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Cold Soba Noodle Salad

A refreshing Cold Soba Noodle Salad combining chilled buckwheat noodles, crisp veggies, and a zingy dressing, perfect for warm days.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Salad
Cuisine: Asian, Japanese
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Noodles
  • 9 ounces soba noodles Look for brands that are 100% buckwheat for the best flavor.
Fresh Herbs
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro Roughly chopped to add bright freshness.
Crunchy Veggies
  • 1 cup red cabbage Thinly sliced for color and crunch.
  • 1 cup carrots Matchstick or thinly sliced.
Garnishes
  • 3 pieces scallions Thinly sliced (plus more for garnish).
  • sesame seeds Adds flair and texture.
  • sliced seasoned seaweed Adds flair and texture.
Dressing
  • ¼ cup rice vinegar Use a high-quality brand like Nakano for depth of flavor.
  • 3.5 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil Choose a neutral oil.
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce Low-sodium if preferred.
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons honey To taste; local honey is always a nice touch.
  • 3 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

Method
 

Make the Dressing
  1. In a mason jar, combine the rice vinegar, vegetable or canola oil, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and grated ginger.
  2. Cover with a lid and shake vigorously until evenly combined. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed. Set aside.
Cook the Soba Noodles
  1. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the soba noodles and cook according to package directions, which typically takes about 3-5 minutes. No need to add salt to the water.
  2. Check the noodles around the 3-minute mark. They should be al dente, with just a slight bite to them.
  3. When ready, immediately drain the noodles and rinse them under very cold water to stop any residual heat from overcooking.
Combine the Salad
  1. In a large serving bowl, toss the chilled noodles with the chopped cilantro, sliced cabbage, carrots, and scallions.
  2. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss again to ensure everything is evenly coated.
  3. Garnish with sesame seeds, additional sliced scallions, and seasoned seaweed.
Serve & Enjoy
  1. Enjoy this Cold Soba Noodle Salad as a refreshing meal on its own or as a side dish to your favorite proteins!

Notes

Consider keeping the dressing separate if you’re making this salad ahead of time to prevent the noodles from becoming mushy. You can also add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.