Soba Noodle Cold Salad (Printable Version)

Cold soba noodles tossed with fresh vegetables and a creamy sesame-peanut dressing for a light, vibrant dish.

# Components:

→ Noodles

01 - 9 oz soba noodles

→ Vegetables

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

→ 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 grated fresh ginger
13 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
14 - 1 to 2 tbsp water, to thin dressing

→ 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

# Preparation steps:

01 - Boil soba noodles according to package directions for 5 to 7 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold running water to halt cooking and remove excess starch. Set aside.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk 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 the dressing reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
03 - Add cooled soba noodles, carrot, cucumber, bell pepper, spring onions, and shredded red cabbage into the dressing. Toss thoroughly to ensure even coating.
04 - Portion the salad into bowls. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, and sliced chili if desired. Serve accompanied by lime wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 30 minutes and tastes like you've been cooking all day.
  • The dressing is thick enough to cling to every noodle but light enough that you won't feel heavy afterward.
  • You can prep everything the night before and just toss it together when hunger strikes.
02 -
  • Don't skip rinsing the noodles under cold water—this step separates a silky salad from a starchy, clumpy mess.
  • Add water to your dressing slowly and taste as you go; every brand of peanut butter is slightly different, and you want to find that perfect pour.
  • If you're making this ahead, keep the dressing separate and toss everything together just before serving, or the noodles will absorb all the liquid and taste dry by morning.
03 -
  • Toast your own sesame seeds in a dry pan for exactly 2 minutes—the flavor difference between pre-toasted and freshly toasted is worth the small effort.
  • If your dressing breaks or looks separated, add an ice cube and whisk vigorously; the cold helps re-emulsify the peanut butter and oil.
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