Description
These Asian Sesame Noodle Jars are a vibrant, customizable meal prep lunch packed with nutty sesame dressing, crisp veggies, and tender noodles. Perfect for busy weekdays, they stay fresh for up to five days and are easy to adapt for any diet or taste.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon tahini or creamy peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili sauce (optional)
- 8 ounces dried soba noodles, rice noodles, or thin spaghetti (cooked and cooled)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup snap peas or snow peas, julienned
- 1/2 cup purple cabbage, shredded (optional)
- 1/2 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, tofu cubes, or shrimp (optional)
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped
- 1 lime, sliced into wedges
- Crushed peanuts or cashews (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add noodles and cook according to package instructions (usually 4-6 minutes for soba). Drain and rinse under cold water until completely cool. Toss with a teaspoon of sesame oil to prevent sticking.
- In a small bowl, whisk together toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, tahini or peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, ginger, garlic, and sriracha (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning. If the dressing is too thick, whisk in a tablespoon of water.
- Slice carrots, bell pepper, snap peas, cabbage, and cucumber into thin strips. Cube or shred protein if using. Pat dry to avoid sogginess.
- Set out 5 clean 16-ounce mason jars. Divide the dressing evenly among the jars (about 2 tablespoons per jar). Add protein next, followed by the crunchiest veggies. Top with noodles, then softer veggies and fresh herbs.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds, chopped cilantro or green onions, and a lime wedge on top of each jar. Add crushed nuts if desired.
- Seal jars tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Keep jars upright so dressing stays at the bottom.
- When ready to eat, shake the jar to mix, or dump into a bowl and toss. Squeeze lime on top and enjoy cold or at room temperature.
Notes
For best texture, keep jars upright and add lime wedges just before serving. Use tamari and rice noodles for gluten-free, and maple syrup for vegan. Keep nuts and herbs separate until serving for extra crunch. If using seafood, consume within 3 days. Rinse noodles well to prevent clumping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jar (about 16 oz,
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 43
- Fiber: 7
- Protein: 15
Keywords: meal prep, sesame noodles, Asian lunch, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, mason jar salad, easy lunch, healthy lunch, noodle jar