Chilled soba noodles with crisp vegetables and sesame-ginger dressing—light, refreshing, ready in 25 minutes.
# Ingredient List:
→ Noodles
01 - 7 ounces soba noodles
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 medium cucumber, julienned (about 1.5 cups)
03 - 1 medium carrot, julienned (about 3/4 cup)
04 - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
05 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced
06 - 1 cup shredded red cabbage
07 - 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
→ Sesame Ginger Dressing
08 - 3 tablespoons soy sauce
09 - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
10 - 1 1/2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
11 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
12 - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated
13 - 1 garlic clove, minced
14 - 1 tablespoon tahini or smooth peanut butter (optional)
15 - 1 teaspoon sriracha or other chili sauce (optional)
→ Garnishes
16 - 1 handful fresh cilantro leaves (about 1/4 cup)
17 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (extra, for topping)
18 - Lime wedges, for serving (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add soba noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente (about 4–5 minutes). Drain and rinse thoroughly under cold running water to stop cooking and remove excess starch; drain well and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
02 - Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, honey or maple syrup, grated ginger, minced garlic and tahini or peanut butter if using until smooth; taste and adjust acidity, sweetness or heat with additional rice vinegar, honey or sriracha as needed.
03 - Julienne the cucumber and carrot, thinly slice the bell pepper and green onions, and shred the red cabbage; place all vegetables into the bowl with the cooled noodles and sprinkle in the toasted sesame seeds.
04 - Pour the sesame ginger dressing over the noodle and vegetable mixture and gently toss with tongs or two forks until everything is evenly coated and ingredients are well distributed.
05 - Divide the salad among four bowls or plates, garnish with extra toasted sesame seeds, cilantro leaves and lime wedges; serve chilled or at room temperature.
