Harusame Salad
Japanese Harusame Salad (Glass Noodle Salad) – Light & Refreshing 15-Minute Side
Harusame Salad is a refreshing Japanese glass noodle salad made with delicate transparent noodles, crisp cucumbers, and a light sesame dressing. In Japanese, harusame (春雨) literally means “spring rain,” a poetic name inspired by the thin, translucent noodles that resemble gentle spring rainfall.
This light and flavorful dish is also known as Japanese Vermicelli Salad or Bansansu (バンサンスー) and is a popular side dish in Japanese homes, school lunches, and bento boxes.
What makes this salad so beloved is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients - glass noodles, cucumbers, and ham - it comes together in about 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a refreshing addition to dinner.
In our house, this salad is a family favorite. The crunchy cucumbers and savory ham make it especially kid-friendly, but the recipe is also easy to customize with additions like shredded egg omelet, julienned carrots, or imitation crab.
If you're looking for a quick Japanese side dish that's light, refreshing, and satisfying, this Harusame Salad is a perfect recipe to add to your rotation.
Recipe Variations
One of the best things about Harusame Salad is how customizable it is. Try adding:
Julienned carrots
Shredded egg omelet (kinshi tamago)
Imitation crab
Shredded chicken
Bean sprouts
These additions make the salad even more colorful and satisfying.
Tips for the Best Harusame Salad
Drain the noodles well
Excess water will dilute the dressing.
Slice ingredients thinly
Thin cuts help the noodles and vegetables mix evenly.
Chill before serving
Harusame salad tastes even better slightly chilled.
RECIPE
Servings: 4-5
Time: 15 min
Ingredients:
1 bunch (4oz) harusame noodles
2 pcs persian cucumber
2-3 pcs honey ham
Sauce
3 tbsp soy sauce
3 tbsp rice vinegar
3 tbsp sesame oil
3 tbsp sesame seeds
2 tsp torigara powder (chicken stock powder)
Instructions:
Cook the noodles:
Bring a pot of water to a boil, then add the harusame noodles.
Cook for about 5 minutes or follow the package instructions.
Drain and rinse the noodles to remove the excess starch.
Prepare the ingredients:
Thinly slice the cucumbers and cut the ham into thin strips.
Make the dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sesame seeds, and torigara powder (chicken stock).
Assemble the salad:
Add the cooked harusame noodles, cucumber, and ham to the bowl.
Toss everything together until well coated in the dressing.
Serve and enjoy!
This salad is best enjoyed chilled.
Let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors before serving.
FAQ
What are harusame noodles made from?
Harusame noodles are typically made from mung bean starch, potato starch, or sweet potato starch, which gives them their translucent appearance.
Is harusame salad served hot or cold?
It is usually served chilled or at room temperature, making it perfect for warm weather meals.
Can I make harusame salad ahead of time?
Yes. Harusame salad can be made a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Is harusame salad gluten-free?
The noodles themselves are usually gluten-free, but the soy sauce may contain gluten, so use gluten-free soy sauce if needed.
What to Serve with Harusame Salad
Pair it with a warm rice bowl like classic Oyakodon chicken and egg rice bowl.
Serve this light salad alongside crispy Tonkatsu, Japanese Pork Cutlet for a balanced meal.
Pair it with this comforting Miso Soup.
Serve alongside this classic Japanese pork dish.
It also makes a refreshing side dish for savory Miso Salmon and steamed rice.
