Noodle Salad in a Box with Edamame and Sesame Dressing

After returning from vacation, I’m always on the lookout for simple lunch options for work. This noodle salad has become a regular, especially on busy Mondays. I can prepare it the night before, and when morning comes, it’s ready as a fresh and flavorful lunch option.

The secret to this noodle salad lies in the fantastic sesame dressing. When it gets absorbed into the noodles and crispy vegetables overnight, it transforms the meal from good to great. Ginger and garlic give the dressing a spicy, deep layer that truly elevates the taste.

The best part is that this lunch box requires no heating. You can just grab it straight from the fridge, and the taste will be sparkling. Perfect on hectic workdays when you need something quick that’s still fresh and exciting.

Preparation is easy if you set aside a few minutes the night before. Noodles and vegetables are quick to cut, and with a simple whisk, the dressing is ready. This dish saves you so much time during the week while giving you flavor and nutrition!

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Noodle Salad in a Box with Edamame and Sesame Dressing

Servings: 4 Prep Time: 20 Cook Time: 10 10

Rating: 5.0/5

( 1 votes )

Ingredients

200 g rice noodles
200 g edamame, frozen
1 red bell pepper, sliced
2 carrots, peeled and cut into thin strips
4 spring onions, thinly sliced
1 small cucumber, halved into moons
--- Sesame Dressing ---
3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp sesame oil
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp ginger, grated
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 tbsp sesame seeds

Instructions

Boil the rice noodles in ample boiling water for 4-5 minutes until they're soft but still slightly firm. Drain the water and rinse them in cold water to stop the cooking. Let them drain well.

In a small pot, bring some water to a boil and add the frozen edamame beans. Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes until they're soft but still with a slight bite. Drain and set aside.

Combine the sesame dressing by mixing soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, grated ginger, and finely chopped garlic in a small bowl. Whisk together until smooth. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top.

In a large bowl, combine the cooled noodles with edamame, sliced bell pepper, carrots, spring onions, and cucumber. Use your hands or a large spoon to mix everything well.

Pour the sesame dressing over the vegetable and noodle mix. Toss everything together well so the dressing is evenly distributed. Adjust with more soy sauce if desired.

Divide the noodle salad into airtight lunch boxes. Ensure the boxes are completely sealed to prevent the dressing from leaking in your bag.

Place the lunch boxes in the refrigerator overnight. The dressing will soak into the noodles and vegetables, making the dish even tastier the next day.

When it's time to eat, take the lunch box straight from the fridge and enjoy the noodle salad cold. You don't need to heat it up — it tastes best just as it is!

Notes

Tip: You can add some chopped coriander or mint for an extra fresh flavor.

Variants & Tips

Add sliced cooked chicken breast for a little extra protein.
For an allergy-friendly version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Make it more filling by topping with chopped nuts like peanuts or cashews.

Serving Suggestions

Bring an apple or pear for a bit of natural sweetness afterward.
A cup of homemade peach iced tea pairs perfectly with this salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I store the noodle salad?

Store the noodle salad in airtight lunch boxes in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to three days.

What can I use instead of edamame?

You can use sugar snap peas or green peas if edamame isn’t available.

Is rinsing the noodles with cold water necessary?

Yes, rinsing with cold water stops the cooking and prevents them from becoming sticky. It also helps cool the salad faster.

Can I add meat to the salad?

Absolutely! Cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu works great for added flavor and to make the salad more filling.

How can I prevent the noodles from getting too dry the next day?

Ensure they are well mixed with the dressing before placing them in the fridge — this will give a juicy result.

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Noodle Salad in a Box with Edamame and Sesame Dressing

Noodle Salad in a Box with Edamame and Sesame Dressing

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Variants & Tips

Serving Suggestions

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I store the noodle salad?

What can I use instead of edamame?

Is rinsing the noodles with cold water necessary?

Can I add meat to the salad?

How can I prevent the noodles from getting too dry the next day?

Få nye oppskrifter rett i innboksen

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