Question 1

What can I make ahead?

Accepted Answer

You can make the peanut dressing a few days ahead of time. Keep it in an airtight container. If it thickens, whisk in a little water.

The vegetables can be prepped up to a day ahead. Store them in an airtight container until you are ready to prepare and serve the salad.

Question 2

Are soba noodles gluten-free?

Accepted Answer

Traditional buckwheat soba can be gluten-free, but many brands include wheat flour. Check labels or use 100% buckwheat soba or rice noodles if you need a gluten-free option.

Question 3

Are soba noodles considered whole grain?

Accepted Answer

They can be, but it depends on the brand. Traditional soba noodles made from 100% buckwheat flour are naturally whole grain and gluten-free, with a hearty flavor and a darker color. However, many commercially available soba noodles are a blend of buckwheat and refined wheat flour, so they are not fully whole grain. To be sure, check the ingredient list—if buckwheat is listed as the only flour, they qualify as whole grain; if wheat flour appears first, they do not.

Question 4

Is regular sesame oil okay?

Accepted Answer

Yes, regular (untoasted) sesame oil works fine, but it has a much milder flavor than toasted sesame oil. Toasted sesame oil brings the deep, nutty aroma that’s typical in Asian noodle dishes, so the overall flavor will be less pronounced if you use regular. If regular sesame oil is what you have on hand, the salad will still be delicious—just consider adding a little extra chili crisp or lime to boost the flavor.

Question 5

What is chili crisp?

Accepted Answer

Chili crisp or chili crunch is a crunchy, spicy condiment made with oil infused with dried chilies, garlic, onions, and other aromatics. It usually includes crispy bits—like fried garlic or shallots—that add texture along with heat. The flavor is savory, slightly smoky, and mildly spicy rather than overwhelmingly hot. It’s popular in many Asian dishes and adds both crunch and flavor to noodle salads, stir-fries, eggs, and vegetables.

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Spicy Cold Noodle Salad With Peanut Dressing