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Soba Noodle Salad

Soba Noodle Salad

This soba noodle salad combines tender buckwheat noodles, colorful vegetables, and a savory sesame dressing for a refreshing, nourishing dish ideal for lunches, dinners, and meal prep.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Salad
Cuisine: asian inspired, Japanese-Inspired
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

For the Soba Noodle Salad
  • 8 oz soba noodles
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 1 small cucumber julienned
  • 3 green onions chopped
  • 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
  • ½ cup edamame shelled
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro or parsley
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • Optional add-ins:
  • Pan-seared tofu
  • Grilled chicken or shrimp
  • Avocado slices
  • Snap peas or radishes
For the Sesame-Soy Dressing
  • ¼ cup soy sauce or tamari
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • Juice of ½ lime
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil avocado or canola
  • Red pepper flakes to taste

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk or mason jar (for dressing)
  • Tongs or salad spoons
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

Cook the Soba Noodles Properly
  1. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add soba noodles and cook according to package instructions—typically 4–6 minutes.
  2. Important step: Rinse soba thoroughly under cold water after draining. This removes excess starch and keeps the noodles from sticking.
  3. Let them cool completely.
Prepare the Vegetables
  1. While noodles cool, prep your vegetables:
  2. Slice bell peppers thin
  3. Shred carrots and cabbage
  4. Julienne the cucumber
  5. Chop green onions
  6. Add edamame and herbs
  7. Aim for consistent cutting so every bite feels balanced.
Whisk the Sesame-Soy Dressing
  1. In a small bowl or jar, combine:
  2. Soy sauce
  3. Rice vinegar
  4. Sesame oil
  5. Honey
  6. Ginger
  7. Garlic
  8. Lime juice
  9. Neutral oil
  10. Red pepper flakes
  11. Shake or whisk well until creamy and emulsified.
  12. Flavor Note: Add more lime for brightness or sesame oil for richness.
Toss Everything Together
  1. In a large bowl, add:
  2. Cooked soba noodles
  3. All prepared vegetables
  4. Dressing
  5. Use tongs to toss gently until the noodles are evenly coated.
  6. Finish with fresh herbs and sesame seeds.
  7. Refrigerate 15–20 minutes before serving for deeper flavors.