There’s just something magic about a bowl of Cold Sesame Peanut Pasta Salad—every bite is creamy, nutty, and loaded with fresh crunch. It’s a lightning-fast dinner that feels vibrant and special, thanks to a bold peanut sauce, crisp veggies, and a cloud of fresh herbs. If you love meals that deliver huge flavor with minimal fuss, this will be your new favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold Peanutty Flavor: The creamy, savory peanut sauce clings to every strand of pasta and instantly wakes up your taste buds!
- Super Speedy: Ready in just 15 minutes, this Cold Sesame Peanut Pasta Salad is the ultimate answer to quick weeknight dinners or last-minute lunches.
- Packed with Colorful Crunch: Every forkful is a party of crisp vegetables, fresh cilantro, and a pop of edamame for irresistible texture and color.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal prep, picnics, or potlucks—it tastes even better after the flavors meld in the fridge!
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s nothing fussy about this ingredient list, but don’t let its simplicity fool you! Each element brings either a satisfying crunch, a fresh herbal note, or the depth of umami and creamy peanut goodness that makes Cold Sesame Peanut Pasta Salad so addictive. Ready to see what you’ll need?
- Angel Hair Pasta: This delicate noodle soaks up the peanut sauce and has just the right texture for a salad that’s light but filling.
- Sesame Oil: Adds an irresistible nutty aroma and keeps the noodles from sticking together.
- Edamame Beans: Bring a pop of plant protein and tender bite—use fresh or thawed from frozen for convenience.
- Carrot: Julienne or grate it for sweet crunch and gorgeous color contrast.
- Purple Cabbage: Adds lively crunch and a stunning purple hue that makes every bowl pop.
- Coriander (Cilantro) Leaves: Lend herbal brightness, balancing the creamy richness of the dressing.
- Spring Onions (Scallions): For zippy freshness and extra bite—don’t skip these!
- Chilli Oil (optional): If you love a little heat, a drizzle brings smoky spice to tie it all together.
- Tamari or All-Purpose Soy Sauce: Delivers deep umami flavor and saltiness in the luscious peanut dressing.
- Crunchy Peanut Butter: The soul of your creamy, nutty dressing—crunchy for texture, or smooth if you prefer.
- Rice Wine Vinegar: Adds acidity that brightens the sauce and balances sweetness.
- Honey or Brown Sugar: Brings just the hint of sweetness to round out the flavors.
- Garlic & Ginger: Grated fresh for punchy, aromatic depth—like turning up the volume on flavor.
- Water: Used to thin the peanut sauce to drizzle-able perfection.
- Crushed Peanuts, White Sesame Seeds, Lime: For serving; these are more than garnish—they add crunch, toasty sesame, and a final spritz of tangy brightness.
Variations
One of the absolute joys of Cold Sesame Peanut Pasta Salad is how easily it bends to your cravings or pantry inventory. Don’t be afraid to swap in veggies, adjust the spice, or change up the protein—it’s endlessly versatile and always delicious!
- Swap the Pasta: Try soba noodles, ramen, or even spiralized zucchini for a low-carb twist.
- Go Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter and toasted pumpkin seeds to keep it allergy-friendly, but still divine.
- Bump Up the Protein: Add shredded rotisserie chicken, grilled shrimp, or baked tofu to make it extra hearty.
- Veggie Magic: Throw in snap peas, red bell pepper, or cucumber for more crunch and color—use what you love!
- Adjust the Heat: Add more chili oil, sprinkle on some red pepper flakes, or keep it mild for sensitive tastebuds.
How to Make Cold Sesame Peanut Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook and Prep the Pasta
Get your angel hair pasta boiling in a big pot of salted water. Cook just until tender (follow the package timing), then drain and give it a refreshing rinse under cold water to halt the cooking. Drizzle over a bit of sesame oil and toss—this keeps the noodles deliciously slippery and prevents sticking.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Peanut Dressing
In a bowl (or, my favorite lazy hack—a jar), combine your peanut butter, tamari or soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey or brown sugar, grated garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Whisk or shake it up until smooth, then add water a spoonful at a time until the dressing is creamy and just pourable. That silky texture is what clings to every noodle!
Step 3: Toss Everything Together
Transfer your cooled noodles to a roomy salad bowl. Add in the edamame, grated carrot, shredded cabbage, cilantro, and spring onions. Pour in about a third of your peanut dressing and toss everything together until beautifully coated and colorful—don’t worry, you’ll save the extra sauce for serving!
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
Dish the Cold Sesame Peanut Pasta Salad out into bowls. Drizzle liberally with the rest of your dressing, then finish with a scattering of crushed peanuts, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and a juicy squeeze of lime. Feeling sassy? Add a flourish of chili oil for a little heat—it takes things to the next level.
Pro Tips for Making Cold Sesame Peanut Pasta Salad
- Chill Your Noodles: After rinsing, pop the drained pasta in the fridge for a few minutes to get it extra cold—it gives the salad that ultra-refreshing quality.
- Dress in Stages: Toss with a portion of dressing first, then add more just before serving, so every strand stays luscious and nothing gets soggy.
- Veggie Prep Shortcut: Use a food processor or pre-shredded store veggies if you’re short on time—so convenient and just as delicious!
- Custom Crunch: Don’t be shy with the crushed peanuts and sesame seeds at the end—a generous topping adds addictive texture in every bite!
How to Serve Cold Sesame Peanut Pasta Salad
Garnishes
This is your chance to go wild with toppings! Crushed peanuts lend salty crunch, a sprinkle of white sesame seeds brings toasty aroma, and lime wedges on the side brighten every bite. For a pop of color and zing, garnish with extra cilantro or sliced scallions. If you’re bold, a swirl of chili oil on top looks stunning and adds a warm kick.
Side Dishes
Though Cold Sesame Peanut Pasta Salad is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, it also loves good company. Pair it with grilled chicken skewers, crispy tofu, or simple steamed dumplings for a feast. Light soups like miso or a crisp green salad round out any spread beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try piling the salad into lettuce cups for a playful, hand-held spin—perfect for parties! For lunchboxes or meal preps, portion the salad into mason jars: layer veggies first, then noodles, with dressing on the bottom. Just shake and eat. A large platter garnished with herbs and peanuts makes a stunning centerpiece at potlucks or picnics, sure to get everyone talking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cooled and dressed, this salad keeps in the fridge for up to two days in an airtight container. The noodles will soak up the sauce and the veggies might soften a bit, but the flavors meld and deepen. For the freshest crunch, keep vegetables and dressing separate until ready to eat if making ahead.
Freezing
This is one dish best enjoyed fresh or from the fridge—cold sesame peanut pasta salad doesn’t freeze well as the noodles and veggies become limp and the dressing can separate. For longer storage, just prep components separately and mix when needed.
Reheating
No need for reheating! This pasta salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If it’s straight from the fridge, let it sit out for a few minutes to take off the chill, bring out the flavors, and restore that creamy, dreamy texture.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Soba noodles, spaghetti, or even rice noodles all work beautifully. Just follow the package cooking instructions and rinse them well to keep the salad from becoming gummy.
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Is this salad gluten-free?
It can be! Just use gluten-free pasta and substitute tamari for soy sauce if needed. Always double-check your labels to make sure all components meet your dietary requirements.
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What’s the best way to make this salad ahead for a party?
For the freshest texture, prep the noodles, dressing, and veggies up to 3 days in advance. Toss with one-third of the dressing just before serving, then add more as needed and finish with garnishes for the loveliest bowl on the table.
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How spicy is the Cold Sesame Peanut Pasta Salad?
The base recipe is mild with only a hint of heat, but you can easily spice it up with chili oil, extra fresh chilies, or a dash of sriracha to suit your personal spice preference!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something that’s quick, fun, nourishing, and seriously flavorful, you have to try Cold Sesame Peanut Pasta Salad. It’s a bowl of color, freshness, and savory satisfaction that will brighten any meal—whether you serve it for lunch, bring to a picnic, or sneak forkfuls straight from the fridge. Gather those simple ingredients and give it a go—you’re in for a real treat!
Print
Cold Sesame Peanut Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing, Tossing
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cold Sesame Peanut Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines angel hair pasta with crunchy vegetables and a creamy peanut dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a barbecue.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 300 g (10 1/2 oz) angel hair pasta
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 cup (140 g) edamame beans, thawed if frozen
- 1 carrot, grated or julienned
- 2 cups (150 g) shredded purple cabbage
- 1 cup (30 g) coriander (cilantro) leaves
- 2 spring onions (scallions), finely chopped
- Chilli oil, to drizzle (optional)
Peanut Dressing:
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) tamari or all-purpose soy sauce
- 1/2 cup (125 g) crunchy peanut butter
- 3 tbsp rice wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp freshly grated garlic
- 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
- 2–3 tbsp water
To Serve:
- 1/4 cup (40 g) crushed peanuts
- 2 tbsp white sesame seeds
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water. Toss with sesame oil.
- Prepare Peanut Dressing: Whisk tamari, peanut butter, vinegar, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Thin with water.
- Combine Ingredients: Toss pasta with carrot, cabbage, coriander, spring onion, and part of the dressing.
- Serve: Divide into bowls, drizzle with remaining dressing, top with peanuts, sesame seeds, and lime wedges.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Components can be prepared up to 3 days in advance.
- Leftovers: Store dressed salad in the fridge for up to 2 days. Do not freeze.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
