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Cellophane Noodle Salad with Sesame-Lime Dressing – vegetarian recipe
Stav Kogan

Cellophane Noodle Salad with Sesame-Lime Dressing

A vibrant explosion of textures and flavors, this Cellophane Noodle Salad is a refreshing, gluten-free dish featuring crisp vegetables and a zesty sesame-lime vinaigrette. Perfect for a quick lunch, light dinner, or a stunning side dish.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 serving
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 4 ounces (113 g / 4 oz) cellophane noodles
  • 8 ounces (225 g / 7.9 oz) shredded cabbage (angel hair style preferred)
  • 1 cup (100 g / 3.5 oz) bean sprouts
  • 1 English cucumber, halved, seeded, and thinly sliced
  • 3 scallions, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml / 1.5 fl oz) chopped fresh cilantro
  • ½ cup (75 g / 2.65 oz) roasted peanuts, crushed or chopped
  • For the Sesame-Lime Dressing
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml / 1.5 fl oz) rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml / 1 fl oz) freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml / 0.5 fl oz) tamari or soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons (10 ml / 0.3 fl oz) light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml / 0.2 fl oz) minced garlic
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml / 1.5 fl oz) toasted sesame oil
  • ½ teaspoon chili paste (like Sambal Oelek or Sriracha)
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml / 1 fl oz) water
  • for the Perfect Noodle Salad
  • For a striking color accent and extra sweetness, add 1 cup (240 ml) of finely grated carrot to the vegetable mix.
  • To make this a more substantial meal, add 8 ounces of baked or pan-fried tofu, cut into a small dice.
  • Look for finely shredded “angel hair” cabbage if you can find it—it creates a more delicate, slaw-like texture.
  • For meal prep, store the noodles, vegetable mix, and dressing in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Combine just before serving to maintain maximum crunch.

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Noodles: Bring a saucepan of water to a boil.
  2. Remove the pan from the heat, add the cellophane noodles, and let them soak until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  3. Drain the noodles well in a colander and rinse under cold running water to stop the cooking process.
  4. Using kitchen shears, cut the noodle bundle into quarters to make them easier to serve and eat.
  5. Combine the Vegetables: In a large salad bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, bean sprouts, sliced cucumber, chopped scallions, and fresh cilantro.
  6. Toss gently to mix.
  7. Whisk the Dressing: In a small bowl or a jar with a lid, combine the rice vinegar, lime juice, tamari, brown sugar, minced garlic, toasted sesame oil, chili paste, and water.
  8. Whisk or shake vigorously until the sugar has dissolved and the dressing is well blended.
  9. Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture in the large bowl.
  10. Toss thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated and glistening.
  11. Serve: Arrange the prepared cellophane noodles on a platter or in individual bowls.
  12. Top with the dressed vegetable salad and finish with a generous sprinkle of crushed roasted peanuts before serving.
  13. Don't be shy with fresh herbs!
  14. Add a handful of fresh mint leaves along with the cilantro for another layer of bright, fresh flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 8gFat: 20g

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