# Sesame Noodle Salad (Funchoza)
**Sesame Noodle Salad** is a straightforward and refreshing dish packed with vegetables and flavorful ingredients. Quick to prepare, this vibrant salad makes a perfect side for any meal.
If you prefer a more traditional pasta salad, you can also explore our Tri-Color Pasta Salad Recipe or Chicken Salad With Grapes.
**Recipe Details**
“I enjoy making this Sesame Noodle Salad for its delightful taste. It’s one of those salads that you can’t seem to get enough of. Try it out for your next summertime gathering or holiday get-together.”
– **Taste**: Tangy and sweet with a bold flavor from soy sauce and garlic.
– **Texture**: Tender rice noodles complement the crunchy vegetables perfectly.
– **Time**: Only 25 minutes to make.
– **Ease**: Easy recipe with minimal prep work, great for making in advance as the flavors improve overnight.
**What You’ll Need**
– **Rice Noodles** – Gluten-free thin noodles with a chewy texture.
– **Vegetables** – Yellow Bell Pepper, Red Bell Pepper, Carrots, and Garlic Clove for added flavor and texture.
– **Soy Sauce** – Adds umami flavor, use regular or low-sodium.
– **Peanut Oil** – Can be substituted with any high-heat oil.
– **Sugar** – Balances out the salty and tangy flavors in the dressing.
**Add-ins and Substitutions**
– **Substitute other noodles** – Angel hair pasta or thin spaghetti can be used instead of rice noodles. For thicker noodles, try udon.
– **Make it gluten-free** – Use tamari sauce instead of soy sauce to keep the dish gluten-free.
– **Add other vegetables** – Experiment with snow peas, bean sprouts, cabbage, cucumber, or edamame.
– **Substitute the sugar** – Replace refined sugar with honey for natural sweetness.
**How to Make Sesame Noodle Salad**
1. **Prep the vegetables:** Slice carrots and bell peppers julienne.
2. **Soak the noodles:** Boil water, submerge rice noodles for 5-6 minutes, then strain.
*Pro Tip:* Use a sieve for draining rice noodles easily.
3. **Combine the sauces:** Mix sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce in a bowl. Heat up sesame and peanut oil in a pan.
4. **Heat the oil:** Heat oils in a skillet until smoking, then pour over bell peppers, carrots, and garlic in a bowl.
5. **Add the oil to the veggies:** Toss the hot oil with the vegetables.
6. **Combine and chill:** Add soy sauce mixture and rice noodles, toss to combine, and serve chilled.
**Recipe Tips**
– **Use a high smoke point oil:** Opt for oils like peanut, canola, or avocado for high-temperature cooking.
– **Toss the oil and veggies with tongs:** Use tongs to evenly distribute the oil with the vegetables.When mixing hot pasta with vegetables, it’s best to use tongs to ensure thorough mixing while keeping your hands safe.
FAQs
Sesame noodles made with rice noodles can last in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The vegetables will soften over time as they absorb the dressing, altering the texture.
The Sesame Noodle Salad features a tangy, umami dressing made with soy sauce, sugar, and rice vinegar. The addition of sesame oil and garlic enhances the overall flavor.
Funchoza, made with rice noodles, is inherently gluten-free. It can be made entirely gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Vegetable and pasta-loaded fresh salads make excellent side dishes for any meal. This Sesame Noodle Salad pairs well with meats, sushi, seafood, and other salads.
- Meats: Enjoy this refreshing salad with Barbecue Pork Ribs, Smoked Chicken Thighs, Braised Beef Short Ribs (VIDEO), or Breaded Chicken Skewers.
- Salads: Serve it alongside other salads at gatherings, such as Shredded Carrot Salad, Cabbage Cucumber Salad, Kani Salad, or Asian Chicken Salad.
- Sushi: Pair this salad with your favorite sushi rolls like Salmon Skin Roll, Dynamite Roll, Shrimp Tempura Roll, or Spicy Salmon Roll.
- Seafood: Indulge in this Sesame Noodle Salad with Panko Crusted Salmon, Pan Fried Cod with Sautéed Vegetables, Crab Stuffed Mushrooms, or Cedar Plank Salmon.
Make This Recipe in Advance
Make ahead: Prepare this salad in advance, cover it, and refrigerate it for a day before serving to enhance the flavors.
Storing: Store this Sesame Noodle Salad in an airtight container or a bowl covered with plastic wrap for up to 4 days.
Freeze: It’s not recommended to freeze this salad as it may become soft and mushy upon thawing.
More Yummy Asian Dishes!
-
Chicken Chow Mein
-
Panda Express Mushroom Chicken (copycat)
-
Shredded Carrot Salad
-
Roasted Eggplant Salad
This recipe was originally posted December 29, 2016, we’ve tweaked it a bit since then. This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
Full Recipe Instructions
Sesame Noodle Salad (Funchoza)
Print
Pin
Rate
Ingredients
- 1 6 oz package rice noodles
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 1 red bell pepper
- 2 large carrots
- 1 large garlic clove grated
- 3/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup peanut oil
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
