Cold Soba Noodle Salad

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This cold soba noodle salad is perfect for a quick, invigorating meal that’s both light and satisfying. It’s packed with flavor and easy to customize, making it a go-to dish for any occasion. You’ll love how the chewy soba noodles pair with crisp veggies, creating a delightful texture in every bite. The tangy, savory dressing adds a zesty kick that ties everything together beautifully. Plus, it’s ready in just 20 minutes, so you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying!

Recipe

Cold Soba Noodle Salad is a revitalizing and light dish, perfect for warm weather or as a quick, healthy meal. Packed with fresh vegetables and dressed in a tangy, umami-packed sauce, it’s both nutritious and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 200g soba noodles
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup thinly sliced cucumbers
• 1 cup thinly sliced red bell peppers
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 2 tbsp 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 garlic clove, minced

Instructions:

1. Cook the soba noodles according to package instructions. Rinse under cold water and drain well.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked noodles, carrots, cucumbers, red bell peppers, green onions, and cilantro.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, ginger, and garlic until well combined.
4. Pour the dressing over the noodle mixture and toss until evenly coated.
5. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.

Notes:

• Add cooked shrimp, tofu, or grilled chicken for extra protein.
• Adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the dressing to taste.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Serving: 4

Calories: 250 per serving

Cuisine: Japanese-inspired

Nutrition

This cold soba noodle salad is a revitalizing and nutritious dish. Below is the nutritional information per serving.

What To Serve With It

When serving cold soba noodle salad, I love pairing it with simple proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp for extra flavor and texture. A mix of fresh vegetable sides, such as cucumber strips or steamed edamame, adds a revitalizing crunch to the meal. These combos keep the dish light while making it feel balanced and satisfying.

Protein Pairings

Often, I like to pair my cold soba noodle salad with a protein that complements its light, nutty flavor without overpowering it. Grilled chicken options, like teriyaki or lemon herb, work beautifully, adding a savory touch. For a plant-based twist, tofu varieties—marinated, baked, or crispy—are my go-to, soaking up the dressing perfectly. Seafood pairings, such as shrimp or smoked salmon, bring a new, delicate taste that balances the noodles. Finally, nut toppings like crushed peanuts or sesame seeds add both protein and crunch. Each choice keeps the dish invigorating while giving it a satisfying boost.

Fresh Vegetable Sides

To make my cold soba noodle salad even more vibrant, I love adding fresh vegetable sides that bring color, crunch, and a burst of flavor. I’ll often toss in thinly sliced cucumbers for a fresh crunch, or julienned carrots for a sweet, colorful variety. Bell peppers, whether red, yellow, or orange, add both brightness and a satisfying snap. Sometimes, I’ll throw in some shredded purple cabbage for a pop of color and extra texture. A handful of edamame or snap peas works wonders too. These veggies not only make the dish look stunning but also keep it light and invigorating.