Spring Soba Noodle Salad

This winter, I think I beat my all time record for how many pots of soup I made. It sounded good nearly every night-- all that warm, cozy goodness with some crusty bread and a salad.

But with spring peeking its head around the corner, just one week from now, I was ready for something different. I still wanted the hearty goodness and the veggies and the flavor, and in a one-dish meal...and I found it.

Cold Soba Noodle Salad with Peanut Sauce


This was so very very satisfying, and even satisfied my toddler since he was able to add all his own ingredients one by one.

Now let me just say, this is no ordinary peanut sauce. I have tried a number of recipes trying to find what I craved when my mouth and stomach would both yell "PEANUT SAUCE!". I was always disappointed when they turned out too watery, too spicy, too tart, when all I wanted was something rich and slightly sweet, gooey and delicious. I'd had it at restaurants, but could never seem to make it at home. I'm happy to announce that the search is over!!!

Here are the recipes for the Peanut Sauce, and the Soba Noodle Salad, which would also make a great dish for a potluck or barbecue (I am totally jonesing for summer!)

Peanut Sauce:
3/4 cup crunchy peanut butter (I used the fresh ground kind, but any would work)
1 1/2 cup coconut milk, unsweetened
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon fresh ginger root, grated (I use the bottled stuff from Trader Joe')
4 garlic cloves, minced (again, bottled from TJ's)

Mix it all up and simmer until thickness resembles heavy cream.

Cold Soba Noodle Salad with Peanut Sauce
(recipe adapted from here)

Cook 12 oz. of soba noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water and set aside.

Cook 1 lb of cubed firm tofu (or chicken or other protein) in 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil until golden.

Put an assortment of vegetables (julienned red bell peppers, carrots, cucumber, or snow peas, scallions, etc) each in their own bowl.

Chop some honey roasted peanuts (or dry roasted) and place in its own bowl.

Get your bowl and heap with noodles, tofu, veggies, chopped peanuts and peanut sauce! Yum.

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Happy Spring!