Japanese Miso Pasta Salad

Featured in: Global Eats

Enjoy vibrant flavors with this Japanese miso pasta salad. Al dente pasta is tossed with edamame, cucumber, carrot, radish, bell pepper, and spring onions, then coated in a savory miso-sesame dressing. Sweet undertones from honey or maple syrup complement the rich umami of miso and soy. Finished with toasted sesame seeds, cilantro, and crisp nori strips, it brings a delightful fusion twist. Serve chilled for a refreshing side or a nourishing vegetarian main course. Optional additions like tofu or chicken add protein. Perfect for lunch, picnics, or a light dinner.

Updated on Mon, 27 Oct 2025 11:35:00 GMT
A colorful Japanese Miso Pasta Salad topped with vibrant vegetables and sesame seeds.  Save
A colorful Japanese Miso Pasta Salad topped with vibrant vegetables and sesame seeds. | snacksplat.com

A vibrant amp savory pasta salad featuring Japanese miso dressing crisp vegetables and nutty sesame accents a perfect fusion for a refreshing lunch or side dish.

I first made this salad for a family picnic and it quickly became a favorite. The unique combination of Japanese flavors and classic pasta salad texture makes it perfect for gatherings and light lunches.

Ingredients

  • Pasta: 250 g short pasta (fusilli penne)
  • Edamame: 1 cup shelled and cooked
  • Cucumber: 1 small diced
  • Carrot: 1 medium julienned
  • Radishes: 4 thinly sliced
  • Spring onions: 2 sliced
  • Red bell pepper: 1 thinly sliced
  • White miso paste: 3 tbsp
  • Rice vinegar: 2 tbsp
  • Soy sauce: 1 tbsp
  • Toasted sesame oil: 2 tbsp
  • Honey or maple syrup: 1 tbsp
  • Fresh ginger: 1 tbsp grated
  • Garlic: 1 clove minced
  • Water: 2 tbsp to thin as needed
  • Toasted sesame seeds: 2 tbsp
  • Chopped fresh cilantro: 2 tbsp optional
  • Nori: 1 sheet sliced into thin strips optional

Instructions

Cook Pasta:
Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool and set aside.
Make Dressing:
Whisk together miso paste rice vinegar soy sauce sesame oil honey or maple syrup ginger garlic and water until smooth. Adjust water for desired consistency.
Combine Salad:
In a large bowl combine cooled pasta edamame cucumber carrot radishes spring onions and bell pepper.
Dress & Toss:
Pour miso dressing over salad and toss until evenly coated.
Garnish amp Serve:
Transfer to serving dish garnish with toasted sesame seeds cilantro and nori strips if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Delicious Japanese Miso Pasta Salad drizzled with creamy dressing and served cold.  Save
Delicious Japanese Miso Pasta Salad drizzled with creamy dressing and served cold. | snacksplat.com

This Japanese pasta salad was a hit at our recent family lunch everyone loved the brightness of the veggies and the rich miso flavor.

Required Tools

Large pot colander mixing bowls whisk knife and cutting board are helpful to prepare all components efficiently.

Allergen Information

Contains soy gluten and sesame always check product labels for allergens and use substitutions when necessary.

Nutritional Information

Each serving contains approximately 380 calories 10 g total fat 58 g carbohydrates and 12 g protein.

Savory Japanese Miso Pasta Salad with fresh veggies and a nutty miso dressing. Save
Savory Japanese Miso Pasta Salad with fresh veggies and a nutty miso dressing. | snacksplat.com

This salad is delicious served fresh or chilled overnight. Enjoy the perfect harmony of flavors in every bite.

Recipe Guide

How can I make this dish vegan?

Swap honey for maple syrup to ensure all ingredients are plant-based and vegan-friendly.

Can I use other noodles instead of pasta?

Soba noodles work well for an authentic touch, or try gluten-free pasta to suit dietary needs.

What protein can I add?

Add grilled tofu or cooked chicken for extra protein without altering the overall flavor profile.

Is this dish served hot or cold?

Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature for the best refreshing and crisp texture.

What drinks pair well with this salad?

Chilled green tea or crisp white wine complement the savory miso and fresh vegetables nicely.

What allergens are present?

This dish contains soy, gluten, and sesame; always check product labels if sensitive to these ingredients.

Japanese Miso Pasta Salad

Miso-coated pasta, crisp veggies, and sesame blend for a satisfying, refreshing Japanese fusion meal.

Prep duration
20 min
Kitchen time
10 min
Complete duration
30 min
Created by Katie Miller


Skill level Easy

Heritage Japanese Fusion

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition Labels Meat-free, No dairy

What you'll need

Pasta

01 9 ounces short pasta such as fusilli or penne

Vegetables

01 1 cup shelled and cooked edamame
02 1 small cucumber, diced
03 1 medium carrot, julienned
04 4 radishes, thinly sliced
05 2 spring onions, sliced
06 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

Dressing

01 3 tablespoons white miso paste
02 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
03 1 tablespoon soy sauce
04 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
05 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
06 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
07 1 clove garlic, minced
08 2 tablespoons water, or as needed to adjust dressing consistency

Garnishes

01 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
02 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
03 1 sheet nori, sliced into thin strips (optional)

Method

Step 01

Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely. Set aside.

Step 02

Prepare Dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together white miso paste, rice vinegar, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, honey or maple syrup, grated ginger, minced garlic, and water until the mixture is smooth. Add extra water as needed to achieve desired dressing consistency.

Step 03

Combine Salad Components: In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, edamame, diced cucumber, julienned carrot, sliced radishes, sliced spring onions, and thinly sliced red bell pepper.

Step 04

Dress and Toss: Pour the miso dressing over the vegetables and pasta. Toss gently until all elements are evenly coated with dressing.

Step 05

Garnish and Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving dish. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, chopped fresh cilantro, and nori strips if using. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Kitchen tools

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy details

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains soy from miso paste and soy sauce.
  • Contains gluten in pasta and soy sauce unless gluten-free options are used.
  • Contains sesame from sesame oil and seeds.
  • Check all ingredient packages for possible allergen cross-contamination.

Nutrient breakdown (each portion)

Numbers shown are estimates only - please consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 380
  • Fats: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 58 g
  • Proteins: 12 g