This peanut noodle salad is the perfect quick and easy lunchtime dish. Chewy soba noodles make a delicious savoury base for the crunchy vegetables that are piled onto this easy salad, topped with a ready-made dressing and crispy shallots, drawing inspiration from traditional Vietnamese flavours.

What you need to know before you start

This recipe comes together very quickly with little cooking involved so it’s a great summer option when you need dinner on the table fast. Aside from cooking the soba noodles, this cold salad features fresh ingredients and a ready-made dressing for total ease.

Set aside 10 minutes to carefully cut all the salad components, including the long green shallots, carrot, cucumber, snow peas and fresh herbs. Use a sharp knife and a steady hand. You can also use a mandoline for some of the ingredients, if you prefer. 

Why is this the best peanut and sesame noodle salad recipe?

This quick cold vegetarian soba noodle salad is perfect as a light lunch, easy dinner or hearty side for your next picnic, summer barbecue or family lunch. Let the produce sing with the crunch of cabbage, the freshness of herbs and the crisp cucumber, which all pair beautifully with the soft, chewy soba noodles and a store-bought zingy dressing. 

Enjoy it as is, or add cooked prawns and shredded chicken to complete the dish. However you choose to serve it, it’s an easy, healthy and balanced dish the whole family will enjoy. 

How do you cook dried soba noodles?

Soba noodles are a type of Japanese noodle made from buckwheat flour. They are known for their nutty flavour and slightly chewy texture. To achieve perfectly cooked soba noodles, read the packet instructions, as different brands will have varied cooking times. Once the noodles are boiled, strain in a colander and refresh under cold running water or iced water to help maintain the noodles’ bite. 

What is the difference between Asian red eschalot and eschalots? 

Other than appearance, the main difference between an Asian red eschalot and the more commonly-found eschalot is the flavour. The Southeast Asian eschalot has a delicate and sweet flavour with a hint of spice, while an eschalot boasts a more rounded sweetness that mimics the characteristics and sharpness of an onion. If you can’t get your hands on red eschalots, you can substitute with a red onion. 

What ingredients you’ll need

Soba noodles: Soba noodles provide the base of the salad, offering a hearty, slightly nutty flavour and a satisfying texture that also absorbs the flavours of the dressing.

Sesame oil: Sesame oil adds a rich, toasty depth to the salad, imparting a subtle nutty aroma.

Long green shallots: Green shallots bring a mild onion-like flavour with a touch of freshness while adding crunch to the salad.

Asian (red) eschalots: Asian eschalots contribute a sweet and aromatic onion flavour. They’re available from Asian and specialty greengrocers. You can also use thinly sliced red onion, if you prefer. 

Red cabbage: Cabbage adds a vibrant red-purple hue, crunch and a mildly peppery flavour that complements the other vegetables.

Wombok: Also known as Chinese cabbage, wombok offers a light, crisp texture with a mild, slightly sweet flavour. 

Green cabbage: Like other cabbage varieties, green cabbage provides a fresh, crunchy element that adds bulk to the salad. 

Carrot: Carrot provides a sweet, earthy flavour and vibrant colour to the dish. 

Lebanese cucumber: Cucumber adds a refreshing, crisp texture and mild juicy flavour. 

Vietnamese mint leaves: Vietnamese mint introduces a bright, aromatic and slightly spicy herbal note. It’s available from Asian grocers. Substitute coriander and regular mint. 

Holy basil leaves: Holy basil leaves contribute a peppery, slightly spicy kick with a unique, aromatic flavour that enhances the dish. You can find holy basil at Asian and specialty greengrocers. 

Coriander leaves: Coriander leaves provide a fresh, citrussy brightness. 

Snow peas: Snow peas add a crisp texture and a delicate, sweet flavour that contrasts beautifully with the crunchy vegetables in the salad.

Edamame: These young soy beans offer a mild, nutty flavour. 

Salted peanuts: Peanuts add a crunchy, savoury element while adding a salty richness to the dish. 

Vietnamese-style salad dressing: Use a ready-made salad dressing to keep things simple. We use Pandaroo brand. 

Black sesame seeds: Sesame seeds provide a nutty crunch and a subtle earthiness. They also add a visual contrast to the finished dish. 

Long red chillies: Chillies are used to garnish the dish. They offer a spicy kick and vibrant colour.

Crispy shallots: Shallots add a crispy, sweet-savoury crunch. Use them to garnish the finished salad. 

How to prepare a cold peanut soba noodle salad

Recreating this simple meat-free noodle salad at home is easy and fuss-free. Begin by carefully preparing all the fresh ingredients – slicing the vegetables, shredding the cabbage, picking the herb leaves off stems and crushing the peanuts. Once everything is ready to go, cook your noodles before tossing everything in a bowl. Season to taste and serve. It’s a great option for home cooks of all skill levels. 

How to store leftover peanut and sesame noodle salad

If you have any leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. A dressed salad will keep for 2-3 days, however you may notice the noodles have absorbed some of the dressing over time. If this is the case, you may find that you’ll need to add a little extra dressing to enjoy the same flavours. Toss everything together before serving.

Asian eschalots can be stored in a cool, dry place with good ventilation, like a pantry or a mesh bag. They can last for several weeks to a few months if stored properly. 

How to serve peanut and sesame noodle salad

Complete your peanut soba noodle salad with a sprinkle of black sesame seeds, sliced long red chillies and crispy shallots on your favourite platter with serving tongs. Accompany with barbecued salmon or snapper fillets, roast chicken, flank steak or seared tempeh, to keep it vegetarian. 

If you love our peanut and sesame noodle salad recipe, try this 

In the mood for noods? Try these fresh recipes using a packet of soba noodles:

• Smoked trout with soba noodles and yuzu
• Asian chicken broth with soba noodles
• Miso soba with soy sauce eggs