the perfect cold noodle salad for summer

the perfect cold noodle salad for summer is a easy Asian Fusion recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Munching with Mariyah on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 5 min | Total: 30 min

Cost: $9.25 total, $2.31 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 medium Cucumber (trim ends, cut into thin ribbons using a mandolin)
  • 200 g Soba Noodles (cook according to package, rinse in ice water after draining)
  • 1 cup Shelled Edamame (frozen, add to boiling water with noodles for the last minute)
  • 2 tbsp Chili Crisp (store‑bought or homemade, provides heat and crunch)
  • 2 tbsp Soy Sauce (low‑sodium preferred)
  • 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar (adds bright acidity)
  • 1 tsp Sesame Oil (toasted sesame oil for nutty flavor)
  • 1 tsp Granulated Sugar (balances acidity)
  • 1 clove Garlic (minced)
  • 2 stalks Green Onions (thinly sliced for garnish)
  • 1 tsp Toasted Sesame Seeds (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Slice Cucumbers Thinly

    Trim the ends off the cucumbers and run them through a mandolin set to its thinnest setting, creating long, ribbon‑like strips.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Cook Noodles and Blanch Edamame

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the soba noodles and cook according to package directions (usually 4‑5 minutes). About 1 minute before the noodles are al dente, add the frozen edamame and let it blanch together.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: boiling

  3. Shock and Drain

    Immediately drain the noodles and edamame in a colander and rinse under an ice‑water bath for 30 seconds to stop cooking and keep everything cool.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Prepare the Chili Crisp Dressing

    In a mixing bowl, whisk together chili crisp, soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, sugar, and minced garlic until smooth.

    Time: PT3M

  5. Combine All Components

    Add the cooled noodles, edamame, and cucumber ribbons to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently with tongs until everything is evenly coated.

    Time: PT3M

  6. Garnish and Serve

    Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual bowls. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
10 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
6 g
Fiber
5 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Vegan (if using a vegan chili crisp and gluten‑free noodles)

Allergens: Soy, Sesame, Gluten (if non‑buckwheat soba is used)

Last updated: April 21, 2026

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the perfect cold noodle salad for summer

Recipe by Munching with Mariyah

A refreshing cold noodle salad that blends the tangy crunch of thin‑sliced cucumber with edamame and a spicy‑sweet chili crisp dressing. Perfect for hot summer evenings, this dish requires no oven and can be tossed together in under 30 minutes.

EasyAsian FusionServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
13m
Prep
7m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
30m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$9.25
Total cost
$2.31
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Mandolin the cucumbers as thin as possible.
  • Blanch the edamame together with the noodles for just a hair before they finish cooking.

Safety Warnings

  • Mandolin blades are extremely sharp – always use the hand guard and keep fingers away.
  • Handle boiling water with care to avoid burns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of cucumber noodle salads in Asian cuisine?

A

Cucumber‑based cold salads have long been a staple in East Asian summer cooking, offering a refreshing contrast to hot weather. Combining thinly sliced cucumber with noodles reflects a modern fusion trend that blends traditional Chinese凉拌 (liáng bàn) techniques with Japanese soba traditions.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of cold noodle salads in Chinese and Japanese cuisine?

A

In China, cold noodle salads often feature sesame paste, soy sauce, and shredded cucumber, while Japanese hiyashi‑soba includes dashi‑based broth, shredded nori, and a sweet‑sour vinaigrette. The recipe here merges those influences with a spicy chili crisp twist.

cultural
Q

How is a chili crisp cucumber noodle salad traditionally served in Asian street food culture?

A

Street vendors typically serve it in a disposable bowl, topped with crushed peanuts, fresh herbs, and a generous drizzle of chili crisp, allowing diners to mix the flavors themselves just before eating.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is a cold cucumber noodle salad associated with in Asian cultures?

A

Cold noodle salads are popular during summer festivals, family gatherings, and as a side for hot pot meals, providing a cooling palate cleanser amidst richer, hotter dishes.

cultural
Q

What makes this Chili Crisp Cucumber and Edamame Noodle Salad special in Asian‑fusion cuisine?

A

It combines the crisp texture of mandolin‑thin cucumber, the protein boost of edamame, and the bold, nutty heat of chili crisp, creating a balanced dish that is both light and satisfying without any cooking oven.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Chili Crisp Cucumber and Edamame Noodle Salad?

A

Common errors include slicing cucumbers too thick, overcooking the noodles, and adding the dressing while the salad is too warm, which can make it soggy. Follow the critical steps of thin mandolin slicing and quick blanching of edamame with the noodles.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe blanch the edamame with the noodles instead of cooking them separately?

A

Blanching edamame together saves time and reduces the number of pots to clean, while the brief heat helps the edamame retain a bright color and a tender‑crisp bite that matches the noodles perfectly.

technical
Q

Can I make this Chili Crisp Cucumber and Edamame Noodle Salad ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Prepare the dressing and slice the cucumbers up to 4 hours ahead, storing them separately in the refrigerator. Keep the cooked noodles and edamame in an airtight container; combine everything just before serving to maintain texture.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the salad is done?

A

The cucumber ribbons should be translucent and glossy, the noodles should be firm to the bite (al dente), and the dressing should coat everything with a slight sheen without pooling at the bottom.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Munching with Mariyah specialize in?

A

Munching with Mariyah focuses on quick, seasonal, and budget‑friendly home‑cooked meals, often highlighting fresh produce and simple techniques that suit busy lifestyles.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Munching with Mariyah's approach to Asian‑fusion cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Mariyah blends classic Asian flavors with Western convenience, emphasizing minimal equipment, no‑oven methods, and clear step‑by‑step visuals, which sets her apart from channels that rely on elaborate setups or heavy sauces.

channel

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