No-Face Noodle Salad

Named for the quiet spirit of Spirited Away, this chilled soba salad nods to Japanese cold-noodle habits with a bright sesame-lime dressing. Crisp cucumber, purple cabbage, and edamame keep it cool, colorful, and ready ahead for lunch.

Serves 3 · 20 min prep · 10 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 410 cal
• 18g protein
• 58g carbs
• 14g fat
• 8g fiber

Every recipe here is free to read.

Ingredients

• 8 oz dried soba noodles
• 3 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1.5 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 English cucumber
• 2 cups shredded purple cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup shelled edamame
• 3 scallions
• 1/3 cup fresh cilantro
• 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
• 2 nori sheets
• 6 oz soft tofu

Instructions

1. 1Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and cook the soba noodles according to package timing until just al dente, usually 4–5 minutes; drain and rinse thoroughly under cold water until the noodles are cool and no longer sticky.
2. 2In a mixing bowl whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, honey, lime juice, minced garlic, and grated ginger until the dressing turns glossy and balanced between tangy and nutty.
3. 3Halve the English cucumber lengthwise and slice into thin half-moons; toss the shredded purple cabbage and carrots so their pastel colors look like confetti from a spirit-world festival.
4. 4Blanch or microwave the shelled edamame until bright green and tender, about 2–3 minutes, then cool under cold water so they stay snappy.
5. 5Thinly slice the scallions on a sharp bias and roughly chop the cilantro leaves, keeping a few pretty sprigs for garnish later.
6. 6Gently cube the soft tofu into pale, pillowy bites that echo No-Face’s quiet presence; set aside so they stay intact.
7. 7In a large bowl combine the cooled soba, cucumber, cabbage, carrots, edamame, scallions, and most of the cilantro; pour over the sesame dressing and toss with tongs until every strand is lightly coated and gleaming.
8. 8Divide the noodle salad among three lunch bowls or jars, nestle the soft tofu cubes on top, shower with toasted sesame seeds, and finish with thin ribbons of nori snipped with scissors for a mysterious dark accent that feels straight from the bathhouse gates.