Name: Cold Sesame Noodles with Veggies and Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: Water for boiling; 2 tablespoons kosher salt (for boiling the water, do not add to sauce); 1 pound dry spaghetti noodles (or any pasta); 1 cup chopped asparagus (optional); 2 tablespoons sesame oil (for coating noodles); 1/3 cup soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 3 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1/4 cup peanut butter (chunky or smooth, NOT natural); 3 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds; 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar; 1 knob ginger (about 2 inches, roughly chopped); 3 cloves garlic (smashed and peeled); 1 teaspoon Sriracha hot sauce (adjust to taste); A generous handful cilantro sprigs (optional); 1-2 tablespoons water (to thin sauce); 1 English cucumber (halved, seeds removed, chopped); 1 red bell pepper (chopped into bite-size pieces); 1 cup shredded carrots (about 3 small carrots); 1/2 cup chopped green onions; 1/3 cup chopped cilantro (optional); Chopped cilantro (to garnish); Chopped green onion (to garnish); Sesame seeds (to garnish); Additional sesame oil (to garnish)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 7 reviews

If you’re craving a vibrant, refreshing dish that’s bursting with flavor and a little kick, you absolutely have to try this Cold Sesame Noodles with Veggies and Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe. It’s a delightful harmony of chewy noodles, crisp fresh vegetables, and a luxuriously creamy, spicy peanut sauce that elevates the whole experience. Perfect for a quick lunch or a crowd-pleasing dinner, this recipe brings together simple pantry staples and fresh produce to create a dish that’s as satisfying as it is colorful. Once you make it, this Cold Sesame Noodles with Veggies and Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe will quickly become one of your all-time favorites to whip up again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up of long thin yellow noodles with bits of red bell pepper, green leafy herbs, and shredded orange carrots mixed in. The noodles look soft and coated in a light sauce, lifted by two wooden spoons above a white bowl. The background is a white marbled surface and the noodles are the main focus, hanging down in strands from the spoons. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe is all about simple ingredients that pack a punch in taste and texture. Each component plays a vital role, from the chewy noodles to the tangy peanut sauce and the crunchy fresh veggies, creating a perfectly balanced dish.

Water for boiling: Essential for cooking the noodles just right.
Kosher salt: Used to salt the boiling water, enhancing pasta flavor without adding salt to the sauce.
Dry spaghetti noodles: You can swap with any pasta you like; they’re the perfect base for absorbing the sauce.
Asparagus (optional): Adds a subtle earthiness and tender crunch.
Sesame oil: Two uses—one to coat noodles for that nutty aroma and one in the sauce.
Soy sauce: The salty backbone of the sauce with umami depth.
Rice vinegar: Brings brightness and balances the richness of the peanut butter.
Peanut butter (not natural): Creamy and rich, it’s the heart of the sauce.
Toasted sesame seeds: Intensify that sesame flavor and add a light crunch.
Brown sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to harmonize spicy and tangy notes.
Fresh ginger: Freshly chopped for a zingy bite.
Garlic cloves: Smash for that robust aroma and depth.
Sriracha hot sauce: For a spicy kick—add more if you love heat!
Cilantro (optional): Fresh herbs lend brightness and herbaceous notes.
Water: To thin out the sauce perfectly.
English cucumber: Crisp and refreshing, adds great texture.
Red bell pepper: Sweet and colorful, it brightens the dish.
Shredded carrots: Naturally sweet and crunchy.
Green onions: Pungent and fresh, perfect for garnish and flavor layering.

How to Make Cold Sesame Noodles with Veggies and Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Perfectly cook the noodles and asparagus

Start by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil, seasoning it generously with kosher salt until it tastes like the sea—that’s your hint for great pasta flavor ahead. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook them al dente. When there are about 2 minutes left, toss in chopped asparagus if using. This way, both get cooked just right while the noodles stay perfectly chewy and the asparagus slightly crisp.

Step 2: Chill and coat the noodles

Once cooked, drain the noodles and asparagus and rinse thoroughly with cold water to halt cooking and get rid of excess starch. This step is essential for that cool, refreshing texture in cold noodle dishes. Then, toss them with sesame oil, coating every bite in that toasty, fragrant flavor which is the start of the flavor magic in this Cold Sesame Noodles with Veggies and Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe.

Step 3: Blend the irresistible spicy peanut sauce

Throw all sauce ingredients into a blender: soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, peanut butter, toasted sesame seeds, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, Sriracha, and cilantro with some water to thin. Blend smooth until thick yet pourable. This sauce is creamy, spicy, tangy, and downright addictive. You’ll want to be careful not to eat it by the spoonful before it hits the noodles!

Step 4: Prep and add the fresh veggies

The fresh vegetables bring that crisp, refreshing crunch that pairs beautifully with the silky peanut sauce. Slice the cucumber carefully to remove watery seeds, chop the red bell pepper, shred carrots, and chop green onions and cilantro. Toss everything into the large bowl with noodles. The veggies not only add vibrant colors but also create fantastic textural contrast.

Step 5: Combine everything and serve

Pour the luscious peanut sauce over the noodle and veggie mixture and toss everything together with tongs so the sauce evenly coats each strand and piece. Serve in bowls garnished with extra cilantro, green onions, sesame seeds, and a little sesame oil drizzle for that final aromatic touch. Hot summer day? This Cold Sesame Noodles with Veggies and Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe will cool you down deliciously.

How to Serve Cold Sesame Noodles with Veggies and Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with a noodle salad. The dish has a full base layer of light brown noodles mixed with thin orange carrot strips, chopped green vegetables, and slices of cucumber and red bell pepper scattered throughout. There are some dark sauce streaks on the noodles adding contrast. A silver fork rests inside the bowl, and the bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with some herbs and green onions visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of garnishes here. Sprinkle more toasted sesame seeds for crunch, fresh chopped cilantro for bursts of herbaceousness, and thinly sliced green onions to add that sharp, fresh bite. A light drizzle of sesame oil right before serving enhances the nuttiness and aroma that makes this dish irresistible.

Side Dishes

This dish shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with some crisp Asian-inspired sides. Think crunchy spring rolls, steamed dumplings, or a simple cucumber salad to keep the cool, fresh vibe. If you want added protein, grilled tofu or marinated chicken skewers complement the spicy peanut sauce beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the noodles in individual mason jars for a picnic-ready meal or in lettuce cups for a low-carb take. You can also pile them atop a bed of leafy greens or spiralized zucchini to ramp up the veggie quotient. This Cold Sesame Noodles with Veggies and Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe is incredibly adaptable and great for impressing friends at your next dinner party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover noodles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to toss them with a tiny bit more sesame oil before storing to prevent sticking. The sauce might thicken upon chilling, so a quick stir or splash of water before serving brings it back to life.

Freezing

This dish doesn’t freeze well because the fresh veggies will become limp and the sauce’s texture may separate. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for short-term storage only.

Reheating

If you prefer warm noodles, you can gently reheat leftovers in the microwave or a skillet just until warmed through—avoid overheating to keep that delicate balance of textures. Alternatively, enjoy the noodles cold just as intended for a refreshing, healthy meal.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of noodle for this recipe?

Absolutely! This Cold Sesame Noodles with Veggies and Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe works well with spaghetti, ramen, soba, rice noodles, or even gluten-free pasta options. Just adjust cooking time as needed.

What if I’m allergic to peanuts?

You can substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini for a nut-free version. The flavor will be different but still deliciously creamy and rich.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! This dish is already plant-based as long as you use noodles without eggs and double-check your soy sauce ingredients. It’s a perfect vegan option that’s packing tons of flavor.

How spicy is this dish? Can I adjust the heat?

The Sriracha adds a gentle to medium heat that you can easily adjust. Start with less, taste, then add more if you like it hotter. You can also swap the Sriracha for chili paste or leave it out entirely for a milder version.

What other veggies can I add?

Feel free to mix it up! Julienne zucchini, snap peas, shredded cabbage, or even thinly sliced radishes would be excellent additions to this Cold Sesame Noodles with Veggies and Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Cold Sesame Noodles with Veggies and Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that feels special yet comes together quickly with simple ingredients you probably already have. It’s fresh, flavorful, and endlessly versatile—perfect for hot days or anytime you want a delicious meal with minimal fuss. Give it a try, and I’m confident it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen just like it is in mine!