Asian Noodle Kale Salad is fast, refreshing and tasty! The homemade Ponzu salad dressing works well as a marinade also.
Are you like me and like every vegetable in the world? I am trying to think of something I don’t like. Oh, I just thought of one. Don’t hate me. My eyes are squeezed tight and I am going to just spit it out. Beets!
Okay, okay, okay … I’m smiling but let’s get back to kale and fresh pasta salads. Asian Noodle Kale Salad to be more specific.
Udon noodles are a perfect salad pasta. My husband is the pasta king and he even tries to call them wūdōngmiàn. What? Nobody can say that! I guess in China they can but udon sounds kinda cool so I’m sticking to udon.
They are a little thicker and really fun to dive into with chopsticks. Easy to grab and better to taste.
Asian Noodle and Kale Salad
Ingredients
- 10 ounces udon noodles
- 1 cup carrot , julienned
- 1 cup red bell pepper . julienned
- 1/3 up green onions , (scallions), julienned
- 2 cups kale 1/2 bunch, , center stem cut out and then chopped into smaller pieces
For the dressing:
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon mirin, sweet rice wine
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Instructions
- Make the dressing:
- Mix all of the dressing ingredients together. Taste for seasoning and chill in the refrigerator.
- For the salad:
- Cook the udon noodles according to directions, al dente. Drain and let cool.
- Lightly steam the kale for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Rinse to cool and stop the cooking process. It will be bright and green and wilted.
- In a large bowl add the noodles, julienned vegetables, kale and the salad dressing.
- Put in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
Nutrition
Asian Noodle Kale Salad and Ponzu Sauce
Even though it is good to have skills and be able to make your own dressings Ponzu sauce is also sold in grocery stores. You might want to have it on hand at all times like your favorite salad dressing. The flavor is mildly fruity and it adds a fresh clean flavor to this wonderful salad, Asian Noodle Kale Salad.
Ginny McMeans says
That’s great Patty! It’s a great recipe to remind you to buy kale. 🙂
Jillian says
Healthy and flavorful – perfect!
Jenn says
We’ve been out of town and there isn’t much in my fridge or pantry, but I actually think I have everything to make this…and it looks so good!! LOVE udon noodles!
Sandhya Hariharan says
We love Noodles in our salads but I have never tried Udon Noodles.. The recipe sounds scrumptious.. and I really can’t wait to try.
Patty @ Spoonabilities says
I am so loving this bowl of noodles! Kale has become one of my favorite greens and pairing it up with a yummy bowl of noodles sounds so good!
Mary says
I love the idea of the ponzu dressing! Some of my favorite flavors!
Becky | The Cookie Rookie says
This looks yummy and healthy! Can’t wait to try!
Ginny McMeans says
Oh my word Melody, I left that section out. Steam I am fixing the recipe right now and thanks for being my editor. 🙂
Melody Donnellly says
I have to admit that I hate almost all root veggies, except carrots… and especially beets. But the only green leafy veggie that I also don’t like is kale (and I know it is a super food!). The dressing sounds good though and would be a good mask for the bitter kale. My only question though, is that the kale seems to be wilted by either steaming, boiling or sauteing…which do you do?
Ginny McMeans says
Haha, yeah, I can imagine Tonia. 🙂 Thanks too!
Heather | girlichef says
I’ve never used udon in a salad, but I can see how they’d work beautifully. I love the flavors in this salad!
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
I just looooove udon noodles, and really, this dressing sounds almost drinkable to me! Love this dish!
Stephanie @ Back for Seconds says
Yep, I like all the veggies too. Well, except lima beans, blech!
Sheena @ Hot Eats and Cool Reads says
I love all the ingredients in this salad!! Sounds so amazing! Great recipe!
Tonia from TheGunnySack says
I’ve never tried eating a beet but I just made some juice with beets in it and I had a hard time drinking the juice! This salad would be perfect for me though!