Craving a dish that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this mouthwatering Soba Noodle Salad with Creamy Peanut Dressing! Imagine tender Japanese buckwheat noodles dancing with crisp vegetables, all embraced by a luxuriously smooth peanut sauce that will make your taste buds do a happy dance. Whether you're a busy professional looking for a quick meal or a food lover seeking an exciting culinary adventure, this recipe promises to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Japanese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz soba noodles, cooked
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup carrots, grated
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Water to thin dressing
Instructions
- Begin by cooking the soba noodles according to the package instructions. Typically, this involves boiling water, adding the noodles, and cooking for about 4-5 minutes until they are tender but still firm. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and to cool them down. Set aside.
- While the noodles are cooking, prepare the vegetables. Slice the bell peppers into thin strips and grate the carrots. Also, slice the green onions, separating the white parts from the green tops.
- In a medium mixing bowl, prepare the creamy peanut dressing. Add 1/4 cup of peanut butter, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of lime juice, and 1 tablespoon of honey to the bowl.
- Use a whisk or a fork to combine the ingredients thoroughly. The mixture will be thick, so gradually add water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dressing reaches your desired consistency. It should be creamy and pourable.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled soba noodles, sliced bell peppers, grated carrots, and sliced green onions (both white and green parts). Toss the ingredients together gently to combine them evenly.
- Pour the creamy peanut dressing over the noodle and vegetable mixture. Use tongs or two forks to toss everything together until the noodles and vegetables are well coated with the dressing.
- Once mixed, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more soy sauce or lime juice based on your preference.
- Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This can be served immediately or chilled in the refrigerator for a short while before serving.
- Serve the soba noodle salad in bowls and garnish with additional sliced green onions or crushed peanuts if desired. Enjoy your refreshing and flavorful Soba Noodle Salad with Creamy Peanut Dressing!
Tips
- Noodle Perfection: Always rinse soba noodles in cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent them from becoming mushy. This also helps remove excess starch.
- Dressing Consistency: Start with a small amount of water when thinning your peanut dressing. You can always add more, but you can't take it away! Aim for a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Vegetable Prep: For the best texture, cut your bell peppers and slice your green onions just before mixing to maintain their crispness and fresh flavor.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This salad actually tastes even better after sitting for an hour in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly.
- Customization is Key: Feel free to add protein like grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp to make this a more substantial meal.
- Garnish Generously: A sprinkle of crushed peanuts or sesame seeds can add a delightful crunch and elevate the entire dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
