Soba Salad Recipe

Hey foodies! Today, I’m diving into a deliciously vibrant dish that’s basically the summer vacay your taste buds have been craving. Let me take you on a culinary adventure with this fresh and zingy sesame soba noodle salad, packed with colorful veggies and loads of umami goodness.

I adore making lively, colorful meals, and my Soba Salad is a prime example of a nutritious dish. I use firm soba noodles and toss them with an array of thin-cut, vivid vegetables, like carrot and bell pepper, and with a unique dressing that features soy sauce, sesame oil, and just enough lime for a bit of a zing.

Edamame and sesame seeds round out the dish—and ramp up the nutrition.

Soba Salad Recipe Ingredients

• Soba Noodles: A source of carbohydrates and protein; rich in fiber and minerals.
• Edamame: Packed with protein and fiber; offers vitamins and antioxidants.
• Carrot: High in beta-carotene; adds sweetness and crunch.
• Red Bell Pepper: Rich in vitamin C; adds color and subtle sweetness.
• Green Onions: Adds freshness and a mild, tangy flavor.
• Sesame Seeds: Contains healthy fats and enhances nuttiness.
• Soy Sauce: Provides a savory umami taste; adds depth.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds a tangy, slightly sweet flavor.
• Fresh Ginger: Offers a warm, zesty flavor; aids digestion.
• Garlic: Enhances flavor; contains antioxidants with health benefits.

Soba Salad Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 8 oz soba noodles
• 1 cup cooked edamame
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 lime, juiced

How to Make this Soba Salad Recipe

1. Prepare the soba noodles according to the specifications in the package. When they are done, be sure to drain them well and then rinse them under cold water until they are no longer warm. This rinsing ensures that they are set and will allow them to be combined nicely later in this dish.

2. In a big mixing bowl, mix together the cooked soba noodles, edamame, carrot cut into matchsticks, red bell pepper that has been sliced, and green onions that have been cut into slices.

3. In a tiny mixing bowl, mix the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, or maple syrup, freshly grated ginger, minced garlic, and lime juice together until well combined.

4. Drizzle the dressing over the soba noodle mixture and toss gently until all ingredients are coated evenly.

5. Include the minced cilantro in the bowl and stir gently to mix.

6. Distribute the sesame seeds evenly all over the salad, ensuring they are mixed in well.

7. Should you like, you can add crushed red pepper flakes to your taste for a little kick.

8. Ensure the salad is covered and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Allow time for the flavors to meld.

9. Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving; if needed, add more soy sauce or lime juice to taste.

10. Either serve the soba salad cold or at room temperature. If desired, garnish with additional sesame seeds or cilantro.

Soba Salad Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Colander
3. Large mixing bowl
4. Small mixing bowl
5. Whisk or fork (for mixing dressing)
6. Cutting board
7. Knife
8. Measuring cups and spoons
9. Spoon (for tossing salad)
10. Plastic wrap or lid (for covering and chilling salad)

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of noodle?You can indeed use whole wheat spaghetti or rice noodles in place of soba noodles for a gluten-free option.
• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?For soy sauce, use tamari. For soba noodles, ensure they are 100% buckwheat or substitute rice noodles.
• Can I add protein to this salad?Certainly! This soba salad is excellent with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu added.
• How long does this salad keep?An airtight container is all you need to make sure this food will last in the refrigerator another 3 days.

  A long list of factors contribute to the kind of time you can expect your food to last under various circumstances, especially when stored in the refrigerator or the freezer. Here are just a few:
  • Food type
  • Moisture level
  • Temperature
  • pH
  • Salt content
  • Sugar content
  • Preservatives
  • Air (O2/CO2 levels)
  • Light
  • Storage time
  • Storage form (container type)
  • Storage location (next to something that exhales CO2, for example, in the refrigerator).

• Is there a substitute for cilantro?If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can alternatively use fresh basil or parsley.
• How spicy is the salad with the crushed red pepper flakes?The amount of heat you like will dictate how much red pepper flake you add. They also boost the flavors of whatever dish you’re making.
• Can I prepare the salad in advance?The dressing and chopped vegetables can be prepared in advance, but it is optimal to amalgamate them with the noodles right before serving to prevent any unwanted noodle sogginess.

Soba Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Soba Noodles:
Replace with whole wheat spaghetti or rice noodles for a gluten-free option.
Edamame:
Substitute cooked green peas or chickpeas.
Carrot:
Replace cucumber, cut into sticks, for a less crunchy but cooler and tasty texture.
Soy Sauce:
Substitute tamari for a gluten-free version, or coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative.
Rice Vinegar:
In an emergency, apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can be used as substitutes.

Pro Tips

1. Toasting Sesame Seeds: Before adding sesame seeds to the salad, toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat until they are golden and fragrant. This enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the dish.