Highball Noodle Salad

By , Test Kitchen Director · 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.

Prep: 12 min Cook: 7 min Serves 2 Japanese cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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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.

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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