Sesame Cucumber Soba Salad
Chilled soba noodles tossed with crunchy cucumber and a nutty sesame-lime dressing.
Prep: 15 · Cook: 6 · Total: 21 · Serves: 4 · Difficulty: Easy · Rating: 4.6/5 (142 reviews)
INSPIRED BY
This is inspired by Japanese-style cold noodle salads, tuned with lime and a little honey for balance.
Story
When it is hot out, I reach for cold noodles before I reach for the stove. This salad is mostly chopping and whisking, which feels manageable on a busy afternoon. I like how the cucumbers stay loud and crunchy against the nutty dressing. It is also an easy one to pack, if you are headed to a picnic.
By Casey
Ingredients
- 8 oz soba noodles
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 3 scallions, sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- Dressing: 3 tbsp soy sauce
- Dressing: 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- Dressing: 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Dressing: 1 tbsp lime juice
- Dressing: 1 tbsp honey
- Dressing: 1 tsp grated ginger
- Dressing: 1 tsp chili crisp (optional)
Instructions
- Cook soba according to package directions, then rinse under cold water until fully chilled.
- Whisk the dressing ingredients together in a large bowl.
- Add cucumbers and scallions to the bowl, toss to lightly dress and season them.
- Add chilled soba and toss until coated, use tongs to separate strands.
- Fold in cilantro and half the sesame seeds.
- Top with remaining sesame seeds and serve cold or room temp.
Chef Tips
- Rinse soba well, it stops the cooking and keeps noodles from sticking.
- Salt the cucumbers lightly if you want extra crunch, then drain 5 minutes before mixing.
- Add shredded rotisserie chicken or a jammy egg to make it a full meal.
- This holds for a few hours in the fridge, stir again before serving.
Cook's Notes
- Do not overcook soba, pull it as soon as it is tender, then rinse cold.
- If your sesame oil is very strong, start with 2 teaspoons and add more to taste.
- For a saucier salad, double the dressing and save half for drizzling.