Spring into Freshness with this Soba Salad Recipe

Soba is a type of Japanese noodle made from buckwheat flour. It has a nutty flavor and is perfect for a light, refreshing salad like this one. This dish is perfect for a spring or summer lunch. It can be made ahead of time and will keep in the fridge for a few days.

This salad is packed with fresh vegetables and tossed in a light, flavorful dressing. Soba noodles are a great source of protein and fiber, making them satisfying and filling. This salad can be easily customized to your taste. Add in your favorite vegetables or swap out the dressing for something you prefer.

Ingredients:

• 1 package of Soba noodles
• 1 cup snap peas, trimmed
• 1/2 cucumber, peeled & seeded
• 2 carrots, peeled & grated
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced
• sesame seeds (for garnish)
• cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook soba noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside. 
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked noodles with snap peas, cucumber, carrots, and green onion.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger.
4. Pour over salad and toss to coat.
5. Garnish with sesame seeds and cilantro before serving. Enjoy!

This salad can be served cold or at room temperature. If you’re looking to turn it into a heartier meal, you can add grilled chicken or shrimp. It will also keep well in the fridge for a few days—just make sure to give it a good stir before serving as the noodles will absorb some of the dressing over time. 

What Is Soba Noodles?

Soba noodles are a type of Japanese noodle made from buckwheat flour. They have a nutty flavor and are perfect for a light, refreshing salad like this one. Soba noodles are a great source of protein and fiber, making them satisfying and filling.

Although soba noodles are traditionally made with buckwheat flour, they can also be made with a combination of buckwheat and wheat flour. The proportion of buckwheat to wheat flour varies depending on the brand. 

If you have a gluten intolerance, be sure to check the label on the soba noodles you’re buying. Some brands will use 100% buckwheat flour, while others will use a mix of buckwheat and wheat flour. Buckwheat is a gluten-free grain, but because soba noodles are often made with a combination of buckwheat and wheat flour, they may not be suitable for those with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance. 

In Japan, soba noodles are commonly served cold in the summer and hot in the winter. They can be eaten plain, or with a dipping sauce on the side. Soba noodles are also a popular ingredient in soups and stews. When shopping for soba noodles, you’ll likely find them in the international aisle of your grocery store. They can also be found in Asian markets or online. 

How to Cook Soba Noodles

Soba noodles are very easy to cook. They can be boiled on the stovetop or cooked in the microwave. The cooking time will vary depending on the brand of noodles you’re using. Be sure to check the package instructions for the best results. 

To boil soba noodles, bring a pot of water to a boil and add the noodles. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until tender. Drain and rinse with cold water. To cook soba noodles in the microwave, add the noodles to a microwave-safe bowl with 1 cup of water. Cook on high for 3 minutes, or until tender. Drain and rinse with cold water. 

Once cooked, soba noodles will have a chewy texture and can be used in any recipe that calls for cooked pasta. If you prefer softer noodles, you can soak them in warm water for 5 minutes before cooking. This will help to soften the noodles and make them more pliable.

They can be eaten plain, or tossed in a salad or soup. Soba noodles can also be served with a dipping sauce on the side. Either way, they make a delicious and healthy meal!

Alternatives to Soba Noodles

If you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative to soba noodles, you can use rice noodles or bean threads. Both of these options are made from gluten-free ingredients and can be used in any recipe that calls for soba noodles. 

Rice noodles are made from rice flour and water. Bean threads, also known as cellophane noodles, are made from mung bean flour and water. They are translucent and have a chewy texture, making them similar to soba noodles. Both of them are commonly used in Asian cuisine and can be found in the international aisle of most grocery stores.

When cooked, both rice noodles and bean threads will have a soft, tender texture. If you’re looking for firmer noodles, you can cook them for less time, but make sure to keep an eye on them so they don’t turn to mush.