Soba Noodle Salad with Sesame Dressing – A Refreshing Asian-Inspired Delight

Soba Noodle Salad with Sesame Dressing – A Refreshing Asian-Inspired Delight 🍜🥢🌿

This Soba Noodle Salad with Sesame Dressing is light, flavorful, and packed with crunchy veggies and a nutty, umami-rich sauce. Perfect for warm days or quick lunches, this chilled noodle dish is satisfying, energizing, and entirely plant-based. 💚

Why You’ll Love This Soba Noodle Salad 💚

• ✅ Cool & Refreshing: Served cold for a light yet satisfying meal.
• ✅ Rich in Flavor: The sesame dressing adds depth and creaminess.
• ✅ Ready in 20 Minutes: Fast and fuss-free.
• ✅ Customizable: Add tofu, edamame, or your favorite protein.

🍜 Soba Noodle Salad Recipe

Ingredients

• For the Salad:
• 8 oz soba noodles (buckwheat noodles) 🍜
• 1 cup shredded red cabbage 💜
• 1 cup julienned carrots 🥕
• ½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced 🌶️
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced 🌿
• ½ cup cucumber, matchstick cut 🥒
• 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds for garnish 🌱
• Optional: chopped cilantro, crushed peanuts, or edamame 🌿🥜
• For the Sesame Dressing:
• 3 tbsp tahini or toasted sesame oil 🥄
• 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free) 🧂
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar 🍶
• 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey 🍯
• 1 tsp fresh grated ginger 🌿
• 1 tsp lime or lemon juice 🍋
• 2–3 tbsp warm water (to thin) 💧

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the noodles:
   Boil soba noodles according to package instructions (usually 4–5 minutes). Drain and rinse thoroughly with cold water to stop cooking and remove excess starch. Set aside.
2. Make the dressing:
   In a bowl or jar, whisk together tahini (or sesame oil), soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, ginger, and lime juice. Add water 1 tbsp at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
3. Prep the veggies:
   Thinly slice or julienne all vegetables for a crisp, colorful mix. Add them to a large bowl.
4. Toss & chill:
   Add cooled soba noodles to the bowl. Pour over the sesame dressing and toss until well coated. Chill for 15 minutes before serving for best flavor.
5. Serve:
   Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, or peanuts. Serve cold and enjoy! 🥢🍜

💡 Tips & Variations

• ✨ Add protein: Top with crispy tofu, grilled chicken, or tempeh.
• ✨ Switch veggies: Use whatever is fresh—zucchini, snap peas, or spinach work great.
• ✨ Spice it up: Add a touch of sriracha or red chili flakes to the dressing.
• ✨ Nutty crunch: Sprinkle with chopped cashews or almonds for extra texture.

🌿 Nutritional Highlights

Soba noodles are made from buckwheat, a high-fiber, gluten-free-friendly grain. Combined with raw veggies and healthy fats from sesame, this dish is nourishing and balanced.

🧊 Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• ✅ Make-ahead: Prep noodles, veggies, and dressing separately and mix before serving.
• ✅ Storage: Store fully assembled salad in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
• ✅ Keep fresh: Add delicate greens or herbs just before serving for best texture.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use spaghetti instead of soba noodles?

Yes, though soba gives a unique nutty taste. Whole wheat or rice noodles also work well.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use 100% buckwheat soba and tamari instead of soy sauce to make it fully gluten-free.

Can I serve it warm?

Yes! It’s delicious warm too—just skip the chilling step and enjoy freshly tossed.

Light, Crunchy, and Packed with Flavor 💚

This Soba Noodle Salad with Sesame Dressing is quick, nourishing, and endlessly customizable. 🍜💬 Pin this favorite and share your bowl with us!