Soba Noodle Salad w/ optional meat & vegetables

Wasabi powder adds a little heat to this dressing. Look for it in the spice or ethnic-food section of the supermarket or in Asian markets.

Yield
Makes 2 or 3 servings

Ingredients
8 ounces buckwheat soba noodles
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons Asian sesame oil
1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon minced peeled ginger
1/2 teaspoon wasabi powder (optional; see notes)
1 1/2 cups protein (choose 1 item from "Protein Options," below)
3 cups vegetables (choose 2 to 5 items from "Vegetable Options," below)
Preparation
1. In a 5- to 6-quart pan over high heat, bring about 3 quarts water to a boil. Add noodles and cook until tender to bite, 3 to 6 minutes. Drain noodles and rinse gently under cold running water until cool.

2. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, mix rice vinegar, sesame oil. soy sauce, ginger, and wasabi, if using. Pour about half the dressing into a small container; cover and reserve. Add noodles to large bowl and mix to coat; cover and chill until cold, about 1 hour, or up to 1 day.

3. Just before serving, add protein, vegetables, and reserved dressing to noodles; mix to coat.

Protien Options: Sliced tofu, shredded chicken, cooked shrimp


Vegetable Options: Baby spinach leaves, sliced green onions, orange segments, slivered Napa cabbage, shredded carrots, snow peas, thinly sliced red or yellow bell peppers, sliced cucumbers, broccoli florets