Zesty Cold Soba Noodle Salad with Spicy Peanut Dressing
This Zesty Cold Soba Noodle Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that has quickly become a favorite at gatherings, including my wedding feast! Crafted with the perfect balance of flavors, this salad features nutty soba noodles, thinly sliced red bell peppers, sweet peas, and a generous amount of honey-roasted peanuts for a delightful crunch. The spicy peanut dressing, made with aromatic ginger and a hint of cayenne, can be adjusted to your spice preference, ensuring every bite is just right for you. Whether served as a main dish or a delightful side, feel free to customize it with your favorite proteins or seasonal vegetables. This recipe is not only vegetarian but also adaptable to various dietary needs. Enjoy it fresh or let the flavors meld overnight for an even more delicious experience!
N/A
Servings
550
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
soba noodles
1 lb (cooked and drained)
sesame oil
3 tablespoons (none)
canola oil
4 tablespoons (none)
honey
6 tablespoons (none)
soy sauce
6 tablespoons (none)
balsamic vinegar
4 tablespoons (none)
rice wine vinegar
3 tablespoons (none)
cayenne
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
fresh ginger
1 tablespoon (grated)
red bell peppers
5 (thinly sliced)
peas
4 cups (frozen works fine)
green onions
16 (chopped)
honey roasted peanuts
1 1/2 cups (left whole)
cilantro
1 1/2 cups (coarsely chopped)
lime
2 (cut into wedges for garnish)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the soba noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions, usually just a few minutes. Be vigilant, as they can overcook quickly. Once cooked, drain the noodles thoroughly and set them aside to cool down slightly.
2
In a medium bowl, combine the sesame oil, canola oil, honey, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, rice wine vinegar, grated ginger, and cayenne. Whisk these ingredients together until well-blended. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning with salt if needed.
3
Heat a couple of tablespoons of the dressing in a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced red bell peppers and sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes just until they start to soften, but still retain their crunch. Remove from heat and let them cool slightly.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled soba noodles and the sautéed peppers. Add the peas, honey-roasted peanuts, chopped cilantro, and the remaining dressing to the bowl.
5
Use your hands to gently toss the salad together until all ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
6
Serve the salad immediately, garnished with lime wedges, or refrigerate it for up to 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld. Just remember to add the peas shortly before serving to keep their vibrant color.
Nutrition Information
27g
Fat
65g
Carbs
8g
Protein
5g
Fiber
12g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Cold Soba Noodle Salad?
It is a refreshing, vibrant vegetarian dish featuring nutty soba noodles, red bell peppers, peas, and honey-roasted peanuts tossed in a spicy ginger-peanut dressing.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian and can be adapted to various other dietary needs.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
One serving of this salad contains approximately 550 calories.
What ingredients are in the spicy peanut dressing?
The dressing is made from sesame oil, canola oil, honey, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, rice wine vinegar, grated ginger, and cayenne pepper.
Can I adjust the spice level of the dressing?
Yes, the spice level can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the amount of cayenne pepper used.
How long should I cook the soba noodles?
Cook the soba noodles in salted boiling water according to the package instructions, usually just a few minutes, being careful not to overcook them.
Do I need to cook the red bell peppers?
Yes, sauté the sliced red bell peppers in a small amount of the dressing for 2 to 3 minutes until they slightly soften but remain crunchy.
Can I use frozen peas for this recipe?
Yes, frozen peas work perfectly fine for this salad.
What type of peanuts are used in this salad?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of honey-roasted peanuts, which provide a delightful sweetness and crunch.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, the salad can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
What is the best way to toss the salad?
The instructions recommend using your hands to gently toss the salad to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
How much protein does this salad provide?
Each serving of this soba noodle salad contains 8 grams of protein.
What is the fat content of this dish?
This recipe contains 27 grams of fat per serving.
How much fiber is in the Zesty Cold Soba Noodle Salad?
There are 5 grams of fiber per serving in this recipe.
When should I add the peas if I'm making it in advance?
Add the peas shortly before serving to ensure they maintain their vibrant green color.
Can I add protein like chicken or shrimp to this salad?
Absolutely, feel free to customize the salad with your favorite proteins or additional seasonal vegetables.
What kind of vinegar is used in the dressing?
The dressing uses both balsamic vinegar and rice wine vinegar for a complex, zesty flavor.
How much fresh ginger is needed?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger.
How many green onions should I use?
The recipe calls for 16 chopped green onions.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
The salad contains 65 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is there sugar in the nutritional breakdown?
Yes, there are 12 grams of sugar per serving, primarily from the honey and honey-roasted peanuts.
How should I serve the salad?
Serve the salad immediately or chilled, garnished with lime wedges for an extra burst of citrus.
How many red bell peppers are included?
The recipe uses 5 red bell peppers, thinly sliced and lightly sautéed.
How much honey is used in the dressing?
The dressing uses 6 tablespoons of honey for sweetness.
What is the serving size for the cilantro?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of coarsely chopped cilantro.
How much soy sauce is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 6 tablespoons of soy sauce.
What oils are used in the peanut dressing?
The dressing utilizes 3 tablespoons of sesame oil and 4 tablespoons of canola oil.
How much cayenne pepper does the recipe require?
The recipe calls for 1.5 teaspoons of cayenne pepper.
Can I serve this at a party?
Yes, this dish is categorized as great 'party food' and was even served at the author's wedding feast!
How many peas are in the recipe?
The recipe includes 4 cups of peas.