Why You’ll Love Almond-Sesame Soba Noodles with Zucchini Recipe

This almond-sesame soba noodles recipe is all about balance. You get the hearty, nutty soba noodles, the smooth, creamy almond butter dressing, and the tangy crunch of pickled radishes and cucumbers. It’s light but filling, perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prepping. The dish is also highly customizable: you can swap ingredients to suit dietary preferences, add protein for a more filling meal, and experiment with different veggies for a variety of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this dish:

Soba noodles: 8 ounces of buckwheat soba noodles will give you the signature chewy texture. You can also swap for zucchini noodles or increase the zucchini if you prefer a lighter version.
Zucchini: 2 large zucchinis, spiralized into noodles to add freshness and a nice contrast to the soba noodles.
Radishes and cucumbers: These will be pickled to add crunch and a tangy kick. Use one bunch of radishes and two cucumbers, both sliced thinly.
Almond butter: A creamy base for the sauce. If you’re looking for variety, feel free to substitute with peanut butter, tahini, or sunflower seed butter.
Garlic, lime juice, and tamari (or soy sauce): For the depth of flavor in the almond-sesame dressing.
Honey or maple syrup: To add a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors.
Toasted sesame oil: This adds an extra layer of umami, a must-have for this dish.
Black sesame seeds: For garnish, adding both flavor and visual appeal.

Directions

Prepare the noodles: Start by cooking the soba noodles according to the package instructions, usually in salted boiling water. Once they’re done, drain them and rinse them under cool water to stop the cooking process.
Pickle the veggies: In a medium bowl, combine the sliced radishes and cucumbers with rice wine vinegar and salt. Let the veggies sit for about 10 minutes. This quick-pickling process gives them a fresh, tangy crunch that complements the creamy noodles.
Make the dressing: While the noodles and veggies are coming together, prepare the almond-sesame dressing. In a food processor or blender, blend together almond butter, garlic, lime juice, tamari, honey (or maple syrup), sesame oil, and a little water to create a smooth sauce. Add more water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
Assemble the dish: Combine the soba noodles and zucchini noodles in a large bowl. Pour the almond-sesame dressing over the noodles and toss well to coat everything evenly.
Serve and garnish: Divide the noodles into bowls, then top with the pickled veggies and a sprinkle of black sesame seeds. Serve immediately, or chill for a refreshing cold dish.

Variations to Try

This recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing you to make it your own with different twists:

Noodle swap: If you prefer to skip the soba noodles, you can use only zucchini noodles or double the amount for a lighter dish. You could also opt for another type of noodle, like rice noodles or whole wheat spaghetti.
Sauce variations: Experiment with different nut butters like cashew butter or tahini. Each will give the sauce a unique flavor profile.
Add some spice: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add chili flakes or a dollop of chili crisp to the dressing to spice things up.
Additional toppings: You can enhance the dish by adding extra toppings like toasted cashews, edamame, cilantro, or even grilled chicken for added protein.

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

This dish is excellent for meal prep! You can prepare the noodles and pickled veggies ahead of time, storing them in separate containers. Keep the dressing in a separate jar to prevent it from making the noodles soggy. When you’re ready to eat, simply toss everything together and enjoy.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The pickled veggies might get even more flavorful after sitting for a while. If you’d like to enjoy the dish warm, you can quickly reheat the noodles in a pan on the stovetop.

Serving Suggestions

This almond-sesame soba noodle dish can stand on its own as a light meal, but you can also pair it with a protein source for a more filling option. Grilled chicken, tofu, or edamame are all great additions. If you’re serving it for a group, consider adding a side of crispy spring rolls or a light vegetable stir-fry to complement the flavors.

Conclusion

The almond-sesame soba noodles with zucchini offer a flavorful, nourishing option that’s both healthy and satisfying. The combination of soba noodles, zucchini, and pickled vegetables creates a refreshing dish that can be adapted to various tastes and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a fresh lunch, or a fun meal prep idea, this dish ticks all the boxes. Give it a try and enjoy the balance of nutty, tangy, and savory flavors in every bite!