Name: Cold Soba Noodle Salad with Peanut Sesame Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 cups purple cabbage, finely sliced (approx ¼ of a cabbage); ½ red bell pepper / capsicum, thinly sliced; 1 carrot, peeled and julienned; 2 green onions / spring onions, finely sliced; ¼ cup cilantro / coriander, finely chopped; 1 small broccoli, cut into small florets; 90 g soba noodles; ¼ cup peanut butter; 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon grated ginger; 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped or crushed; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 2 tablespoons light soy sauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon lime juice (juice of half a lime); Pinch chili flakes (optional); Pinch pepper

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 54 reviews

If you are searching for a refreshing and vibrant dish that bursts with flavor and texture, the Cold Soba Noodle Salad with Peanut Sesame Dressing Recipe is exactly what you need to add some excitement to your meals. This salad perfectly balances the earthiness of soba noodles with the crunch of fresh vegetables, all wrapped in a luscious peanut sesame dressing that brings a harmonious Asian-inspired taste. Whether as a light lunch or a festive side dish, this recipe offers a delightful combination that’s as beautiful on the plate as it is satisfying to the palate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white bowl filled with a colorful healthy dish arranged in layers. The bottom layer has chopped green leafy vegetables, mostly hidden but visible around the edges. On top of that are bright purple cabbage pieces, and bright red thin sliced bell peppers are placed on one side. The main middle layer is a large pile of light brown noodles, topped with small bright green broccoli florets, also scattered around different parts of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple yet impactful ingredients is the secret to this dish’s success. Each element plays a crucial role—from the crisp cabbage and colorful bell pepper to the nutty peanut butter and fragrant sesame oil in the dressing, resulting in a well-rounded and irresistible salad.

Purple cabbage: finely sliced for a crunchy texture and vibrant color that brightens the dish.
Red bell pepper: thinly sliced to add sweet juiciness and a splash of red.
Carrot: peeled and julienned to bring natural sweetness and a satisfying crispness.
Green onions: finely sliced to give a mild, fresh onion flavor.
Cilantro: finely chopped for an herbal lift and a touch of brightness.
Broccoli florets: small, tender pieces add a delightful crunch and an extra boost of nutrients.
Soba noodles (90g): the heart of the salad, offering a nutty taste and chewy texture that pairs beautifully with the dressing.
Peanut butter: creamy and rich, forming the base of the luscious dressing.
Rice wine vinegar: adds a mild tang to brighten the dressing’s flavor.
Grated ginger: brings warmth and a subtle spicy kick.
Garlic: finely chopped or crushed for an aromatic savory note.
Sesame oil: offers a deep, nutty essence that makes the dressing irresistible.
Light soy sauce: a salty component that ties all the flavors together.
Brown sugar: balances acidity with a touch of gentle sweetness.
Lime juice: freshly squeezed to provide zesty brightness and complexity.
Chili flakes (optional): for those who enjoy a hint of heat in every bite.
Pepper: freshly ground to season and elevate the overall flavor.

How to Make Cold Soba Noodle Salad with Peanut Sesame Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by washing all your veggies thoroughly. Thinly slice the purple cabbage and red bell pepper, peel and julienne the carrot, and finely slice the green onions. Chop the cilantro and cut the broccoli into small bite-sized florets. Having your vegetables uniformly prepared ensures every forkful delivers a perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Step 2: Cook the Soba Noodles

Cook the soba noodles according to the package instructions—usually just a few minutes in boiling water. Once cooked, drain them well and rinse under cold water to halt cooking and remove excess starch. This cooling step is vital to maintain the noodles’ firm, springy texture that beautifully complements the crisp vegetables.

Step 3: Make the Peanut Sesame Dressing

In a bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, rice wine vinegar, grated ginger, finely chopped garlic, sesame oil, light soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, and a pinch of chili flakes if you like some heat. Mix until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust any ingredient to your liking—the balance between tangy, sweet, salty, and spicy makes this dressing truly addictive.

Step 4: Toss Everything Together

Combine the cooled soba noodles and prepared vegetables in a large mixing bowl. Pour your peanut sesame dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly until everything is evenly coated. This step ensures every strand of noodle and vegetable crunch gets that flavorful peanut kiss.

How to Serve Cold Soba Noodle Salad with Peanut Sesame Dressing Recipe

A white oval plate holds four neat piles of vegetables arranged side by side: at the top right, bright green broccoli florets with textured, thick stems; below them are thin, long slices of vibrant red bell pepper; next to the pepper are fine orange carrot sticks, slightly uneven but thin; and the bottom left has roughly chopped purple cabbage with white streaks, showing a crinkled texture. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance the salad’s vibrant look and texture with toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts sprinkled on top. Fresh lime wedges and a handful of chopped cilantro provide both visual appeal and an extra punch of flavor.

Side Dishes

This cold soba noodle salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp for a satisfying main course. Alternatively, serve it alongside steamed dumplings or spring rolls for an impressive Asian-inspired feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the salad in individual bowls lined with lettuce leaves or in decorative glass jars for a picnic or potluck. You can also layer it with sliced avocado and radishes to add color contrast and creaminess, making it Instagram-worthy and irresistibly delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Cold Soba Noodle Salad with Peanut Sesame Dressing Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Give it a good toss before serving, as the noodles may absorb some dressing during storage.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well because the fresh vegetables and noodles can become mushy upon thawing. To preserve it at its best, avoid freezing.

Reheating

Since this dish is traditionally served cold, reheating is not recommended. If you prefer a warm meal, you can gently warm the soba noodles and dressing separately and toss with fresh vegetables just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use other noodles instead of soba?

Absolutely! While soba noodles add a unique earthy flavor, you can substitute with rice noodles or whole wheat spaghetti if preferred. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is the peanut sesame dressing vegan?

Yes, this dressing is naturally vegan-friendly. Just make sure to use soy sauce that does not contain any animal products to keep it fully vegan.

How spicy is the salad?

Its spiciness comes from optional chili flakes, so you can control the heat level by adding more or less, or omitting them altogether if you prefer a milder taste.

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

You can prepare the dressing and noodles ahead of time, but it’s best to toss with vegetables just before serving to maintain freshness and crunch.

What can I substitute for peanut butter?

If you have peanut allergies, try using almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a similar creamy texture and nutty flavor without the peanuts.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Cold Soba Noodle Salad with Peanut Sesame Dressing Recipe that makes it a keeper in any recipe collection. Its combo of fresh veggies, nutty noodles, and a richly flavored dressing makes every bite a celebration of textures and tastes. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy noodles that’s cool, satisfying, and bursting with personality.

Cold Soba Noodle Salad with Peanut Sesame Dressing Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need