Soba Noodle Salad

Ever since trying soba noodles for the first time a few months ago, my love for this pasta-alternative has been growing at a rapid pace. Not only because it's delicious, but also because it's fat-free, cholesterol-free and gluten-free.  Any food with health benefits will always appeal to me, and when it also tastes good, it's like finding a needle in a haystack. So, after testing out soba noodles for a solid two months now, I feel as if I have gotten a nice balance for this delicious buckwheat noodle. (To read more health benefits that soba has to offer click here.)

Soba Noodle Salad

Time: 1 hour / Serving Size: 4-5

Ingredients:

• 1 Package of Dry Soba Noodles (can be found in the Asian aisle of your grocery store)
• 1/4 Cup Sesame Oil
• 1 Tbsp Hoison Sauce
• 1 1/2 Tbsp Chili Garlic Sauce 
• 2 1/2 Tbsp Low-Sodium Soy Sauce
• 1 Garlic Clove, Minced
• Zest of 1/2 Lime
• Juice of 1 Lime
• 1 Cup Peanuts
• 2 Tbsp White Sesame Seeds
• 1 Tbsp Black Sesame Seeds
• 1 Cup Carrots, Shredded
• 3 Stalks of Green Onion
• 2 Tbsp Cilantro, Minced

Directions:

Boil the soba noodles following the directions on the package. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside. 

Pour the sesame oil in a 2 cup measuring cup. 

Add the hoison, chili garlic, soy sauce, garlic, zest and juice of 1/2 lime to the measuring cup. Mix well and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes. 

Place the peanuts in a dry pan and toast for 5 minutes over medium-high heat. Pour into bowl.

Place white sesame seeds into the same pan and toast for 30 seconds to 1 minute. (They burn extremely easily.) Combine with peanuts and add black sesame seeds.

Slice the green onion and mince the cilantro. 

Place the drained and cooled soba noodles into a large bowl. Add the cilantro, onions, carrots, peanuts and sesame seeds to it. 

Take the dressing out of the fridge and pour onto noodles. Mix well. Squeeze the remaining juice from 1/2 the lime onto the salad.

Place in the refrigerator for 15 minutes - 1 hour before serving. 

Hope you enjoy this delicious, healthy dish! Tastes great as leftovers as well :)

Love,

Nicole

PS - Happy New Year!