Highball Noodle Salad

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing Japanese-inspired cold noodle salad with yuzu dressing, pickled ginger, and cucumber, mirroring the highball's bright balance. This japanese-inspired salads ready in about 19 minutes pairs Soba noodles, Cucumber, Pickled ginger into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.9 (14 ratings) Prep: 12 min Cook: 7 min Serves 2 Japanese cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook 8 oz soba noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water for 7 minutes until tender but firm, then rinse under cold water until cooled.
  2. Step 2: Thinly slice 1/2 cup cucumber into matchsticks and pat dry with paper towels.
  3. Step 3: Whisk together 1 tbsp yuzu juice, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sesame oil, and 1/2 tsp soy sauce in a small bowl until emulsified.
  4. Step 4: Toss cooled soba noodles, cucumber, and 2 tbsp pickled ginger with the dressing until evenly coated, ensuring each noodle is glistening with sauce.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Highball Noodle Salad take to make?

Total time is about 19 minutes (12 min prep + 7 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Highball Noodle Salad?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep soba noodles from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Highball Noodle Salad?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Highball Noodle Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Highball Noodle Salad?

Japanese salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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