Soba Noodle Salad!
There is a little undertone of spice and it got a distinctive noodle and peanut flair. Trust me, every vegetarian on the street gets along just fine with it. This salad, let’s just say it’s not exactly something salad as we know it.
You bet, it’s totally my absolute favorite meal. Picture strong flavors coming from spicy fresh garlic and lime juice. Then there’s the creamy peanut sauce and those tangled soba noodles that team up for some serious satisfaction. Oh, and let’s not even begin to discuss its vibrant colors, crunch, and overall fresh vibes that make this dish a feast for the eyes and taste buds.
Let’s Discuss How Awesome Soba Noodles is
First and foremost, soba is awesome.
First and foremost, soba is awesome.
Once it’s done cooking and gets dressed with sauce (because let’s be real, peanut sauce is pure magic), it becomes this really satisfying and delightfully chewy creation – you know, the kind that only the most phenomenal noodle-centric salads on this planet can muster. Not to mention the adorable small bundles that were each delicately wrapped in its own adorable piece of paper.
Do you know what makes Soba even cooler? It is a total gluten-free meal, all thanks to its buckwheat origin.
These noodles can be delicious also when eaten cold. It’s a perfect solution for you who prefer a laid-back approach to cooking. Personally, I tend to approach about half of my noodles this way, so you could say the grand noodle strategy is right on track.
Make Your Own Soba Noodle Salad
So what I did was go back to a classic soba noodle salad recipe from way back in 2014, and I gave it a little update
I increased the amount of spice, added some crunchy vegetables, and used lime juice instead of vinegar to give it a tangy edge.
But let’s not forget, this dish is one that you can always add your creative touch. This is how I did mine (with bell peppers, chicken, and some purple cabbage or cilantro), you are free to work your magic to own it.
And oh, a bit more peanut sauce can be added to if if the heat is getting to you.
The best part is that you’ve got the reins. Whether it’s lunchtime, dinner o’clock, a quick snack, or any other time you pull it from the fridge, what you create is bound to be a masterpiece.
What’s the Deal with Soba Noodle Ingredients?
100% of the flour that goes into making soba noodles is pure buckwheat. And the good news here is that buckwheat has about four times more fiber than ordinary flour, and it is naturally gluten-free.
When it comes to flavor and texture, Soba noodles tops the chart, all thanks to the magic of buckwheat flour. And the cherry on top is, it’s a healthy choice too!
Ingredients
The Spicy Peanut Sauce:
- 5 tablespoons of peanut butter
- 5 tablespoons of water
- 5 tablespoons of soy sauce, or tamari for a gluten-free option
- 2 tablespoons of sesame oil (if desired, for added flavor)
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- Juice from 1 lime
- 1 clove of garlic
- 1/ 4 cup of chili sauce, such as sriracha (adjust according to your spice preference)
- 1/2 cup of peanuts”
The Salad:
- 1 pound of chicken breast
- 1 red bell pepper
- 3 to 4 cups of chopped purple cabbage
- 10 ounces of soba noodles
- 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro or basil, according to your preference
- 1/4 cup of crushed peanuts for a delightful topping”
Instructions
- Spicy Peanut Sauce: Pop those sauce ingredients into a blender or food processor and give them a whirl. If you’re the captain of thickness control (like me, I prefer a bit of chunkiness), toss in the peanuts as the grand finale.
- Chicken: Heat it up over medium-high heat before adding the chicken. Now add some salt and pepper to give it extra flavor. Let the chicken cool off a little once it has finished cooking before shredding it expertly.
- Vegetables: Now, let’s get that salad rolling. Take that red pepper, cabbage, and cilantro, and give them a nice chop to your preferred size.
- Noodles: Time to noodle up! Follow the package instructions and give those noodles a good boil for the suggested duration.
- Assemble: Bring it all together in one harmonious mix by tossing everything with a good dollop of that dressing. Whether you’re into hot or cold vibes, this dish is ready to shine on your plate!