Despite it being 50 degrees and pouring rain last weekend, it is 90 degrees and sunny this weekend which means I’m only in the mood to eat one thing: salads. Salads generally get a bad reputation because people think they’re boring or not filling enough. But this Apricot Chicken Soba Noodle salad is certainly not boring and it’s very filling. It has tons of flavor including the sweetness of the apricot, the nuttiness of the edamame and the sesame seeds, and the tanginess from the apple and the orange vinaigrette. The salad is filled with protein, fats, and carbs making it healthy and very filling.
What’s in this Apricot Chicken Soba Noodle Salad?
- Soba noodles- my favorite are Lotus Foods Organic Buckwheat & Brown Rice Soba Noodles
- Shredded chicken
- Granny Smith apples
- Apricots
- Edamame
- Shredded Romaine lettuce
- Sesame seeds
- Cashews
- Basil
- Orange Vinaigrette (homemade, duh!)
What are soba noodles?
Soba noodles are traditional Japanese noodles made from buckwheat. They are very nutritious and are a good source of manganese, thiamin, protein, soluble fiber, and are a prebiotic food. Soba noodles can be served cold with a dipping sauce or in a salad or hot in a broth or stir-fry making them the perfect noodle to eat throughout all seasons of the year.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this salad is gluten-free and is made with gluten-free soba noodles. Despite its name, buckwheat is not related to wheat as it is not a grass, and instead has grain-like seeds that are used for culinary purposes. Therefore, most soba noodles are naturally gluten-free (unless mixed with wheat flour- check packaging to be sure if you are trying to eat gluten-free). I love using Lotus Foods Organic Buckwheat & Brown Rice Soba Noodles, which are 100% gluten-free and nutritious. And other than the soba noodles, the rest of the salad ingredients are gluten and dairy-free.
Can this salad be made vegan?
Yes, and very easily so! Just omit the chicken and substitute the honey in the orange vinaigrette for a vegan-friendly option like maple syrup or agave.
This salad is so refreshing, nutritious, and just what I want to eat on a hot summer night for a delicious dinner. If you make this Apricot Chicken Soba Noodle Salad, feel free to leave a comment or share it with me on instagram at @thenutritionfiend or Pinterest at @leangreennutrit. I love hearing from you guys. Bon Appétit!
Apricot Chicken Soba Noodle Salad
Ingredients
Apricot Chicken Soba Noodle Salad
- 1 8-ounce package Soba Noodles
- 1 head Romaine Lettuce shredded
- 4 Apricots sliced
- 2 Granny Smith Apples cut into matchsticks or slices
- 1/3 cup Edamame cooked and shelled
- 1 cup Cooked Shredded Chicken
- 1/4 cup Basil chopped
- 1/4 cup Roasted Cashews roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons Sesame Seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
Orange Vinaigrette
- 1/2 cup Orange Juice no pulp
- 1/4 cup Rice Vinegar
- 1/4 cup Honey
- 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
Apricot Chicken Soba Noodle Salad
- Cook the soba noodles according to the directions on the package. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- While the noodles are cooking, combine the lettuce, apricots, granny smith apples, edamame, shredded chicken, in a large bowl.
- When the soba noodles are done cooking, add the noodles to the salad bowl. Top with the chopped basil, cashews, and sesame seeds.
- Toss the salad with the orange vinaigrette. Serve and enjoy!
Orange Vinaigrette
- Whisk all ingredients into a bowl or mason jar until combined. Pour over the salad and toss to combine. Serve and enjoy!
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