Learn Why Soba Salad Is a Healthy Option
by Marc Matsumoto on Jun 10, 2013
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Soba literally means buckwheat in Japanese and is also the name of the thin noodles made from buckwheat. Greyish purple in hue and with a nutty flavor, theyre unique in the world of noodles.
In Japan, soba is traditionally served either cold or hot with a dashi based broth, but as a noodle, soba is versatile enough to be topped with a Pomodoro or tossed in a salad like this one.
With a rich earthy dressing, sweet tomatoes, creamy avocado and verdant cilantro, soba salad well rounded in the flavor department with lots of little surprises in every bite. Add to that some tofu thats marinated and caramelized, and you have a salad that makes for a delicious side, or a filling vegan entrée.
Aside from tasting great, soba noodles have about 40% fewer calories than wheat noodles like spaghetti, and are rich in vitamins and minerals like Thiamin and Manganese. While buckwheat itself contains no gluten, its often mixed with wheat flour to help bring the dough together, so be sure to read the label before buying it if thats an issue for you.
Marc Matsumoto is a culinary consultant and recipe repairman who shares his passion for good food through his website norecipes.com. For Marc, food is a life long journey of exploration, discovery and experimentation and he shares his escapades through his blog in the hopes that he inspires others to find their own culinary adventures. Marcs been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today, and has made multiple appearances on NPR and the Food Network.