Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that tantalizes your taste buds and refreshes your palate? This Asian Buckwheat Noodle Salad is not just a dish; it's a vibrant explosion of flavors and textures that will transport you straight to the bustling streets of Asia! With its colorful array of fresh vegetables and a light, zesty dressing, this salad is perfect for a quick lunch or a stunning side dish at your next gathering. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up this healthy, gluten-free delight that will have everyone asking for seconds. Dive into the recipe and discover how easy it is to create a dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz buckwheat noodles
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
- Add buckwheat noodles to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 4-5 minutes, until noodles are tender but still have a slight bite.
- While noodles are cooking, prepare an ice bath in a large bowl with cold water and ice cubes.
- Once noodles are cooked, immediately drain and transfer to the ice bath to stop the cooking process and cool them quickly.
- Drain the noodles again thoroughly and pat dry with clean kitchen towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar to create the dressing.
- In a large serving bowl, combine cooled buckwheat noodles, shredded carrots, sliced red bell peppers, and chopped green onions.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the noodle mixture and gently toss to ensure even coating.
- Sprinkle chopped cilantro and sesame seeds over the salad for added flavor and texture.
- Cover and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve chilled and enjoy your refreshing Asian Buckwheat Noodle Salad.
Tips
- Perfectly Cooked Noodles: Keep an eye on the buckwheat noodles as they cook; they typically take just 4-5 minutes to reach that ideal tender yet firm texture. Overcooking can lead to a mushy salad, so taste test a minute before the package time is up.
- Ice Bath Magic: After cooking, immediately plunge the noodles into an ice bath. This not only halts the cooking process but also helps to maintain their vibrant color and firm texture.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to get creative! Swap in your favorite vegetables like cucumbers, snap peas, or even edamame for a unique twist on this salad.
- Dress It Up: For an extra kick, add a splash of lime juice or a dash of chili flakes to the dressing. This will elevate the flavor profile and give your salad a delightful zing.
- Make Ahead: This salad is perfect for meal prep! You can make it a day in advance; just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to keep everything fresh and crunchy.
- Garnish with Flair: Don’t skip the cilantro and sesame seeds—they add not only flavor but also a beautiful presentation that will impress your guests.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
