Brighten up your table with Hainan Noodles Japanese Somen Salad, a refreshing and vibrant twist on traditional somen noodles inspired by the light, aromatic flavors of Hainan cuisine. This quick, 25-minute recipe combines tender Japanese somen noodles with shredded chicken breast, crisp julienned cucumber and carrot, and a zesty dressing made with soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and lime juice. Fresh cilantro, green onions, and optional toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts add layers of flavor and texture, making this chilled salad irresistibly light yet satisfying. Perfect for a healthy lunch or a side dish for summer gatherings, this easy-to-make salad is sure to become a go-to recipe for lovers of Asian-inspired cuisine.
Begin by cooking the somen noodles according to the package instructions. Typically, this involves boiling them for 2-3 minutes. Drain the noodles and rinse them thoroughly under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Set the cooked and cooled noodles aside in a large mixing bowl.
Prepare the vegetables: julienne the cucumber and carrot, slice the green onions thinly, and chop the cilantro.
Add the shredded cooked chicken, cucumber, carrot, green onions, and cilantro to the bowl with the noodles.
In a small bowl, prepare the dressing by combining the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, lime juice, minced garlic, sugar, and salt. Whisk well until fully mixed.
Pour the dressing over the noodle and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to evenly coat the ingredients with the dressing.
If desired, sprinkle crushed peanuts and/or toasted sesame seeds on top for added crunch and aroma.
Serve the salad immediately or refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Enjoy chilled!
Calories |
1496 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 48.0 g | 62% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.0 g | 40% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 11.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 172 mg | 57% | |
| Sodium | 2540 mg | 110% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 179.3 g | 65% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.1 g | 43% | |
| Total Sugars | 14.0 g | ||
| Protein | 91.0 g | 182% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 236 mg | 18% | |
| Iron | 7.9 mg | 44% | |
| Potassium | 1570 mg | 33% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.