Name: Shanghai Noodle Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 2 h 40 min
Cuisine: Chinese-inspired
Ingredients: 1 pound fresh thick Chinese wheat noodles; ¼ cup ketchup; 3 ½ tablespoons sesame oil; 3 ½ tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1 ½ teaspoons lime juice; ¼ cup chopped green onion; 2 carrots, peeled and shredded; 1 small zucchini, cut into matchsticks; 1 red bell pepper, cut into matchsticks; 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds; 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Shanghai Noodle Salad is packed with vibrant flavors and textures. The combination of crunchy vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and red bell peppers with the chewy noodles makes each bite satisfying. The sweet and savory dressing, made with sesame oil, soy sauce, and brown sugar, gives the salad an irresistible tang. It’s a refreshing, healthy dish that’s great for meal prepping and can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Perfect for those busy days when you need a quick, flavorful meal!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound fresh thick Chinese wheat noodles
¼ cup ketchup
3 ½ tablespoons sesame oil
3 ½ tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 ½ teaspoons lime juice
¼ cup chopped green onion
2 carrots, peeled and shredded
1 small zucchini, cut into matchsticks
1 red bell pepper, cut into matchsticks
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Directions

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the Chinese noodles and stir to prevent sticking. Cook the noodles uncovered for about 5 minutes, or until fully cooked, stirring occasionally. Drain the noodles well in a colander.
Rinse the noodles under cold water several times to chill them. Drain again to remove excess water.
In a large salad bowl, whisk together the ketchup, sesame oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, kosher salt, and lime juice until the brown sugar has dissolved.
Add the cooked noodles, chopped green onion, shredded carrots, zucchini matchsticks, red bell pepper matchsticks, sesame seeds, and crushed red pepper flakes to the dressing. Gently toss everything together to evenly coat the noodles and veggies with the dressing.
Cover the bowl and chill the salad for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Additional time: 2 hours 15 minutes (for chilling)
Total time: 2 hours 40 minutes

Variations

Add Protein: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a heartier salad.
Spicy Version: Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a bit of chili paste for more heat.
Veggie Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like cucumber, snap peas, or cabbage to suit your tastes.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is necessary.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of noodle?

Yes, you can substitute the Chinese wheat noodles with soba noodles or rice noodles for a different texture.

2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! This salad is perfect for make-ahead meals. In fact, it tastes even better after chilling for a few hours, or even overnight.

3. Can I use a different sweetener instead of brown sugar?

You can use honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar if you prefer, but the flavor might change slightly.

4. Can I omit the ketchup in the dressing?

Yes, you can omit the ketchup, but it adds a nice sweetness and depth of flavor. You can replace it with a bit more soy sauce or add a touch of vinegar for tanginess.

5. How can I make this salad gluten-free?

To make this salad gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and make sure the noodles are gluten-free, like rice noodles or gluten-free pasta.

6. Can I make this salad spicier?

Absolutely! You can increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a spoonful of chili paste to the dressing for extra heat.

7. Can I use frozen vegetables?

Fresh vegetables are recommended for the best texture and flavor, but you can use frozen veggies if that’s what you have available. Just make sure to thaw and drain them properly before using.

8. How do I know when the noodles are done?

The noodles are done when they’re tender and cooked through, usually after about 5 minutes in boiling water. Taste a noodle to ensure it’s not too firm.

9. Can I add more vegetables?

Yes, you can add any vegetables you like! Cucumber, snow peas, and edamame would be great additions to this salad.

10. Can I add nuts to this salad?

Yes, you can add roasted peanuts or cashews for a crunchy texture and added flavor.

Conclusion

This Shanghai Noodle Salad is a flavorful, crunchy, and tangy dish that’s perfect for lunch, picnics, or as a side for dinner. It’s light, refreshing, and customizable, making it ideal for all sorts of occasions. With its vibrant veggies, chewy noodles, and savory-sweet dressing, this salad will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation!