Soba Noodle Salad: A Flavorful Adventure
Forget boring salads! This Soba Noodle Salad is a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more. It’s a little bit spicy, a lot peanutty, and packed with fresh, crunchy vegetables. This isn't your typical leafy green salad; it's a noodle-centric dish that's both satisfying and surprisingly healthy.
The Magic of Soba Noodles
Soba noodles are the star of this dish. Made from buckwheat, they have a unique nutty flavor and a delightful chewy texture. Plus, they're naturally gluten-free, making this salad accessible to everyone. Don't be intimidated by the cute little bundles they come in; just boil them for a few minutes and they're ready to go!
The best part about soba noodles? They're just as delicious served cold, making this salad perfect for meal prep or a quick grab-and-go lunch.
Customize Your Bowl
While this recipe includes red peppers, cabbage, and chicken, feel free to get creative! This is a salad that loves to be customized.
- Add more protein: Toss in extra chicken, shrimp, tofu, or edamame.
- Veggies galore: Try carrots, cucumbers, broccoli, snap peas, or anything else you have on hand.
- Spice it up: Add more chili sauce for an extra kick, or a dash of fresh ginger for zing.
- Make it vegan: Skip the chicken and add extra veggies or a plant-based protein.
The Irresistible Peanut Sauce
The homemade spicy peanut sauce is what really makes this salad sing. It's creamy, nutty, spicy, and tangy all at once. The fresh garlic and lime juice add a burst of flavor that will have you licking your bowl. Don’t be shy with the sauce; it's the glue that holds everything together.
Is Soba Good For You?
Soba noodles are a great source of fiber and are naturally gluten-free. They offer a delicious alternative to regular pasta. They're made from buckwheat, which is a good source of fiber, and they have a delightful texture. Plus, the addition of fresh vegetables and lean protein in this salad make it a truly healthy option.
Let's Get Cooking:
Yields: 8 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Spicy Peanut Sauce:
- 5 tablespoons peanut butter
- 5 tablespoons water
- 5 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil (optional)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 clove garlic
- 1/4 cup chili sauce (such as sriracha, adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 cup peanuts
For the Salad:
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 3-4 cups chopped purple cabbage
- 10 ounces soba noodles
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup crushed peanuts, for topping
Instructions:
- Make the sauce: In a food processor or blender, combine all sauce ingredients and blend until smooth (or leave a little chunky if desired). Add peanuts last and pulse to desired consistency.
- Cook the chicken: Cook chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat, seasoning with salt and pepper. Set aside and shred when cool enough to handle
- Prepare the Vegetables: Chop the red pepper, cabbage, and cilantro to your desired size.
- Cook the Noodles: Cook the soba noodles according to package directions.
- Assemble the salad: Toss the cooked noodles, chicken, red pepper, and cabbage in a large bowl with the peanut sauce until everything is well coated. Top with fresh cilantro/basil and crushed peanuts before serving. Serve hot or cold.
Make Ahead Tips
- Prepare the sauce in advance and store in the fridge.
- Cook the chicken and chop veggies ahead of time to make assembly even quicker.
- If you are making ahead of time, toss everything together except the vegetables. Those are best when added just before serving.
Enjoy the Adventure!
Get ready to fall in love with this flavorful and versatile soba noodle salad. It’s a dish that will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation. So, gather your ingredients, get creative with your toppings, and prepare for a delicious journey!