Peanut Soba Noodle Salad

 There’s something about air travel that makes me hungry – I’m very sure that it’s because I’m bored, but I’m never more excited/anxious for a snack as I am when I’m 35,000 feet in the air. Since airplanes invariably have food that’s unhealthy, expensive, and in quantities that don’t meet my hearty appetite, I try to bring my own food.

 

Of course, I always try to bring cut up peppers, etc.  (just to control the snacking), but this soba noodle salad has become a go-to. It’s healthy and filling, stores well in a mason jar, and (if you’re the chatty sort), helps you show off/make friends with flight attendants and seat neighbors (“Oh! What’s that?!” and “What a great idea!” are common comments). Also, as long as you shake up the sauce and the noodles prior to going through screening, it should be TSA compliant.*

 

* note: I did once, seriously, get stopped by TSA when I left the dressing pooled on the bottom of the jar, rather than shaking it up prior to going into the jar. It was told the peanut sauce was considered a “gel” but that since it looked like less than 3 ounces, I was fine. Since then, I pre-shake the jar and haven’t had any issues.

 

 

Peanut Soba Noodle Salad

 

8 ounces soba noodles

4-6 ounces shelled edamame, cooked

1 bunch of asparagus

2 carrots, shredded on box grater

 

3 tablespoons soy sauce

3 tablespoons rice vinegar

3 tablespoons water

3 scallions, chopped

1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon peanut butter

1/4 cup olive oil

red pepper flakes, to taste

 

In a large pot of boiling water, cook soba noodles according to package directions. Rinse under cold water and set aside.

 

Cut the asparagus in to bit size pieces, and blanch in boiling water, 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain in colander and set aside.

 

In a small bowl, whisk together (or even better – use an immersion blender!) the soy sauce, rice vinegar, water, scallions and peanut butter, olive oil, and red pepper flakes (if not using an immersion blender, whisk together all of the ingredients except the olive oil, then drizzle/whisk the olive oil in once the rest of the dressing is mixed).

 

In a large bowl, toss the noodles, asparagus, edamame, carrots, and dressing until well mixed. Divide among mason jars (2 large portions for long flights and hungry people, 4 servings for the lighter eaters). Safe travels!

 

 

 

Posted on May 21, 2017
Posted in healthy, main dish, travel, vegetarian