What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This cold soba noodle salad is a revitalizing and versatile dish perfect for any occasion. It’s quick to prepare and packed with vibrant flavors.
- Light and invigorating, ideal for hot summer days or as a healthy meal option.
- Customizable with your favorite vegetables, proteins, and dressings.
- Ready in under 20 minutes, making it a perfect quick lunch or dinner.
Recipe
Cold Soba Noodle Salad is a revitalizing and light dish perfect for warm weather or as a quick, healthy meal. Soba noodles, made from buckwheat, are known for their nutty flavor and are complemented by a variety of crisp vegetables and a tangy dressing.
This salad is versatile and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients:
- 200g soba noodles
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup thinly sliced cucumber
- 1/2 cup chopped scallions
- 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions:
- Cook the soba noodles according to package instructions. Rinse under cold water and drain thoroughly.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, ginger, and garlic to create the dressing.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled soba noodles, carrots, cucumber, and scallions.
- Pour the dressing over the noodle mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Notes:
- Add proteins like tofu, grilled chicken, or shrimp for a heartier meal.
- Adjust the dressing ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~250 per serving
Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
Cold Soba Noodle Salad is a revitalizing and nutritious dish, perfect for light meals or as a side. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 55g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Sodium | 480mg |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my cold soba noodle salad with grilled vegetables, like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant, because they add a smoky sweetness that complements the noodles perfectly.
If I’m looking for something more filling, I’ll toss in some protein, like grilled chicken, tofu, or even shrimp, to make it a complete meal.
These simple additions keep the dish fresh and satisfying, while letting the soba noodles shine.
Grilled Vegetable Options
When I’m serving cold soba noodle salad, I love pairing it with grilled vegetables because they add a smoky, savory flavor that complements the dish perfectly.
Grilled asparagus is one of my go-tos; it cooks up tender with a slight char that’s just irresistible. I also adore roasted bell peppers, which bring a sweet, earthy tone that balances the noodles’ cool and tangy vibe.
A quick drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt are all you need to let their natural flavors shine. These veggies not only look vibrant on the plate but also make every bite feel fresh and satisfying.
Protein Pairing Ideas
Grilled veggies are delicious with cold soba noodle salad, but adding a protein takes it to the next level.
I love pairing it with tofu alternatives like tempeh or crispy chickpeas—they’re hearty and soak up the flavors beautifully.
If I’m in the mood for seafood options, I’ll toss in a handful of shrimp or flaked salmon.
Grilled tuna or smoked mackerel are also winners, adding a rich, smoky touch.
Sometimes, I even throw in a soft-boiled egg for extra creaminess.
Honestly, the possibilities are endless, and each protein brings its own unique twist to keep things exciting.
