Cold Soba Noodle Salad

Cold Soba Noodle Salad or... "Mom, I need something for the potluck tomorrow AND 24 cupcakes for my French presentation..."

..."well, actually, you only need to make 22 cupcakes."

ONLY 22? Well then, that should be no problem?!

Last words as I tuck my 10 year-old into bed. I was kind of hoping for "good-night!"

I left the cupcakes for another mother in the group whose child was A LOT more convincing than mine, but did manage to pull off something for the potluck later in the day.

If you need a dish any time soon that you can make on the fly, this cold noodle salad was quick and the result was better than anticipated.

I relied on some pre-prepped veggies and a bottled dressing, but there was nothing in the bottom of the dish upon its return home besides a stray green onion or two rolling around and a few sesame seeds, so I think it was a success.

My amounts are a bit spotty and really don't matter.  Adjust everything to the size of the crowd you are feeding, or how many leftover servings you want to have.  I like a generous veggie-to-noodle ratio, but add as much or as little as you like.

Soba noodles prepared according to package directions, rinsed and cooled (these cook quickly, so they're perfect for last minute prep!)

Handful or two frozen edamame (throw into pot with soba in last few minutes of cooking)

A bag of Mann's Rainbow Salad

Mann's Sugar Snap Peas

Some green onions

Sliced coloured peppers

PC Toasted Sesame Vinaigrette

Sesame seeds

A handful of chow mein noodles for a bit of crunch.

In a large serving dish, combine your prepared soba noodles and edamame with a few handfuls of rainbow salad, sliced sugar snap peas, sliced peppers, and green onions.

Toss with desired amount of sesame dressing and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Top with a handful of chow mein noodles just prior to serving (they will get pretty soggy otherwise).
Refrigerate until needed.

If you want to extend this salad even further, or make it the main event, you might add leftover roast chicken, broiled tofu, or some grilled shrimp.

A spoonful of chili-garlic hot sauce or some diced fresh mango might be tasty additions as well.