Pasta Salad in particular stands out for its fusion of textures and bold flavor. The creamy peanut dressing adds depth and richness, while crunchy vegetables like shredded cabbage and julienned carrots bring brightness and snap. This recipe is a true testament to how simple ingredients can come together to form a complex and crave-worthy dish.
Why This Salad Works So Well
At the heart of this dish is balance. The tender strands of angel hair pasta soak up the creamy, umami-packed peanut dressing, while the vegetables offer contrast in both taste and texture. Edamame, a standout ingredient, contributes a satisfying bite and a protein boost, making the salad more filling and nutritionally complete.
What makes this salad especially appealing is that it doesn’t feel heavy. The rice vinegar and lime juice introduce acidity that cuts through the richness of the peanut butter, while fresh herbs and scallions lift the dish with their aromatic freshness. This harmony is what makes Cold Sesame Peanut Pasta Salad so memorable and satisfying.
Versatility and Customization
One of the key advantages of this recipe is how adaptable it is. While the base includes angel hair pasta, edamame, purple cabbage, and carrots, the salad lends itself beautifully to improvisation. You can substitute different noodles—like soba, rice noodles, or even zucchini noodles—for dietary preferences or variety. Likewise, the vegetables can be swapped based on what’s in season or in your fridge.
Red bell pepper, cucumber, shredded kale, bean sprouts, or finely chopped broccoli are all excellent additions or replacements. For a protein punch, consider adding grilled chicken, hard-boiled eggs, tofu, shrimp, or canned tuna. The flexibility of this dish allows it to accommodate various dietary needs, whether gluten-free, vegan, or low-carb.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Value
Cold Sesame Peanut Pasta Salad is not just a flavor-forward dish—it’s also nourishing and balanced. Edamame provides plant-based protein and fiber, helping you feel fuller for longer. Carrots and purple cabbage add important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, while the peanut dressing supplies healthy fats and additional protein.
Coriander (cilantro) and lime contribute immune-boosting properties and a fresh zing that elevates the health quotient of the meal. Sesame seeds sprinkled on top add a touch of calcium and iron, rounding out the salad’s nutritional profile. When served in appropriate portions, this salad is a complete and satisfying meal.
Perfect for Meal Prep and On-the-Go Eating
If you’re looking for a dish that can be made in advance without losing flavor or texture, this salad is a standout option. In fact, it’s often better after resting in the fridge for a few hours, allowing the peanut dressing to permeate the noodles and vegetables.
It keeps well in an airtight container for up to two days, making it ideal for busy weekdays, school lunches, or office meals. You can prep the components separately—cook the noodles, whisk the dressing, and chop the veggies—and combine them just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
For families, this salad also doubles as an excellent “fridge clean-out” dish. If you have leftover veggies or protein from the previous night’s dinner, toss them in. This not only reduces food waste but also keeps the recipe exciting each time you make it.
Cultural Influences and Flavor Inspiration
This dish draws inspiration from East and Southeast Asian cuisine, where ingredients like soy sauce, sesame oil, peanut butter, and rice vinegar are foundational. The flavors evoke the comforting depth of satay sauce or the tangy kick of Thai peanut noodle bowls.
What makes this fusion special is how it translates complex cultural flavors into a dish that’s approachable and quick to make. It’s a gateway for home cooks to explore Asian-style dressings and flavor profiles without needing hard-to-find ingredients or specialized techniques.
The inclusion of tamari instead of regular soy sauce also makes this dish accessible to those avoiding gluten, while still providing the same depth of flavor. Ginger and garlic, grated fresh, are staples in many Asian kitchens, adding punch and warmth to the creamy sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Cold Sesame Peanut Pasta Salad is satisfying enough to serve as a main course, but it can also shine as a side dish. Serve it alongside grilled meats or fish for a vibrant contrast, or pair it with tofu or tempeh for a vegan protein boost.
This salad is equally fitting for casual meals and special gatherings. It can be served family-style in a large bowl, garnished with extra crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, and lime wedges for added visual appeal. For entertaining, you can portion it into small cups or jars for a chic appetizer or picnic offering.
Adding a drizzle of chili oil can also give the dish a spicy twist, pleasing those who prefer a bit of heat. For a more indulgent version, consider a touch of coconut milk or a sprinkle of crispy fried shallots on top.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
If you’re planning to make this salad ahead of time, it’s best to dress only part of the salad initially—typically one-third of the dressing—then store the remaining dressing separately. This helps keep the vegetables crisp and the noodles from getting too soft.
The salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days, although the texture of the cabbage and carrots may soften slightly over time. If you’re prepping for a busy week, consider making the dressing in bulk—it keeps well for 4–5 days in a sealed jar and can be used for other dishes like grilled chicken, stir-fries, or even as a dip for fresh vegetables.
Avoid freezing the salad, as the textures won’t hold up well once thawed. The noodles may become mushy, and the fresh vegetables could lose their crunch.
Conclusion
Cold Sesame Peanut Pasta Salad is the kind of recipe that delivers on all fronts: it’s easy to make, visually stunning, customizable, and packed with flavor and nutrition. Whether you’re looking for a meal-prep-friendly lunch, a crowd-pleasing side, or a refreshing dinner option, this dish checks every box.
Its fusion of creamy, nutty dressing with crunchy, fresh vegetables and tender noodles offers a delightful eating experience with every bite. And with the freedom to tweak ingredients based on preference or availability, it never gets boring.
This salad isn’t just a dish—it’s a method, a formula, and an invitation to play with flavors and textures in your own kitchen. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll understand why it becomes a repeat favorite in so many homes.
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