HEALTHY RECIPES: Soba Noodle Salad with Peanut Dressing

Japanese Soba noodles can be found in the imported foods aisle of the supermarket or at health food stores. Soba noodles are made from wheat and buckwheat flours, making the noodles a high protein meal. If buckwheat noodles are a little weird for you, use Italian pasta.

What You’ll Need: Serves 3-4

*8-ounces Japanese Soba noodles, or Chinese egg noodles
*3 green onions
*1/2 cup bottled Asian peanut sauce
*1/2 cucumber, peeled
*1 small, sweet red pepper
*1 lime

Optional: 5-ounce package of frozen salad shrimp, defrosted (or any cooked, peeled frozen shrimp, cilantro sprigs

What You’ll Do:

1. In a large saucepan, prepare the pasta according to the directions on the package. Have an adult help you pour the hot pasta into a colander. Drain and rinse with cold water; shake the colander to get rid of excess water. Pour the noodles into a large mixing bowl.

2. Add the peanut sauce and toss with the noodles. Chop the green onions into small circles and toss into the salad. Taste to see if the noodles need more sauce, salt, and pepper.
 
3. Slice the cucumber in half lengthwise. With the cut side down, slice into thin semi-circles. Cut the red pepper into quarters and cut into very thin strips. Slice the lime in half, then into half circles. Rinse the baby salad shrimp under cold water, if using. (You must eat the shrimp the day they’re defrosted.)

To Serve: Place some noodles in a shallow bowl or plate. Place a small pile of cucumbers and a few slices of red pepper on top. Put a spoonful of shrimp on top of the veggies and a sprig of cilantro, if you have it.

Other Ideas: Add lightly steamed sugar snap peas (pods) or snow peapods when in season.

Note: Peanut sauces can vary – make sure you taste it before you use it. It should taste like spicy peanut butter.

Tools:

*Large saucepan
*Colander
*Large mixing bowl
*Cutting board
*Paring knife
*Measuring cups

BY JIAE K. ON 6/21/2008 7:00:00 AM 13 COMMENTS