I wish I could lay claim to this so-simple-it’s-genius salad, but believe it or not, it’s all Martha. I admit it’s more of a late-summer meal, especially given the cucumber, but given my aforementioned mint problem, it might be switching seasons. A word of advice: If you’re going to have leftovers, only dress one serving at a time, as the acid in the lime juice can break down the noodles and turn them mushy as they sit.
As below, it makes 4 servings.
• 12 oz. soba noodles: $2.20
• 2 T soy sauce: 10 cents
• 2 T lime juice (one small lime): 25 cents
• 1 T vegetable oil: 3 cents
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced (garden): $0
• 1/2 a cucumber, peeled, halved and sliced: 40 cents
• 1/4 cup peanuts, chopped: 20 cents
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves (garden): $0
TOTAL: $3.58/4 = 90 cents/serving
Cook the soba noodles in boiling salted water according to package directions; rinse well under cold water, drain.
Whisk together soy sauce, lime juice, and vegetable oil.
Combine noodles, green onions, cucumber, peanuts, and mint leaves in a large bowl; toss to combine. Toss with the soy sauce mixture (or only toss each serving with the soy sauce mixture if you won’t be eating it all at once).
Good tip on leftovers…I learned about acid dressing and noodles the hard way.