Soba Salad with Cukes and Roots

By gingerroot • June 10, 2010 • 6 Comments

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Author Notes: My five-year old daughter loves Japanese soba (buckwheat noodles). I came up with this recipe while trying to please her as well as use some baby root vegetables from my CSA box. The nuttiness of the noodles complements the earthy baby root vegetables. The cucumbers add a delicious crunch. Small white turnips and turnip greens would also be delicious additions. - gingerroot

Serves 5-6 as a light lunch

For the salad

2 bundles soba noodles (from 10.58 oz/300 g package)
3 baby carrots, washed, peeled, ends trimmed
3 baby beets, washed peeled, ends trimmed
1 japanese cucumber, halved lengthwise, seeded and cut into 1-inch matchsticks
1 bunch beet greens, roughly chopped

For the dressing

4 tablespoons fresh carrot juice
2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, peeled, grated

Cook soba noodles according to directions on package. Place chopped greens in colander. Drain soba into the same colander to wilt the greens. Rinse with cold water and toss to mix greens with noodles. Set aside and let drain.
Peel baby carrots, beets. Using same peeler, continue to peel vegetables crosswise, making thin circular pieces. Place cucumber matchsticks, carrot and beet cuts in a bowl with ice water, letting vegetables sit for a few minutes until crisp. If ice is not available, place vegetables in a bowl with water and place in freezer for a few minutes. Drain vegetables.
Combine dressing ingredients in a small bowl or jar and whisk to mix.
Place noodles and greens in serving bowl. Fold in cut vegetables. Pour dressing over salad and toss to coat. Serve and enjoy!