Description
A refreshing and simple Japanese noodle salad featuring soba noodles tossed with crunchy sugar snap peas, red pepper, and cucumber, all dressed in a creamy, tangy sesame dressing made with tahini, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar. This light dish is perfect for a quick lunch or a healthy dinner option.
Ingredients
Scale
Noodles and Vegetables
- 200g soba noodles
- 100g sugar snap peas, halved lengthways
- 1 red pepper, deseeded and thinly sliced
- ½ cucumber, sliced or peeled into ribbons
Dressing
- 2 tsp sesame seeds, toasted
- 2 tbsp tahini paste
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, combine the tahini paste with 2 tablespoons of water to loosen it. Stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar until well mixed and the sugar has dissolved. Set the dressing aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Cook the Noodles: Boil the soba noodles according to the package instructions, usually around 4–5 minutes. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them thoroughly under cold running water to stop the cooking process and to cool them down.
- Assemble the Dish: Divide the cooled noodles evenly between two serving bowls. Top each with the halved sugar snap peas, sliced red pepper, and cucumber ribbons, distributing the vegetables evenly.
- Finish and Serve: Just before serving, drizzle the prepared sesame dressing generously over the noodles and vegetables. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds on top for added crunch and a nutty flavor. Serve immediately.
Notes
- To toast sesame seeds, heat a dry skillet over medium heat, add the seeds, and stir frequently until golden and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes.
- You can substitute the sugar snap peas with snow peas or green beans for a different texture.
- For extra protein, consider adding grilled tofu or shredded chicken.
- Adjust the sugar in the dressing to taste depending on your preference for sweetness.
- This dish can be served cold or at room temperature, making it great for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese
Keywords: Japanese noodles, soba noodles, sesame dressing, tahini, healthy noodle salad, vegetarian, quick lunch
