Cucumber Noodle Salad with Sichuan Dressing, gluten-free
Step into a world of bold flavors and refreshing textures with this tantalising Cucumber Noodle Salad with Sichuan Dressing. Featuring a warming citrus twist – the Sichuan-inspired dressing takes this dish to a whole new level. This vibrant and zesty salad is a celebration of crisp cucumbers, silky healthy noodles, and a symphony of spices that will awaken your taste buds. Perfect as a main meal for warm days or as a delightful side to complement the main course, this recipe effortlessly combines simplicity with an explosion of flavors.
Why you'll love this Noodle Salad
Explosion of flavors and textures: This salad offers a perfect harmony of flavors, ranging from the crisp and refreshing cucumbers to the bold and zesty Sichuan dressing. The combination of Asian sauces, and aromatic spices creates a symphony of tastes.
Refreshing and Light: As a salad, it's light and refreshing, making it an ideal choice for warm days or when you're in the mood for a wholesome yet not overly heavy meal. The cucumbers brings a cooling element that complements the spiciness of the Sichuan dressing.
Versatility: This salad is incredibly versatile, making it suitable for various occasions. Whether you're serving it as a standalone dish for a light lunch, a refreshing side for a barbecue, or a vibrant accompaniment to your favorite protein, it adapts seamlessly to different dining scenarios.
Health-conscious Choice: Packed with fresh vegetables and herbs and utilizing konjac noodles, this salad is a health-conscious choice without compromising on taste. The nutrient-rich ingredients contribute to a well-balanced and satisfying meal.
Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free: Yes, this Cucumber Noodle Salad with Sichuan Dressing is both gluten-free and dairy-free, provided you use gluten-free sauces.
Easy to Prepare: With a straightforward preparation process, this salad is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks. The accessibility of ingredients and simplicity of the recipe make it a go-to option for anyone looking to whip up a delicious and impressive dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
Watch How to Make It
Can I make this Ahead of Time or as Part of my Meal Prep?
Absolutely! The Cucumber Noodle Salad with Sichuan Dressing is an excellent choice for meal prep. The fact that it can be served cold makes it a practical and enjoyable option for preparing in advance. Here's why it's great for meal prep:
Long Lasting Freshness: The cucumber, and konjac noodles, used in the salad retain their freshness well even after being refrigerated. This makes it an ideal choice for preparing several portions ahead of time.
Easy Assembly: The salad is easy to assemble, and you can store the dressing separately from the vegetables and noodles until you're ready to eat. This prevents the salad from becoming soggy and ensures the salad maintains its texture.
Portable and Convenient: Pack the salad in individual containers, and you have a ready-to-go meal for work, picnics, or any on-the-go situation. The separate packaging of the dressing keeps everything fresh until you're ready to enjoy.
Customization: This salad is highly customizable. You can prep different variations by adjusting the vegetables or adding proteins like grilled chicken, tofu, or tuna. This allows you to create a variety of meals using the same base ingredients.
Other Noodle Recipes you'll Love
Cucumber Noodle Salad with Sichuan Dressing
Serves 2 (as a main) or 4 (as a side salad)
Prep 10 minutes
Cook 5 minutes
INGREDIENTS
Noodles:
400g drained Konjac Noodles (I used Chang’s LoCal Noodles)
(you can also use rice vermicelli noodles and cook according to packet instructions)
2 Lebanese cucumbers
2 spring onions, finely sliced
1 long red chilli, seeds removed and finely chopped
1 handful of coriander, finely chopped
Sichuan Dressing:
2 teaspoons Sichuan peppercorns
½ teaspoon chilli flakes
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons Chang’s Sesame Oil
5 tablespoons Chang’s Crispy Noodle Salad Dressing
(if you live O/S and Crispy Noodle Salad Dressing is unavailable, you can substitute it with 2 tablespoons Tamari Light Soy Sauce + 2 tablespoons Hoisin Sauce + 1 tablespoon honey)
Optional added protein:
Chicken, tuna, or tofu
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Prepare the noodles: Drain and rinse very well the konjac noodles, according to packet instructions. Then place the noodles in a non-stick pan and cook for several minutes on their own to help eliminate extra water from the noodles. Remove from heat and place again into a sieve to drip dry. Set aside.
2. Make the Sichuan dressing: In a separate pan, lightly toast the Sichuan peppercorns for 1 minute or until fragrant, and then remove from heat. Allow cooling and then grind using a mortar and pestle or crush using a rolling pin. Place into a bowl and combine all the ingredients for the Sichuan dressing.
3. Prepare the salad: Slice the cucumber into thin long strips (optional to use a mandolin slicer) and prepare the chilli, spring onions, and coriander.
4. Bring it together: Toss the noodles in the Sichuan dressing, then stir through the cucumber, chilli, coriander, and spring onions. Serve and enjoy.
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Recipe and Photography Margaret Pahos @CreateCookShare
