Elevate your salad game with this vibrant and refreshing Somen Salad, a Japanese-inspired dish that's perfect for warm weather or as a light, satisfying meal any time of year. This colorful creation features silky, chilled somen noodles topped with an array of crisp julienned vegetables like cucumber and carrot, tender strips of savory egg crepe, and optional sweet-salty sliced ham for added protein. Each bite is enhanced by a tangy, umami-packed dressing made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a hint of sweetness. Garnished with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, this easy-to-prepare salad is a showstopper both in taste and presentation. Ideal for quick lunches, potlucks, or as a refreshing side dish, Somen Salad is a must-try for lovers of light, flavorful cuisine.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the somen noodles according to the package instructions (generally 2-3 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.
Peel and julienne the cucumber and carrot into thin matchstick-like pieces. Thinly slice the green onions.
If using ham, slice it into thin julienned strips.
Prepare the eggs by whisking them in a small bowl with a pinch of salt. Heat a non-stick pan with a teaspoon of cooking oil over medium heat. Pour the egg mixture into the pan, swirling to create a thin, even layer. Cook briefly, flipping once if possible, until fully set but not browned. Remove from the pan, let cool slightly, and then slice into thin strips.
In a small bowl, prepare the dressing by mixing together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and water. Stir well until the sugar dissolves.
In a large serving bowl or platter, arrange the somen noodles as the base. Top the noodles with the prepared vegetables, ham (if using), and egg strips in an attractive, colorful arrangement.
Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
Toss gently just before serving to distribute the dressing, or serve as is for guests to mix individually.
Calories |
1364 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 26.8 g | 34% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.7 g | 24% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 50 mg | 17% | |
| Sodium | 1802 mg | 78% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 232.5 g | 85% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.0 g | 43% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.3 g | ||
| Protein | 51.4 g | 103% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 212 mg | 16% | |
| Iron | 7.4 mg | 41% | |
| Potassium | 787 mg | 17% | |
*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.