Cold Sesame Soba Salad Recipe
Soba noodles are made from buckwheat, a very healthy gluten-free grain. I prefer the authentic Japanese soba, pictured here. Most grocery stores will have some kind of soba noodles.
Ingredients
- For the Dressing
- 2 tbsp neutral-tasting oil (sunflower or
- grapeseed)
- 1 tbsp dark sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tbsp cold water
- Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
- About 1-2 tsp honey
- About 1-2 tsp tahini
- For the Salad
- Salt for the water
- 1 cup (or less) shelled edamame beans
- About 6-8 oz soba noodles (2-3 bundles)
- 2 green onions, sliced thinly on an angle
- Small handful cilantro, roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 baby cucumbers, sliced in matchsticks
- 1 carrot, sliced in matchsticks
- 1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted and sliced thinly
Instructions
- 1
Make the dressing first: In a large mixing bowl, mix together the oils, rice vinegar, soy sauce or tamari, water, red pepper flakes (if using), honey and tahini. Set aside.
- 2
Bring a large pot of water to boil, add a few teaspoons of salt to the water. Add the edamame beans, boil for one minute, remove with a slotted spoon, and set aside (don’t drain because you n need the boiling water for the soba noodles).
- 3
Add the soba to the boiling water (where the edamame beans were) and boil according to package directions. Be careful, they overcook fast; it usually takes 3-4 minutes. Drain and immediately rinse with cold water. I like to drain and drop them into an ice bath. Remove the noodles from the ice bath.
- 4
Right before serving, add the noodles to the mixing bowl with the dressing. Toss.
- 5
Add most of the green onion, cilantro and sesame seeds, toss.
- 6
Arrange the dressed noodles in a serving bowl. Top with the remaining green onion, cilantro and sesame seeds. Arrange the sliced cucumber, carrot and avocado in clusters on top of the noodles. Enjoy! Serves 4.
Tips & Storage
- How to Store
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Most sides keep well for 3-4 days. Dress salads just before serving to keep them crisp.
- Make Ahead Tip
- Many sides can be prepped in advance. Chop vegetables and make dressings ahead of time, then assemble just before serving.
- Serving Tip
- This pairs well with a variety of main dishes. Try it alongside grilled chicken, fish, or a hearty soup for a complete meal.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make Cold Sesame Soba Salad?
This Cold Sesame Soba Salad recipe by Carolyn Cohen includes step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow. You'll need 20 ingredients and the recipe is designed for home cooks of all skill levels.
What goes well with this cold sesame soba salad?
This recipe pairs well with a variety of dishes. Try it as part of a complete meal with complementary sides, salads, or proteins.