Cold Soba Noodle Salad with Spicy Peanut Sauce

My dear friend Allison joined me to make a cold soba noodle salad with a spicy peanut sauce, and I honestly can't stop thinking about it. It's fresh, packed with vegetables, full of flavor, and perfect for hot summer days when you don't want a heavy meal.

INGREDIENTS

1 package soba noodles, cooked and cooled

1 cucumber, cut into matchsticks

4–5 radishes, thinly sliced

1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

3–4 spring onions, sliced

1 bunch cilantro, chopped

1 lime

Crushed peanuts, for garnish

Sesame oil, for drizzling

SPICY PEANUT SAUCE

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 tablespoons maple syrup

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 clove garlic, minced

Juice of 1 lime

Chili crisp or chili oil, to taste

2–4 tablespoons water, as needed


Step 1: Cook the soba noodles according to package directions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.

Step 2: Cut the cucumber into matchsticks. Thinly slice the radishes, bell pepper, and spring onions. Chop the cilantro.

Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, maple syrup, sesame oil, garlic, lime juice, and chili crisp.

Step 4: Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.

Step 5: Add the cooled soba noodles and vegetables to a large serving bowl.

Step 6: Drizzle lightly with sesame oil and toss to combine.

Step 7: Pour the peanut sauce over the noodle mixture and toss until evenly coated.

Step 8: Garnish with crushed peanuts, extra cilantro, and lime wedges.

Step 9: Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.