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noodle salad recipe mayonnaise

Creamy Noodle Salad with Mayonnaise

A refreshing and satisfying noodle salad with a creamy mayonnaise dressing, crunchy vegetables, and aromatic sesame oil that's perfect for picnics, potlucks, or quick weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Grain & Pasta Salads
Cuisine: Asian-Fusion
Calories: 325

Ingredients
  

For the Salad Base
  • 200 g noodles (spaghetti or ramen noodles) cooked and cooled
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup diced cucumber
  • 1/4 cup sliced green onions plus extra for garnish
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds plus extra for garnish
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise full-fat preferred
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins
  • 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper for color and crunch
  • 1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken or baked tofu for protein
  • 1 tbsp sriracha or chili oil for heat
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro for freshness
  • 1 clove garlic minced

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Cook noodles according to package directions, then drain and rinse under cold water until completely cooled. Toss with a teaspoon of oil if needed to prevent clumping.
  2. In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil; whisk until smooth and creamy.
  3. Add cooled noodles, shredded carrots, diced cucumber, and sliced green onions to the dressing; toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.
  5. Transfer to a serving bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to develop.
  6. Just before serving, gently toss the salad again and taste for seasoning. Add more mayonnaise if it seems dry, or a splash of rice vinegar if you want more tanginess.
  7. Garnish with additional green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, substitute half the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
  • This salad can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
  • Add a protein of your choice to make this a complete meal.
  • For food safety, never leave this mayonnaise-based salad at room temperature for more than two hours.