If you’re looking for a light and refreshing meal that’s bursting with flavor, this Soba Noodle Salad with Sesame Dressing is exactly what you need. The nutty, tangy sesame dressing coats tender soba noodles and crunchy veggies, making this dish perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying side dish. It’s easy to make, healthy, and oh-so-delicious!
Ready to dig in? Let’s get started!
Soba Noodle Salad with Sesame Dressing
Ingredients
For the Soba Noodle Salad
- 8 oz soba noodles
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup cucumber julienned
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup green onions chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds for garnish
For the Sesame Dressing
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 small garlic clove minced
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes optional, for heat
Optional Add-Ins
- 1/2 avocado sliced, for creaminess
- 1/4 cup edamame or snap peas for extra protein
- A sprinkle of crushed peanuts or cashews for crunch
Substitutions
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soba noodles or rice noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Vegan: Use maple syrup instead of honey to keep it vegan.
Instructions
Cook the Soba Noodles
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the soba noodles according to the package instructions (about 4-5 minutes).
- Drain the noodles and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Set aside to cool.
Prepare the Sesame Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), lime juice, grated ginger, garlic, and chili flakes (if using).
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, toss the cooked soba noodles with the shredded carrots, cucumber, red bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro.
- Drizzle the sesame dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Garnish and Serve
- Transfer the salad to serving plates and garnish with sesame seeds and any optional add-ins, like avocado or crushed peanuts.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 250-300
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 5g
Notes/Advice:
- Additions/Subtractions:
- Feel free to switch up the veggies based on what you have on hand—snap peas, edamame, or radishes would all be great in this salad.
- For extra brightness, add a little extra lime juice or rice vinegar to the dressing.
- The soba noodles can sometimes clump together after rinsing, so be sure to toss them in the dressing immediately to prevent sticking.
Variations:
- Ginger-Miso Soba Salad: Add 1 tbsp of white miso paste to the dressing for an umami-rich flavor.
- Protein-Packed Soba Salad: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a more filling meal.
Suggestions:
- Serving Ideas: This soba noodle salad is perfect for lunch, a light dinner, or as a side dish for a larger meal. Pair it with grilled fish or chicken, or enjoy it on its own.
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare the salad and dressing ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Combine them just before serving to keep the veggies crisp and fresh.
- Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will develop even more as it sits!
Final Thoughts:
And there you have it—Soba Noodle Salad with Sesame Dressing that’s light, refreshing, and full of flavor! This simple, yet flavorful salad is perfect for a quick lunch or a refreshing side dish. The nutty sesame dressing adds richness to the crisp veggies and tender noodles, creating a delicious and balanced dish. Whether you’re enjoying it on its own or as part of a larger meal, this soba noodle salad is sure to hit the spot. So grab your noodles, whisk that dressing, and enjoy a fresh and healthy meal!
