I’m excited to share with you my colorful cold soba noodle salad recipe today. This dish holds a special place in my heart as it reminds me of fun summers spent with my grandmother in her garden.
As a child, I loved helping her tend to the vegetables and herbs. The mint, basil, cilantro, and green onions in this soba salad take me right back to those happy memories picking fresh ingredients straight from her garden. She would always let me choose my favorite vegetables to go into our summer salads.
My grandmother taught me you don’t need fancy ingredients to make something delicious. This easy soba noodle salad is proof of that. The burst of flavors and textures from the fresh vegetables, herbs, soba noodles, and tangy citrus dressing comes together to create a light and refreshing meal perfect for hot summer days.
I find cooking to be therapeutic and make this soba salad when I’m feeling stressed. The process of chopping the vegetables and preparing the dressing calms my mind. With each slice through a carrot or snip of an herb, I can feel my anxiety slipping away.
The slurp of the noodles and crunch of vegetables is satisfying to eat. Each bite fills me with the comforting nostalgia of my grandmother’s garden. I hope this soba salad provides the same warmth and happiness for you and your loved ones.
Let me know if you have any special summer salad memories when you make this recipe! I’d love to hear all about the special dishes that fill you with nostalgia.
Colorful Cold Soba Salad Recipe
COLORFUL COLD SOBA SALAD
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 ounces soba noodles
- 1/3 cup chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 cup mesclun greens or thinly sliced red and green leaf lettuce
- 1 English cucumber or 2 kirby cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 Asian pear, thinly sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Cook the soba noodles according to package directions.
- While the noodles are cooking, in a small bowl, mix together the broth, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and sesame oil.
- Drain the noodles and rinse in cold water. Drain very well, lining a colander with paper towels if needed. Let cool a bit.
- In sections on a circular serving platter, arrange the greens, cucumber, bell pepper, Asian pear, and red onion. Place the soba noodles in a heap in the center of the platter.
- Just before serving, pour the dressing over the salad.
Video
Notes
instead of chicken broth.
Nutrition
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This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the Spoonacular Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Cooking Tips
Choosing the right soba noodles is key. I prefer using 100% buckwheat soba noodles for their lovely nutty flavor and delicate texture. The buckwheat also gives the noodles their signature grayish color. Lower quality soba noodles with less buckwheat tend to turn mushy when chilled in the salad, so splurge on the good stuff!
It’s important not to overcook the soba noodles when boiling them. They should retain a nice firm bite. I like to boil mine for only 2-3 minutes, then quickly rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. This helps them hold their shape and prevents sogginess in the finished salad.
When making the dressing, go light on the sesame oil. Its nutty aroma can quickly become overpowering. I recommend starting with 1 teaspoon and adding more to taste if desired. The bright citrus flavors should be the star of the show!
Feel free to customize the vegetables and herbs based on your preferences. I love the pop of color and crunch that carrots, cucumbers, radishes, and red cabbage provide. And you can never go wrong with fresh mint, basil, cilantro, and green onions!
Serving Suggestions
For a traditional Japanese twist, pair the salad with the savory notes of natto, creating a unique and authentic flavor combination. Alternatively, indulge in the delightful contrast of textures by serving the soba salad alongside crispy gyoza, adding a savory crunch to the refreshing dish. Elevate the meal with a touch of wasabi for a spicy kick that complements the overall flavor profile. For a satisfying and complete meal, consider the crispy and flavorful karaage (Japanese fried chicken) as a delightful accompaniment. To conclude on a sweet note, serve daifuku mochi filled with sweet fillings, offering a unique contrast to the savory soba. For those seeking a fusion experience, pair the Colorful Cold Soba Salad with fresh sashimi, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Additionally, consider offering soy milk as a refreshing drink to balance the diverse flavors in the soba salad.
FAQs of Colorful Cold Soba Salad
- Can I make this salad ahead of time?Absolutely! Prepare all the ingredients and store them separately in airtight containers. Assemble and dress the salad just before serving to maintain its crispness.
- Are soba noodles gluten-free?Most soba noodles are made from buckwheat, which is naturally gluten-free. However, some brands might include wheat flour, so be sure to check the label if you’re avoiding gluten.
- Can I customize the veggies in this salad?Definitely! Feel free to get creative with the vegetables. You can swap in your favorites or use what’s in season to create your own personalized rainbow of flavors.
- What if I’m not a fan of sesame oil?No worries! While sesame oil adds a delightful nutty flavor, you can substitute it with other oils like olive oil or avocado oil, according to your taste preference.
- How long can I store leftovers?Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. However, the salad is at its prime when freshly made due to the crisp textures and vibrant colors.
- Can I add protein to make it a complete meal?Absolutely. Grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or even edamame can be added to boost the protein content and transform the salad into a satisfying main dish.
- Can I make a larger batch for a party?Of course! Simply adjust the quantities of ingredients accordingly. Remember to keep the dressing separate until just before serving to maintain the salad’s freshness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Colorful Cold Soba Salad is a versatile and vibrant dish that can be elevated to new heights by incorporating diverse serving suggestions. Whether you opt for the traditional Japanese flair with natto and gyoza, infuse a spicy kick with wasabi, or complement the soba with the crispy delights of karaage, the possibilities are endless. This culinary journey can be further enriched by exploring sweet contrasts with daifuku or experiencing a fusion of flavors with fresh sashimi. For those seeking a refreshing beverage to accompany this delightful meal, soy milk serves as the perfect choice. At Food And Meal, we celebrate the art of crafting memorable dining experiences, and the Colorful Cold Soba Salad, adorned with these suggested pairings, undoubtedly embodies the essence of culinary creativity. Visit foodandmeal.com for more culinary inspiration and diverse recipes to elevate your dining adventures. Embrace the joy of combining flavors and textures, transforming each meal into a celebration of taste and creativity.
Hi! I'm Nazia of ‘Nazia Cooks’, a self-taught baker and cook residing in Chennai. Rooted in the rich South Indian culinary landscape, my palate has expanded to embrace global flavors. I revel in crafting fusion dishes, melding traditions to birth unique tastes.