Sesame Avocado Soba Noodle Salad (Printable)
Buckwheat noodles with creamy avocado, crisp vegetables, and savory sesame dressing in this vibrant Japanese-inspired bowl.
# What You Need:
→ Soba Noodles
01 - 7 oz soba noodles
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 large avocado, diced
03 - 1 cup shredded red cabbage
04 - 1 medium carrot, julienned
05 - 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
06 - 2 green onions, sliced
07 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
→ Sesame Dressing
08 - 3 tbsp toasted sesame oil
09 - 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
10 - 1 tbsp rice vinegar
11 - 1 tbsp lime juice
12 - 1 tbsp maple syrup
13 - 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
14 - 1 clove garlic, finely minced
15 - 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
→ Garnish
16 - 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
17 - Additional cilantro or green onions
# Directions:
01 - Cook soba noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and rinse under cold running water to halt cooking process and prevent sticking. Set aside in colander.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, maple syrup, grated ginger, minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon sesame seeds until emulsified and smooth.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, add cooled soba noodles, shredded red cabbage, julienned carrot, sliced cucumber, green onions, and cilantro. Toss gently to distribute evenly.
04 - Pour prepared sesame dressing over noodle and vegetable mixture. Using salad tongs or large spoons, toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated with dressing.
05 - Carefully fold diced avocado into salad last to maintain texture. Use gentle folding motion to avoid mashing avocado pieces.
06 - Divide salad evenly among four serving bowls. Sprinkle with remaining toasted sesame seeds and additional cilantro or green onions as desired. Serve immediately while vegetables remain crisp.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The creamy avocado plays perfectly against the nutty soba noodles and crisp vegetables
- You can prep everything in advance and toss it together in minutes
02 -
- Rinse soba noodles thoroughly under cold water after cooking or they will become a gummy clump
- The dressing needs to be whisked vigorously to emulsify properly
03 -
- Double the dressing and keep it in a jar for quick salads all week
- Buy toasted sesame oil but keep it in the refrigerator to prevent bitter flavors