This Soba Noodle Salad with Edamame Meal Prep recipe is the ultimate solution for busy weekdays when you want something fresh, nourishing, and ready to grab from the fridge. Packed with plant protein from edamame, refreshing veggies like cucumber and green onion, and slurp-worthy soba noodles, this salad is layered with flavor—especially when tossed in a creamy sesame soy dressing. Whether you use a store-bought dressing or whip up your own, this meal prep lunch is all about ease, nutrition, and serious yum.
You can also find a collection of all my delicious vegan meal prep recipes here.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here’s everything you’ll need to build this tasty meal prep salad:
- 3 cups shelled edamame – Rich in protein and fiber. You can use frozen; just cook and drain.
- 4 servings soba noodles – Traditionally made with buckwheat. Check labels if you need them gluten-free.
- 1 large cucumber, sliced – Adds crunch and freshness. Persian or English cucumbers work best.
- 3 sliced green onions – For a sharp, peppery finish.
- 2–3 tbsp sesame salad dressing per jar – Use store-bought for ease, or make it from scratch (recipe below).
- 4 tbsp sesame seeds – A toasty crunch in every bite.
- Chili crisp oil (optional) – Adds a spicy umami pop.
Optional Veggies:
- Shredded red cabbage
- Grated carrots
- Thinly sliced bell peppers
Homemade Sesame Dressing:
If you have time, mix up this easy dressing:
- 4 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 4 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- Chili crisp oil, to taste
Helpful Tools
Meal prepping is all about convenience. These tools will make your life easier:
- Large pot for cooking noodles and edamame
- Sharp knife for slicing veggies
- Cutting board
- Mason jars or meal prep containers
- Mixing bowl (if making homemade dressing)
- Fine mesh strainer (for draining noodles)
How to Make This Soba Noodle Salad with Edamame Recipe
This is a simple, repeatable process that keeps well for 4–5 days in the fridge. Let’s break it down step-by-step.
Step 1: Cook the Base
- Boil soba noodles and edamame according to package instructions.
- Once the soba noodles are cooked, rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prep the Veggies
- While noodles and edamame are cooking, slice your cucumber and green onions.
- If using extra veggies like cabbage or carrots, prep those now too.
Step 3: Make or Prep Your Dressing
- If you’re going the homemade route, whisk together all dressing ingredients.
- Otherwise, get your favorite sesame dressing ready.
Step 4: Layer the Jars
Layer your ingredients in this order to keep everything fresh:
- Dressing (at the bottom so veggies don’t get soggy)
- Edamame
- Soba noodles
- Cucumber
- Green onions
- Optional veggies (cabbage, carrots)
- Sesame seeds
- Chili crisp oil (if using)
Step 5: Seal & Store
- Seal the jars or containers tightly.
- Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
When you’re ready to eat, shake or toss well to coat everything in that dressing goodness!
Tips & Tricks
- Cool the noodles thoroughly – This helps prevent them from clumping together.
- Layering is key – Always place the dressing at the bottom to keep veggies crisp.
- Use wide-mouth mason jars – Easier for filling and shaking before eating.
- Make it a dinner – Serve it in a large bowl, tossed with tofu or tempeh.
- Want it gluten-free? – Make sure your soba noodles are 100% buckwheat and your soy sauce is gluten-free (or use tamari).
Benefits of Soba Noodle Salad with Edamame
This meal prep salad isn’t just tasty—it’s packed with health perks:
- High in plant-based protein thanks to edamame
- Rich in fiber from soba noodles and veggies
- Good source of omega-3s from sesame oil
- Naturally vegan and dairy-free
- Totally customizable to your flavor and veggie preferences
Why You’ll Love This Soba Noodle Salad Recipe
Kid-approved – especially if you go light on the chili oil
Meal prep friendly – stays fresh for days
No microwave needed – perfect cold lunch
Savory, crunchy, spicy combo – every bite hits different
Portable and mess-free – just toss and go!
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Just boil or steam the frozen edamame as directed, drain, and cool before adding to your salad jars.
When stored properly in an airtight container, it stays fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge.
Yes! Rice noodles, whole wheat spaghetti, or even udon work well. Just be sure to rinse and cool them before layering.
It can be! Use 100% buckwheat soba noodles and tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Nope! Any meal prep container will work. Just keep the dressing at the bottom to prevent sogginess.
Soba Noodle Salad with Edamame Meal Prep
Ingredients
- 3 cups shelled edamame
- 4 servings soba noodles
- 1 large cucumber, sliced
- 3 sliced green onions for topping
- 2-3 tbsp of your favorite Sesame salad dressing per jar see notes if you'd like to make your own dressing
Toppings
- 4 tbsp sesame seeds for topping
- chili crisp oil optional
Instructions
- Start by cooking the soba noodles and shelled edamame according to package instructions. Rinse the soba noodles in cold water once they are done to stop the cooking process.
- While those are cooking, chop up the veggies.
- Now, layer your salad jars by adding dressing in the bottom of each jar, then edamame, noodles, cabbage, cucumber, green onions, sesame seeds and chili crisp oil.
- Store in the fridge until ready to eat, toss everything in the dressing and enjoy!
Notes
- 4 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 4 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- chili crisp oil to taste
Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and should not be considered professional nutritional advice.
Nutrition
Conclusion
Whether you’re new to meal prepping or a seasoned pro, this Soba Noodle Salad with Edamame Meal Prep is a must-try. It’s quick to assemble, endlessly adaptable, and stays fresh all week long. Keep it simple with store-bought dressing or elevate it with your own homemade version—it’s going to be delicious either way.
