Soba Noodle Super Salad

This super soba noodle salad has it all--all of the vegetables--including asparagus and red bell peppers, in a spicy-sweet, soy-sesame sauce.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Calories: 318 Calories

Ingredients

• ¼ cup sesame seeds
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• ½ cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger root
• ¼ cup canola oil
• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 3 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 red bell peppers
• 1 tablespoon chili oil
• 1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced
• 1 (8.8 ounce) package dried soba noodles
• 2 cups bean sprouts
• 3 ½ tablespoons dark brown sugar
• 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed and shaved into ribbons

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Whisk soy sauce, canola oil, balsamic vinegar, sesame oil, and chili oil in a bowl until blended. Mix sugar, salt, ginger, and garlic into the same bowl, stir sauce to combine.

Step 2

Set oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven's broiler. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Cut red bell peppers in half from top to bottom; remove the stem, seeds, and ribs. Place peppers with cut sides down onto the prepared baking sheet.

Step 3

Cook bell peppers under the preheated broiler until the skin of the peppers has blackened and blistered, 5 to 8 minutes. Place blackened peppers in a bowl and tightly seal with plastic wrap. Allow peppers to steam as they cool, about 20 minutes. Remove and discard skins, slice peppers into strips.

Step 4

Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Ease soba noodles into the water and return to a boil. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender yet firm to the bite, 5 to 7 minutes. Drain.

Step 5

Combine asparagus, scallions, red bell peppers, bean sprouts, sesame seeds, and cilantro in a large serving bowl. Add noodles and sauce, toss well to combine.