How to Make the Perfect Cold Sesame Soba Noodle Salad
Japanese · Medium · 25 min · 4 servings
This cold sesame soba noodle salad is loaded with crisp vegetables and tossed in a rich nutty sesame dressing that clings to every strand of buckwheat noodle. It is a satisfying make-ahead lunch that tastes even better the next day straight from the fridge.
Why this recipe works
This Cold Sesame Soba Noodle Salad recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 25 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 390 calories with 14g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 12 ounces dry soba noodles
- 3 tablespoons tahini
- 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 2 whole Persian cucumbers thinly sliced
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook and Cool the Noodles
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, cook the soba noodles according to the package directions, then drain immediately and rinse under very cold running water for a full minute to stop cooking and keep the noodles firm.
Step 2: Whisk the Sesame Dressing
In a large mixing bowl whisk together the tahini, soy sauce, and toasted sesame oil until smooth and creamy, then add two tablespoons of cold water to thin the dressing to a pourable consistency.
Step 3: Combine Everything
Add the cooled soba noodles, shredded purple cabbage, and sliced cucumbers to the bowl with the dressing and toss everything together thoroughly until all the noodles and vegetables are evenly coated.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the noodle salad for at least thirty minutes before serving, then portion into bowls and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- soba noodles → rice noodles for a completely gluten-free version
- tahini → natural peanut butter for a nuttier and more intense flavor
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not rinsing the soba noodles with cold water after cooking which causes them to become gummy and clump together
- Dressing the salad too far in advance without enough dressing which causes the noodles to dry out and absorb all the sauce
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 390 calories, 14g protein, 52g carbs, 15g fat, 4g fiber.
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