Print

Fresh Cold Sesame Soba Noodle Lunch Box Easy Recipe with Edamame and Pickles

fresh cold sesame soba noodle lunch box - featured image
Print Recipe

A light, refreshing cold soba noodle lunch box with a creamy sesame dressing, edamame, and tangy pickles. Perfect for a quick, satisfying meal that balances nutty, salty, and bright flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) soba noodles (buckwheat-based, 100% buckwheat or blend)
  • 1 cup shelled edamame (frozen or fresh)
  • 3 tablespoons sesame paste (tahini)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 1/4 cup pickles, thinly sliced (Japanese-style or mild cucumber pickles)
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Bring 4 quarts (about 4 liters) of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of soba noodles, stirring gently to separate. Cook for 4-5 minutes until just tender but still firm (al dente).
  2. Drain the noodles into a fine mesh strainer and rinse thoroughly under cold running water to stop cooking and remove excess starch. Toss gently to cool completely.
  3. If using frozen shelled edamame, blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender. Drain and refresh in cold water to cool quickly.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine 3 tablespoons tahini, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil, 1 teaspoon honey, 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger, and 1 minced garlic clove. Whisk together until smooth and creamy. Add warm water a teaspoon at a time if dressing is too thick.
  5. Place the cooled soba noodles in a large bowl or lunch container. Pour the sesame dressing over and toss gently until noodles are evenly coated.
  6. Fold in 1 cup shelled edamame and about 1/4 cup thinly sliced pickles.
  7. Sprinkle sliced green onions and 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds on top. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Rinse soba noodles thoroughly under cold water to prevent sogginess. Add water gradually to the sesame dressing to achieve a smooth, creamy texture. Let the dressing sit for 5-10 minutes before tossing with noodles for better flavor. Keep pickles separate until serving if packing for lunch to avoid sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: soba noodles, sesame dressing, edamame, pickles, cold noodle salad, easy lunch, vegetarian, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/fresh-cold-sesame-soba-noodle-lunch-box-easy-recipe-with-edamame-and-pickles/