Introduction

Somen salad is a delightful Japanese dish that’s perfect for a light and refreshing meal. Made with delicate somen noodles, crisp vegetables, and a tangy dressing, this salad is both easy to prepare and delicious. Ideal for warm weather or as a side dish for any meal, somen salad offers a satisfying combination of flavors and textures. Discover how to make this simple yet elegant dish that’s sure to become a favorite!

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces somen noodles
  • 1 cup cucumber, julienned
  • 1 cup carrot, julienned
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup edamame, cooked and shelled
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

For the Dressing:

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Cook the Somen Noodles

  • Prepare Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the somen noodles and cook according to package instructions (usually 2-4 minutes). Be careful not to overcook them.
  • Cool Noodles: Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain well and set aside.

2. Prepare the Vegetables

  • Julienne Vegetables: Julienne the cucumber and carrot, and thinly slice the red bell pepper. If using fresh cilantro, chop it finely.
  • Cook Edamame: If you’re using frozen edamame, cook according to package instructions, then drain and let cool.

3. Make the Dressing

  • Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey (or maple syrup), grated ginger, and sesame seeds. Adjust the sweetness or tanginess to your taste.

4. Mix the Salad

  • Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the cooked somen noodles with the julienned vegetables, edamame, and sliced green onions.
  • Add Dressing: Pour the dressing over the noodle mixture and toss well to coat all ingredients evenly.

5. Chill and Serve

  • Refrigerate: For best flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  • Serve: Serve chilled or at room temperature. Garnish with additional sesame seeds or cilantro if desired.

Tips for Perfect Somen Salad

  • Cook Noodles Properly: Be sure not to overcook the somen noodles; they should be tender but still have a slight bite.
  • Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas based on your preference.
  • Adjust Dressing: Taste and adjust the dressing according to your preference. Add more honey for sweetness or extra vinegar for a tangier flavor.

Conclusion

Somen salad is a refreshing and flavorful Japanese dish that’s perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish. With its delicate somen noodles, crisp vegetables, and tangy dressing, it’s both satisfying and healthy. Whether you’re enjoying it on a warm day or as part of a larger meal, this salad is sure to impress. Try this recipe and enjoy the delightful taste of somen salad!