Soba Noodle Cold Salad (Print)

Light soba noodle salad with crunchy vegetables and a creamy sesame-peanut dressing for a fresh meal.

# Components:

→ Noodles

01 - 9 oz soba noodles

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium carrot, julienned
03 - 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
05 - 2 spring onions, finely sliced
06 - 1 cup shredded red cabbage (approx. 1.75 oz)

→ Dressing

07 - 3 tbsp smooth peanut butter or tahini
08 - 2 tbsp soy sauce
09 - 1 tbsp rice vinegar
10 - 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
11 - 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
12 - 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
13 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
14 - 1 to 2 tbsp water, to thin dressing as needed

→ Garnishes

15 - 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
16 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
17 - 1 small red chili, thinly sliced (optional)
18 - Lime wedges, for serving

# Directions:

01 - Boil soba noodles according to package directions (5 to 7 minutes). Drain and rinse thoroughly under cold water to halt cooking and remove starch. Set aside to cool.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together peanut butter or tahini, soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, maple syrup or honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Gradually add water, one tablespoon at a time, until smooth and pourable.
03 - Add cooled noodles, julienned carrot, sliced cucumber, bell pepper, spring onions, and shredded cabbage to the dressing. Toss thoroughly until all components are evenly coated.
04 - Divide salad among bowls. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, and sliced red chili if desired. Serve with lime wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in less than half an hour, which means you can actually make it on a weeknight without stress.
  • Cold noodle salads hit differently when you're tired of hot meals—refreshing without feeling like a sacrifice.
  • The dressing is boldly flavored enough that you don't need much else, making this a genuinely satisfying lunch that doesn't disappear in three bites.
02 -
  • Rinsing the soba noodles isn't optional—it's the difference between silky strands and a starchy blob that clumps as it sits.
  • The dressing thickens slightly as it sits because the noodles absorb liquid, so if you're making this ahead, mix the dressing fresh or keep it separate and toss everything just before serving.
03 -
  • Toast your own sesame seeds in a dry pan for two minutes—the fragrance is a sign they're ready and the flavor is worlds apart from the pre-toasted kind.
  • Don't be shy with the lime wedges; that citrus brightness is what keeps this from feeling heavy or one-note.
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