Cold Sesame Noodle Salad

Cold Sesame Noodle Salad is a refreshing, savory dish featuring chilled wheat noodles tossed in a rich, nutty sauce made from sesame paste or oil, soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic. It is a staple in Chinese cuisine, particularly popular in Beijing and Sichuan, often served as a light meal or appetizer. The dish is characterized by its creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor profile, with toppings like cucumber, scallions, and crushed peanuts adding texture and freshness.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is typically high in carbohydrates from the noodles and moderate in fat due to the sesame-based sauce, with a modest amount of protein from the noodles and any added ingredients like peanuts or tofu. It provides key nutrients such as healthy fats, iron, and B vitamins, with a rough calorie ballpark of 300-500 calories per serving depending on portion size and sauce richness.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	450 kcal
Protein	12 g
Carbs	55 g
Fat	20 g
Fiber	4 g
Sugar	8 g
Sodium	850 mg
Potassium	350 mg
Iron	3 mg
Calcium	80 mg
Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)	0.3 mg
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)	0.2 mg
Niacin	4 mg
Magnesium	60 mg
Phosphorus	150 mg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, Cold Sesame Noodle Salad is a beloved street food and home-cooked dish in China, often enjoyed during hot summer months for its cooling and satisfying qualities. Nutritionally, it stands out for its use of sesame, which is rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, making it a flavorful yet relatively balanced option when paired with vegetables and lean proteins.