Gluten-Free Cold Noodle & Vegetable Salad

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A Fresh, Flavor-Packed, Allergen-Friendly Meal Perfect for Any Season

If you’re craving something light, refreshing, and loaded with vibrant flavor, this Gluten-Free Cold Noodle & Vegetable Salad is exactly what you need. Packed with crisp vegetables, tender gluten-free noodles, and a tangy, savory dressing, this dish is as satisfying as it is nourishing.

Perfect for meal prep, warm-weather meals, or quick lunches, this salad delivers bold flavor with minimal effort, and it just happens to be incredibly allergen-friendly, too.

Why You’ll Love This Cold Noodle Salad

Fresh, Crisp, and Flavorful

Every bite is a mix of textures and flavors—from crunchy vegetables to silky noodles—all coated in a bright, umami-rich dressing.

Quick and Easy to Make

This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy days when you still want something homemade and wholesome.

Perfect for Meal Prep

Cold noodle salads hold up beautifully in the refrigerator, making this a great make-ahead option for lunches or dinners throughout the week.

What Makes This Recipe So Allergen-Friendly

Free From Common Allergens

This recipe is naturally:

  • Gluten-free
  • Dairy-free
  • Egg-free
  • Nut-free
  • Soy-free (when using San-J No Soy Tamari)
  • Refined sugar-free

It’s a rare combination that makes this dish perfect for sharing with a wide range of dietary needs.

Smart Ingredient Swaps

Using San-J No Soy Tamari instead of traditional soy sauce ensures all the savory, umami flavor without the soy, making it accessible for even more people.

What You’ll Need

To make this gluten-free cold noodle and vegetable salad, you’ll need:

  • Gluten-free noodles (such as spaghetti-style)
  • Salt
  • San-J No Soy Tamari
  • Rice vinegar
  • Toasted sesame oil
  • Honey or maple syrup
  • Fresh ginger
  • Garlic
  • Lime juice
  • Baby corn
  • Purple cabbage
  • Carrots
  • Red and yellow bell peppers
  • Cucumber
  • Snap peas
  • Green onions
  • Fresno chili
  • Black pepper
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Toasted sesame seeds

The Dressing: Bold, Balanced, and Bright

A Perfect Flavor Combination

The dressing is what truly brings this salad to life. It combines savory, tangy, slightly sweet, and aromatic elements for a well-rounded flavor.

Why It Works

  • Tamari adds deep umami richness
  • Rice vinegar and lime juice bring brightness
  • Sesame oil adds warmth and depth
  • Ginger and garlic create a fresh, zesty kick

Together, these ingredients create a dressing that’s light yet incredibly flavorful.

Texture and Color in Every Bite

A Rainbow of Vegetables

This salad is as visually appealing as it is delicious. With vibrant cabbage, peppers, carrots, and more, it’s full of color and nutrients.

Crisp Meets Tender

The contrast between crunchy vegetables and soft noodles makes every bite interesting and satisfying.

A Little Heat

Fresno chili adds just a touch of heat, which you can easily adjust to your preference.

Tips for the Best Cold Noodle Salad

Rinse the Noodles Well

After cooking, rinse the noodles under cold water to stop the cooking process and keep them from sticking.

Don’t Skip the Chill Time

Letting the salad rest in the refrigerator for 15–30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Toss Before Serving

Give everything a quick toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and ensure even flavor.

Easy Variations

Add Protein

Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or edamame (if soy is not a concern) to make it more filling.

Make It Vegan

Simply use maple syrup instead of honey for a fully vegan version.

Switch Up the Veggies

Use what you have on hand, this recipe is very forgiving and adaptable.

When to Serve This Salad

This cold noodle salad is perfect for:

  • Meal prep lunches
  • Light dinners
  • Picnics and potlucks
  • Summer gatherings
  • Quick, no-reheat meals

It’s a versatile dish that fits into just about any occasion.

The Last Bite

This Gluten-Free Cold Noodle & Vegetable Salad is proof that simple ingredients can create bold, satisfying flavor. With its fresh vegetables, vibrant dressing, and allergen-friendly ingredients like San-J No Soy Tamari, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Whether you’re prepping meals for the week or looking for a refreshing dish to share, this salad delivers on flavor, convenience, and versatility, all in one bowl.

For more recipes with rich tamari flavor but no soy, try Soy Free Egg Roll in a BowlSoy-Free Slow Cooker Quinoa Congee with Mayak Eggs, and Spicy No Soy Salmon Sushi Cups.

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Gluten-free Cold Noodle & Vegetable Salad

By Gluten Free & More
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Fridge Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
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Ingredients 

  • Kosher or fine sea salt
  • 8 ounces gluten-free noodles such as spaghetti
  • 3 tablespoons San-J No Soy Tamari
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 cup canned baby corn, drained and quartered
  • 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
  • 1 cup julienned carrots
  • 1 red and 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup cucumber, julienned
  • 1 cup snap peas, trimmed
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1 Fresno chili, minced
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Instructions 

  • Cook the gluten-free noodles in salted water according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water until completely cooled. Set aside.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the San-J No Soy Tamari, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, ginger, garlic, and lime juice until well combined. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, combine the cooled noodles, corn, cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, cucumber, snap peas, green onions, and Fresno chili.
  • Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Add cilantro and sesame seeds and toss lightly again.
  • For best flavor, refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes before serving. Toss again before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 99kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 2gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 32mgPotassium: 296mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 5996IUVitamin C: 36mgCalcium: 63mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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