Name: Information
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Cuisine: Japan

Prep time

10 min

Cook time

5 min

Servings

4 pers

Ingredients

For the Salad:

80 g Dried Soba Noodles
50 g Cucumber , thinly sliced
35 g Cherry Tomatoes , halved
25 g Radish , thinly sliced
20 g Mixed Salad Greens , like arugula or spinach

For the Dressing:

1 Tbsp Olive Oil
1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
1 Tbsp Rice Vinegar
2 tsp Sugar
Wasabi Paste , to taste

For Garnish:

Dried Bonito Flakes (Katsuobushi)
Tempura Bits
Radish Sprouts

You can also add shredded nori, sesame seeds, or a dash of shichimi spice for extra flavor.

Directions For Soba Noodle Salad

Step 1

Before starting, measure out all your ingredients. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and stress-free.

Step 2

In a small bowl, combine olive oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and wasabi paste. Mix well until the sugar dissolves. Set aside. This dressing has a perfect balance of tanginess and spice, with the wasabi adding a bold Japanese flair.

Step 3

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.
Add the soba noodles, stirring gently to prevent clumping.
Cook for the time indicated on the package (usually 4–6 minutes).
Monitor the heat to prevent boiling over.

Cooking tip: Soba noodles cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking

Step 4

While the noodles are boiling, slice your vegetables. For this recipe:

Cut cucumbers into thin strips or rounds.
Halve the cherry tomatoes.
Thinly slice the radishes for a crisp texture.
Feel free to swap or add other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or avocado.

Step 5

Once the noodles are cooked, drain them immediately. Rinse under cold running water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch. For an extra-refreshing salad, submerge the noodles in a bowl of ice water for a few minutes. Drain thoroughly.

Step 6

Place the cooled soba noodles on a serving plate.
Arrange the vegetables and mixed greens on top.
Sprinkle with garnish items like bonito flakes, tempura bits, and radish sprouts for texture and visual appeal.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Soba Noodle Salad

Choose Quality Soba: Look for soba noodles with a high buckwheat-to-wheat ratio. Nihachi soba (80% buckwheat, 20% wheat) offers a smoother texture compared to jyuwari soba (100% buckwheat).
Add Protein: For a more filling meal, consider adding grilled chicken, boiled eggs, or tofu.
Play with Flavors: Experiment with toppings like roasted sesame seeds, shredded nori, or shichimi (a Japanese seven-spice blend) to elevate the dish.
Adjust the Dressing: Feel free to tweak the wasabi amount based on your spice tolerance.

Why This Recipe Is a Summer Favorite

Quick and Easy: The entire dish takes under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weekdays or last-minute gatherings.
Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with fresh vegetables and soba noodles rich in fiber and protein, it’s a guilt-free indulgence.
Customizable: Use whatever vegetables and toppings you have on hand, making it a versatile dish for any occasion.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

Spicy Kick: Add chili oil or sriracha to the dressing for a fiery twist.
Refreshing Touch: Toss in a handful of mint or cilantro for a burst of freshness.
Meal Prep Option: Prep the salad and dressing separately. Combine just before eating to keep the vegetables crisp.

Conclusion

Soba Noodle Salad is the perfect blend of simplicity and creativity. Its vibrant colors, unique flavors, and health benefits make it a standout dish, especially during warm summer days.

Whether you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine or just looking for a new salad recipe, this soba noodle variation is worth trying. Gather your ingredients, unleash your creativity with toppings, and enjoy a bowl of this refreshing delight!

Let us know your favorite vegetable and topping combinations in the comments below. Happy cooking!

Emily Tanaka

Emily Tanaka is the content lead at YOYOJAPAN Store, where she channels her deep passion for authentic Japanese products and traditional culture into every piece of content. With over six years of experience in the Japanese beauty and wellness industry, Emily excels in bridging the gap between ancient practices and modern innovations in skincare and lifestyle products.At YOYOJAPAN Store, Emily’s mission is to craft informative and engaging content that highlights the unique quality of curated Japanese groceries, beauty items, and home essentials. Her approach focuses on educating international audiences about the rich traditions behind Japanese products while also ensuring a delightful shopping experience.