Description
This Spicy Peanut Soba Noodle Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and nutty soba noodles all tossed in a creamy, spicy peanut sauce. Perfect as a refreshing lunch or light dinner, this salad offers a balanced blend of heat, sweetness, and tang with fresh herbs and a satisfying crunch from peanuts.
Ingredients
Scale
Peanut Sauce
- 5 tablespoons peanut butter
- 5 tablespoons water
- 5 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil (optional, for added flavor)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 clove garlic
- 1/4 cup chili sauce (like Sriracha, adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup peanuts
Main Salad
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3–4 cups chopped purple cabbage
- 10 ounces soba noodles
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or basil, chopped (to taste)
- 1/4 cup crushed peanuts (for topping)
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper or your preferred spices. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for about 6–8 minutes per side or until fully cooked through. Remove from heat and let the chicken rest before slicing or shredding to retain juiciness.
- Cook soba noodles: Prepare the soba noodles according to the package instructions, usually boiling for several minutes until tender. Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Make the peanut sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine peanut butter, water, soy sauce (or tamari), sesame oil, honey, fresh lime juice, garlic clove, chili sauce, and whole peanuts. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust the amount of water to reach your desired consistency and modify chili sauce to adjust spice level.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked soba noodles, chopped purple cabbage, thinly sliced red bell pepper, and sliced or shredded chicken. Add the chopped fresh cilantro or basil. Pour the peanut sauce over the mixture and toss thoroughly until everything is well coated.
- Serve: Transfer the salad to serving plates or a large platter. Sprinkle with crushed peanuts and additional fresh herbs if desired. This salad can be served chilled or at room temperature, making it versatile and refreshing.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp for a different protein option.
- Adjust the chili sauce quantity to control the heat level of the salad.
- Soba noodles can be replaced with rice noodles or whole wheat pasta if preferred.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure to use tamari instead of soy sauce and check that soba noodles are 100% buckwheat.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days but are best enjoyed fresh.
