Peanut Soba Noodle Salad – The Cold Noodle Dish You’ll Crave Every Week

Why This Salad Wins Every Time

Let’s be real—salads can sometimes be boring.
But this spicy peanut soba noodle salad is the kind of dish you’ll actually look forward to eating.

It’s nutty, a little spicy, crunchy, refreshing, and completely satisfying.
The buckwheat soba noodles soak up that creamy peanut dressing, the fresh veggies bring texture, and the hint of chili makes it pop.

Perfect for:

• A quick weeknight dinner
  
• Meal prep lunches that don’t taste sad
  
• Impressing friends at a potluck

Oh, and bonus—it’s vegan, dairy-free, and easily gluten-free if you grab 100% buckwheat soba and tamari.

This blog may contain some affiliate links; read our the disclosure policy. This only gives us some cents of benefit.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Soba Noodle Salad

For the Salad (Serves 4)

• 8 oz soba noodles (buckwheat if you’re gluten-free)
  
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  
• 1 cup shredded carrots
  
• 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
  
• ½ cup edamame (optional, but makes it heartier)
  
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  
• ¼ cup roasted peanuts, chopped (for garnish and crunch)
  

For the Spicy Peanut Dressing

• ¼ cup creamy peanut butter (benefits of Peanuts)
  
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari)
  
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
  
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  
• 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
  
• 1 tsp sriracha (add more if you like heat)
  
• 1 garlic clove, minced
  
• 2–3 tbsp warm water (to thin)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Soba Noodles

Bring a pot of water to boil.
Cook noodles for 4–5 minutes (check package directions).
Drain and rinse under cold water so they stay loose, not sticky.

2. Make the Peanut Dressing

In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, maple syrup, sriracha, and garlic.
Add warm water a little at a time until the sauce is creamy but pourable.

3. Toss the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine noodles, bell pepper, carrots, cabbage, edamame, and green onions.
Pour the peanut dressing over and toss until everything is coated.

4. Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle with cilantro and roasted peanuts.
If you love spice, hit it with another drizzle of sriracha.

Check More about the Homemade Avocado Mayo Sauce that will also enhance the taste.

Why This Salad Works So Well

• Flavor balance – sweet, salty, spicy, and tangy all in one bite.
  
• Texture – crunchy cabbage and peanuts vs soft noodles.
  
• Customizable – swap in cucumbers, snap peas, kale, or bean sprouts.
  
• Protein-friendly – tofu, shrimp, chicken, or even a fried egg take it up a notch.
  
• Flexible – serve it chilled for summer or slightly warm in cooler months.

Meal Prep & Storage

This salad is a meal prep superstar.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge, and it keeps well for up to 3 days.
In fact, the flavors get even better the next day.

Tip: keep the peanuts aside until serving so they stay crunchy.

Pretty solid for a dish that’s comforting yet light. Lots of plant protein, fiber, and healthy fats from peanuts and sesame.

Pretty solid for a dish that’s comforting yet light. Lots of plant protein, fiber, and healthy fats from peanuts and sesame, check the Nutrients detail

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This isn’t one of those flimsy salads that leaves you hungry in 30 minutes.
It’s hearty, colorful, and packed with flavor.

If I had to pick a forever noodle salad, this would be it.
Make a big bowl, top with peanuts and cilantro, and watch it disappear.

Quick & Easy Recipe

Quick Homemade Ramen Noodle Soup

Read More

If you’re into slurp-worthy noodle dishes, and when you’re craving something warm and brothy, switch things up by checking out my Quick Homemade Ramen Noodle Soup for another satisfying bowl.