If you’re looking for a dinner recipe that’s bold, refreshing, and packed with flavor, cold sesame noodles with celery salad might just be your new go-to.
This dish is a delightful fusion of creamy sesame dressing and crisp, herbaceous celery salad. Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight meal or an impressive dish for guests, this recipe checks all the boxes.
Why Cold Sesame Noodles Are a Must-Try
Cold sesame noodles are a versatile dinner option with roots in Asian cuisine, bringing together nutty, savory, and slightly spicy flavors. Their creamy dressing, made with ingredients like peanut butter, soy sauce, and Chinese sesame paste, pairs perfectly with the soft texture of noodles.
This dish is not only satisfying but also quick to prepare, making it a lifesaver on busy evenings.
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The addition of a celery salad adds a fresh, crunchy contrast, elevating this recipe to restaurant-quality. Sichuan peppercorns lend a unique peppery warmth, while scallions and cilantro brighten the flavors.
It’s a harmonious balance of textures and tastes that’s hard to resist.
Tips for the Perfect Cold Sesame Noodles
Making this recipe at home is simple, but a few tips can ensure you achieve the best results:
- Choose the right noodles: Chinese egg noodles work wonderfully, but spaghetti or ramen noodles are great substitutes. Be sure to cook them al dente for optimal texture.
- Master the sesame paste: If you don’t have Chinese sesame paste, tahini is a suitable alternative. Just increase the sesame oil slightly for a deeper flavor.
- Toast your sesame seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty aroma and crunch to the dish. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.
Customizations to Suit Your Needs
This recipe is highly adaptable, making it ideal for any dinner scenario. Here are a few ways to modify it:
- Make it vegan: Swap out the egg noodles for rice noodles and ensure all sauces are plant-based.
- Go gluten-free: Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce and opt for gluten-free noodles.
- Add protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu would complement the flavors beautifully.
- Adjust the spice level: Add more chile-garlic paste for extra heat or reduce it for a milder version.
Why This Recipe Works for Dinner
What sets this recipe apart is its balance of indulgent and healthy elements. The creamy sesame noodles satisfy cravings for comfort food, while the light celery salad refreshes the palate.
It’s a great option for meal prep, as it can be served cold and holds up well in the fridge. Plus, with a prep time of just 15 minutes, it’s a practical choice for any dinner rush.
This dish also transitions seamlessly from casual family dinners to elegant gatherings. Serve it alongside grilled meats or a light soup for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal that impresses every time.
Pairing Suggestions
To round out your dinner, consider these pairings:
- For a light starter: A bowl of miso soup or a crisp cucumber salad complements the dish’s richness.
- For a beverage: Pair it with green tea, sparkling water with lemon, or a chilled white wine.
- For dessert: Keep it simple with fresh fruit or a light sorbet to cleanse the palate.
Cold sesame noodles with celery salad are more than just a recipe—they’re an experience. Try this dinner idea today and savor the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and refreshing flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Cold Sesame Noodles with Celery Salad Dinner Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Skillet for toasting spices
Ingredients
For the Celery Salad:
- 1 tsp Sichuan peppercorns or regular peppercorns coarsely crushed
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 4 celery stalks thinly sliced (about 1 ½ cups)
- 3 tbsp thinly sliced scallions white and green parts
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 ½ tsp rice vinegar
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
For the Noodles:
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp Chinese sesame paste see Note for substitution
- 1 tbsp smooth or chunky peanut butter
- 2 tsp dark brown sugar
- 2 tsp chile garlic paste
- 2 garlic cloves grated or minced
- 1 1-inch piece fresh ginger peeled and finely grated
- 1 lb Chinese egg noodles or spaghetti cooked according to package instructions
- Sesame seeds as needed (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Celery Salad:Toast the peppercorns in a dry skillet over medium heat until they become aromatic. Mix them with the sesame oil and set aside.In a large mixing bowl, combine the celery, scallions, cilantro, rice vinegar, and salt. Drizzle in the peppercorn sesame oil and toss everything together until well coated.
- Make the Noodle Sauce:In another large bowl, whisk together the toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame paste, peanut butter, brown sugar, chile garlic paste, grated garlic, and grated ginger. Stir until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Combine the Noodles:Add the cooked and drained noodles to the sauce. Toss thoroughly to ensure the noodles are evenly coated in the flavorful dressing. Sprinkle with sesame seeds as desired.
- Assemble and Serve:Arrange the noodles on serving plates and top each portion with a generous amount of the celery salad. Serve the dish cold for the best texture and flavor balance.
Notes
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.