From soba noodle salad to dipping ramen to cold curry udon, these Japanese-style cold noodles are going to be your new summertime favorites! They are easy to make and can be prepped ahead, too.
Sandwiches, BBQs, and salads are the typical summertime staples, but we at Just One Cookbook are avid fans of bright cold noodles when the temperatures rise. Think soba, ramen, udon, someand more. These noodles can be served cold (or at room temperature) in a colorful salad form or with a savory dipping sauce or in a flavorful curry broth.
What you’ll love most about cold noodles?
- They can be put together so quickly! Go ahead and boil a whole package of the noodles and keep it in the fridge so it’s ready to serve with crisp veggies, grilled meat (or grilled mushrooms, tofu, or eggplants), and a quick dressing or sauce.
- The noodles pair well with any summer produce and offer plenty of room for customization.
- Keep it light or bulk it up as you desire.
Each of the recipes is perfectly summery and ready to be slurped away! Here, let us present the best cold noodle recipes of summer.
1. Soba Noodle Salad
“Thank you for sharing this recipe. It’s delicious and so fast to make! I add edamame and like you suggest cucumber. So good.” — Selina
Earthy Japanese soba noodles tossed in a honey-soy dressing with a touch of sesame oil and garnished with fresh herbs and sesame seeds. It cannot get any easier! Feel free to throw in proteins and veggies for a more substantial meal.
2. Tsukemen (Dipping Ramen Noodles)
“This is delicious. My partner and I have made this twice in 1 week. It is so good and reminds us of the time we lived in Tokyo.” — Nikki
Dipping ramen noodles or Tsukemen is one of the most beloved styles of ramen in Japan, especially during the hot months. The contrast between cold noodles and hot broth is literally the best of both worlds.
3. Zaru Soba (Cold Soba Noodles)
“I used to buy pre-made dipping sauce from the supermarket for my Zaru Soba. No more. Your recipe is SO much better. I just made a batch and it will go into regular rotation during warmer months.” — Julie
10-minute is all you need to whip up this classic Japanese cold noodle dish. We also love heating up some store-bought frozen tempura to serve alongside the chilled buckwheat noodles. Grab some cold beer or iced green tea to enjoy with the meal on the patio.
4. Chickpeas (Cold Ramen)
“I made it this evening and the entire family loved it, even my toddler. I served it with the hot mustard which made it all the more satisfying. Absolutely delicious on this hot Southern California day.” — Wendy
It’s easy to give ramen a big nod any time of the year. But come summertime, you need to experience this popular Japanese cold ramen called hiyashi chuka! Topped with colorful toppings, it has all the flavors and textures you’d enjoy on a hot day.
Vegetarian? Use your favorite veggies and leftover grilled tofu!
5. Hiyashi Chuka (Cold Ramen) with Sesame Miso Sauce
“This was so easy and SO GOOD. Perfect for a hot summer’s meal. The dressing is to die for. And I got some chicken broth for other recipes! This is going to be made by me like every week.” — Mitchell
Instead of soy sauce-based dressing, this version of hiyashi chuka is soaked in a sesame miso sauce. Thanks to the umami-rich miso and tangy rice vinegar, the sauce delivers a dynamic punch of flavor.
6. Oroshi Soba
“This is undeniably the most amazing thing I have ever cooked in my life. Thank you Nami! I’m going to make this all the time!” — Shelli
Use quality soba noodles for a minimal recipe like this. To make it vegetarian or vegan, just omit the katsuobushi topping, and swap the katsuo dashi with Kombu Dashi.
7. Black Sesame Dan Dan Noodles
“Been wanting to make this for a while now and with the summer picking up, I finally made the cold version – SO GOOD!! Thank you for noting that the soup could be made in advance, that helped a ton in cutting down the prep work.” — JB
This is a Japanese take on the famous Sichuan Dan Dan Noodles. Here, we have black sesame-flavored broth, savory meat sauce, chewy noodles, chili oil, and garlic chips that go into one bowl of an unforgettable meal. Yes, you can serve the noodles in 2 ways: cold or hot.
8. Cold Curry Udon
“I made this curry with your roux recipe and fresh tomato and cucumber from the garden. I didn’t expect the fresh produce would taste so nice in curry.” — Kristi
Chilled udon noodles soaked in curry soup, topped with sliced pork, boiled egg, sliced onion, cucumber strips, fresh greens, tomatoes, and grilled eggplants. Need we say more?
9. Cold Tanuki Udon
“Just tried making it! Super yummy!!” — Karen
Delicious and oh-so-satisfying, the chilled udon noodle is drizzled in umami-rich mentsuyu and topped with cucumber, tomatoes, wakame seaweed, and a soft-boiled egg. You can easily make it vegan or vegetarian-friendly.
10. Cold Somen Noodles
“Thank you for sharing another great recipe! It was the first time I made somen and it did not disappoint! Very tasty, and a great change from cold soba which we make on a regular basis.” — Tallinn
Somen is a summer staple for the Japanese. These thin and springy noodles are light and refreshing and take less than 3 minutes to cook.
11. Cold Tuna and Tomato Somen
“Wonderful, simple, and quick recipe. I used campari tomatoes for more tomato flavor and it turned out excellent!” — Brenda
This cold tuna and tomato soup dish looks and tastes like the epitome of summer cooking.
12. Pork Shabu Shabu and Cold Somen with Sesame Miso Sauce
“This was absolutely delicious! Thank you” — Carrie
Cold somen noodles served with shabu shabu pork, cucumber slices, and a savory dipping sauce! This is the most refreshing noodle recipe that your whole family will love. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner in the summer.
13. Honey Sesame Shirataki Noodles
“This was the best!!! I can’t wait for warmer weather to enjoy this more! I added random vegetables by boiling them and chilling before serving.” — Jane
If you’re looking for a low-carb and gluten-free cold noodle dish, you’ll need these honey sesame shirataki noodles in your back pocket! Prep the noodles ahead by cooking them according to the package instructions and draining them well under cold water. When ready to eat, assemble the noodles with veggies and protein.
14. Harusame Salad (Glass Noodle Salad)
“I made this for a party and it was great because it was make-ahead. This is like Korean chap chae but easier! I added mushrooms and tomatoes too. So delicious.” — Cynthia
Japanese Glass Noodle Salad (Harusame Salad) is light, refreshing, low-calorie, and flavorful, with a savory and tangy sesame soy vinaigrette.
15. Cold Natto Udon
Topped with natto, colorful vegetables, and poached egg, this chilled noodle dish is brimming with flavors, textures, and nutrients! Perfect on a hot summer day.
More Recipes for Summer Dinner Ideas
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Cold Noodle Recipes You’ll Need All Summer
From soba noodle salad to dipping ramen to cold curry udon, these Japanese-style cold noodles are going to be your new summertime favorites!
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Instructions
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Select the cold noodle recipes you want to make from the list above.
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Follow the detailed instruction in each post (tips and substitutions included).
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Make and enjoy the cold noodle recipe!
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Do you have any favorites? Share in the comment box below!
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