15 Easy Noodle Salad Recipes Everyone Loves

Noodle salad is one of those meals that can do a lot without asking much from you. It can be quick enough for lunch, easy enough for a side dish, and filling enough for dinner when you add the right mix of noodles, vegetables, protein, and dressing. It also works well for potlucks, cookouts, picnics, and meal prep because it holds up nicely and tastes great cold or chilled.

I like noodle salads because they are simple to change based on what you have at home. You can make them creamy, tangy, spicy, fresh, crunchy, or a little sweet. Some use ramen, some use spaghetti or rice noodles, and some lean more classic while others feel a little more fun and bold. That makes them easy to come back to without getting bored.

This list gives you 23 easy noodle salad recipes everyone loves. Some are light and fresh, some are rich and creamy, and all of them are simple enough for everyday cooking. Whether you need a quick lunch, a make-ahead dinner, or an easy dish to bring somewhere, there should be a noodle salad here that fits.

1. Classic Sesame Noodle Salad

This is one of the easiest noodle salads to make because the dressing does most of the work. It is simple, fresh, and easy to serve for lunch or dinner.

Recipe Metadata:

1. Time to Make: 20 minutes
2. Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 8 ounces noodles
2. 1 cup shredded carrots
3. 1 cucumber, sliced
4. 3 green onions, sliced
5. 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
6. 3 tablespoons soy sauce
7. 2 tablespoons sesame oil
8. 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
9. 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
10. 1 teaspoon grated ginger

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook the noodles according to package directions, then drain and cool.
2. Add the noodles, carrots, cucumber, and green onions to a large bowl.
3. In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, and ginger.
4. Pour the dressing over the noodles.
5. Toss until well coated.
6. Top with sesame seeds and serve chilled.

2. Ramen Crunch Salad

This salad is popular because it has so much crunch and a sweet tangy dressing people love. It is especially good for gatherings and make-ahead meals.

Recipe Metadata:

1. Time to Make: 15 minutes
2. Servings: 6

Ingredients:

1. 1 package ramen noodles, broken up
2. 4 cups shredded cabbage
3. 2 cups chopped romaine
4. 1 cup shredded carrots
5. 3 green onions, sliced
6. 1/2 cup sliced almonds
7. 1/4 cup olive oil
8. 2 tablespoons vinegar
9. 1 tablespoon soy sauce
10. 1 tablespoon sugar

Recipe Steps:

1. Add cabbage, romaine, carrots, green onions, broken ramen, and almonds to a large bowl.
2. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad.
4. Toss well until coated.
5. Chill briefly if desired.
6. Serve fresh and crunchy.

3. Asian Chicken Noodle Salad

This recipe is filling enough for dinner but still feels light and fresh. The chicken makes it hearty, while the vegetables keep it crisp.

Recipe Metadata:

1. Time to Make: 25 minutes
2. Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 8 ounces noodles
2. 2 cooked chicken breasts, sliced
3. 1 cup shredded carrots
4. 1 cucumber, sliced
5. 1 cup shredded red cabbage
6. 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
7. 3 tablespoons soy sauce
8. 2 tablespoons sesame oil
9. 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
10. 1 tablespoon honey
11. 1 teaspoon garlic, minced

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook the noodles according to package directions, then drain and cool.
2. Add noodles, chicken, carrots, cucumber, cabbage, and cilantro to a large bowl.
3. Whisk soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, and garlic together.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad.
5. Toss until evenly coated.
6. Serve chilled.

4. Creamy Peanut Noodle Salad

This one is rich, fresh, and very easy to like. The peanut dressing makes the noodles feel extra satisfying without being hard to make.

Recipe Metadata:

1. Time to Make: 20 minutes
2. Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 8 ounces noodles
2. 1 cup shredded carrots
3. 1 cup shredded red cabbage
4. 1 cucumber, sliced
5. 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
6. 1/4 cup peanut butter
7. 2 tablespoons soy sauce
8. 1 tablespoon lime juice
9. 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
10. 2 tablespoons warm water

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook the noodles according to package directions, then drain and cool.
2. Add noodles, carrots, cabbage, and cucumber to a bowl.
3. Whisk peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey or maple syrup, and warm water until smooth.
4. Pour over the salad.
5. Toss well to coat.
6. Top with chopped peanuts and serve.

5. Italian Noodle Salad

This salad has simple Italian-style flavors that make it easy to serve to a crowd. It is a great pick for picnics, lunches, and casual dinners.

Recipe Metadata:

1. Time to Make: 20 minutes
2. Servings: 6

Ingredients:

1. 8 ounces spaghetti, broken in half
2. 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
3. 1 cucumber, chopped
4. 1/2 cup olives
5. 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
6. 1 cup mozzarella cubes
7. 1/3 cup Italian dressing

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions, then drain and cool.
2. Add noodles, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, pepperoni, and mozzarella to a bowl.
3. Pour the Italian dressing over the salad.
4. Toss until combined.
5. Chill for 20 minutes if desired.
6. Serve cold.

6. Cold Lo Mein Salad

This salad is simple and full of familiar takeout-style flavor. It is a nice make-ahead meal when you want something chilled and savory.

Recipe Metadata:

1. Time to Make: 20 minutes
2. Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 8 ounces lo mein noodles
2. 1 cup shredded carrots
3. 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
4. 1 cup shredded cabbage
5. 3 green onions, sliced
6. 3 tablespoons soy sauce
7. 1 tablespoon sesame oil
8. 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
9. 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
10. 1 teaspoon sugar

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook the lo mein noodles according to package directions, then drain and cool.
2. Add the noodles, carrots, bell pepper, cabbage, and green onions to a bowl.
3. Whisk soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, and sugar together.
4. Pour over the noodles.
5. Toss until well coated.
6. Serve chilled.

7. Thai-Inspired Rice Noodle Salad

This salad feels fresh and bold without being too hard to make. The rice noodles and lime peanut dressing make it especially good for warm weather meals.

Recipe Metadata:

1. Time to Make: 20 minutes
2. Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 8 ounces rice noodles
2. 1 cup shredded carrots
3. 1 cucumber, sliced
4. 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
5. 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
6. 3 tablespoons peanut butter
7. 2 tablespoons lime juice
8. 2 tablespoons soy sauce
9. 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
10. 2 tablespoons warm water

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook the rice noodles according to package directions, then rinse and cool.
2. Add noodles, carrots, cucumber, and cilantro to a bowl.
3. Whisk peanut butter, lime juice, soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, and warm water until smooth.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad.
5. Toss until mixed well.
6. Top with peanuts and serve.

8. Chicken Ramen Salad

This is a more filling version of the classic crunchy ramen salad. The chicken helps turn it into a full lunch or simple dinner.

Recipe Metadata:

1. Time to Make: 20 minutes
2. Servings: 6

Ingredients:

1. 1 package ramen noodles, broken
2. 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
3. 4 cups shredded cabbage
4. 2 cups chopped romaine
5. 1 cup shredded carrots
6. 3 green onions, sliced
7. 1/2 cup sliced almonds
8. 1/4 cup olive oil
9. 2 tablespoons vinegar
10. 1 tablespoon soy sauce
11. 1 tablespoon sugar

Recipe Steps:

1. Add ramen noodles, chicken, cabbage, romaine, carrots, green onions, and almonds to a large bowl.
2. Whisk olive oil, vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar together.
3. Pour over the salad.
4. Toss until well coated.
5. Chill briefly if desired.
6. Serve fresh.

9. Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad

This salad is great when you want something with a little more kick. The creamy dressing keeps the heat balanced and makes the noodles really satisfying.

Recipe Metadata:

1. Time to Make: 20 minutes
2. Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 8 ounces noodles
2. 1 cup shredded cabbage
3. 1 cup shredded carrots
4. 1 cucumber, sliced
5. 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
6. 1/4 cup peanut butter
7. 2 tablespoons soy sauce
8. 1 tablespoon lime juice
9. 1 teaspoon sriracha
10. 2 tablespoons warm water

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook the noodles according to package directions, then cool them.
2. Add noodles, cabbage, carrots, and cucumber to a bowl.
3. Whisk peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, sriracha, and warm water together.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad.
5. Toss until well coated.
6. Top with peanuts and serve.

10. Cucumber Sesame Noodle Salad

This is a simple, lighter noodle salad for days when you want something quick and fresh. The cucumber keeps it cool and crisp, which makes it especially nice in warm weather.

Recipe Metadata:

1. Time to Make: 15 minutes
2. Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 8 ounces noodles
2. 2 cucumbers, thinly sliced
3. 3 green onions, sliced
4. 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
5. 3 tablespoons soy sauce
6. 2 tablespoons sesame oil
7. 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
8. 1 teaspoon sugar

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook the noodles according to package directions, then drain and cool.
2. Add noodles, cucumbers, and green onions to a bowl.
3. Whisk soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and sugar together.
4. Pour the dressing over the noodles.
5. Toss until coated.
6. Top with sesame seeds and serve chilled.

11. Teriyaki Noodle Salad

This noodle salad is simple and full of sweet savory flavor. It works well as a side, but it is also filling enough for a quick main meal.

Recipe Metadata:

1. Time to Make: 20 minutes
2. Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 8 ounces noodles
2. 1 cup shredded carrots
3. 1 cup chopped broccoli
4. 1 bell pepper, sliced
5. 3 green onions, sliced
6. 1/3 cup teriyaki sauce
7. 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook the noodles according to package directions, then cool.
2. Steam or blanch the broccoli until just tender.
3. Add noodles, carrots, broccoli, bell pepper, and green onions to a bowl.
4. Pour teriyaki sauce and sesame oil over the salad.
5. Toss until everything is coated.
6. Serve chilled or slightly cool.

12. Creamy Ranch Noodle Salad

This is a good choice when you want a noodle salad that feels a little more classic and familiar. The ranch dressing gives it a creamy easy-to-love flavor.

Recipe Metadata:

1. Time to Make: 20 minutes
2. Servings: 6

Ingredients:

1. 8 ounces noodles
2. 1 cup peas
3. 1 cup shredded carrots
4. 1 cucumber, chopped
5. 1 cup cheddar cubes
6. 1/2 cup ranch dressing
7. Black pepper

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook the noodles according to package directions, then drain and cool.
2. Add noodles, peas, carrots, cucumber, and cheddar to a bowl.
3. Stir in ranch dressing.
4. Add black pepper to taste.
5. Toss until well combined.
6. Chill before serving.

13. Shrimp Noodle Salad

This salad feels light but still filling enough for dinner. The shrimp adds a fresh flavor that pairs really well with chilled noodles and vegetables.

Recipe Metadata:

1. Time to Make: 20 minutes
2. Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 8 ounces noodles
2. 1 pound cooked shrimp
3. 1 cucumber, sliced
4. 1 cup shredded carrots
5. 3 green onions, sliced
6. 3 tablespoons soy sauce
7. 2 tablespoons sesame oil
8. 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
9. 1 teaspoon honey

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook the noodles according to package directions, then drain and cool.
2. Add noodles, shrimp, cucumber, carrots, and green onions to a bowl.
3. Whisk soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and honey together.
4. Pour over the salad.
5. Toss until combined.
6. Serve chilled.

14. Cabbage Noodle Salad

This salad is simple, crunchy, and easy to make for lunches or potlucks. The cabbage holds up well, so it is great for making ahead too.

Recipe Metadata:

1. Time to Make: 15 minutes
2. Servings: 6

Ingredients:

1. 8 ounces noodles
2. 3 cups shredded cabbage
3. 1 cup shredded carrots
4. 3 green onions, sliced
5. 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
6. 1/4 cup olive oil
7. 2 tablespoons vinegar
8. 1 tablespoon soy sauce
9. 1 tablespoon sugar

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook the noodles according to package directions, then cool.
2. Add noodles, cabbage, carrots, and green onions to a large bowl.
3. Whisk olive oil, vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar together.
4. Pour over the salad.
5. Toss until well mixed.
6. Top with sesame seeds and serve chilled.

15. Pesto Noodle Salad

This salad is a good change when you want something outside the usual sesame or creamy noodle salads. The pesto gives it a fresh rich flavor that is easy to like.

Recipe Metadata:

1. Time to Make: 15 minutes
2. Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 8 ounces noodles
2. 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
3. 1 cup mozzarella balls or cubes
4. 1/4 cup pesto
5. 2 tablespoons chopped basil
6. Black pepper

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook the noodles according to package directions, then drain and cool.
2. Add noodles, tomatoes, and mozzarella to a bowl.
3. Stir in pesto until the noodles are coated.
4. Add basil and black pepper.
5. Toss gently.
6. Serve chilled.