It was a fierce summer this year in New Zealand, with long balmy days and sticky evenings. I'm one of those irritating plant based eaters who craves broccoli on the regular and that is particularly apparent when the sun sits hot and heavy. 

Avocados are my fond friend and the sadly underrated cabbage plays an integral role in most of my salads. Sometimes vegetables alone do not suffice though. I originally created a version of this dish for the summer menu of a cafe I once co owed. It was understandably popular because well, noodles are wonderful. Soba noodles in particular are perhaps the Queen of the noodle world. Slightly nutty and chewy in texture, they carry vibrant flavours proudly.

I like to serve this salad cold but it would be equally addictive served piping hot. The tahini dressing is my all time favourite and can be dollop generously onto almost anything for instant deliciousness. This recipe can be adapted by adding any vegetables you like, however I'd highly recommend adding the edamame which look like green pearls hiding amongst the soba.  

Serves Two hungry humans

Spicy Tahini Dressing

Tahini, 1 cup

Red chili, 1, deseeded, finely chopped

Ginger, 1 inch, grated

Garlic, 1 clove, minced

Lemon, 1, juice

Orange, 1, juice

Soy sauce, 1 cup

Maple syrup, ½ cup

Sesame oil, ¼ cup

Add all the ingredients into a food processor, blend until you have a thick dressing. This makes quite a lot and can be stored in the fridge for a couple of weeks.

For the Salad

Soba noodles, approx 250g

Red cabbage, 1 cup, shredded

Edamame, thawed, 1 cup

Avocado, 1

Broccolini, 8 florets

Sesame seeds, toasted, 2 tsp

Crushed peanuts, 2 tsp

Cook the noodles until they are soft but still retain a bite, rinse in cold water to stop the cooking process. Place the noodles in a mixing bowl with the cabbabe, edamame and as much of the dressing as you desire. Mix well and place in serving bowls.

Quickly fry the broccolini in a little sesame oil and add to the bowls. Top with slices of avocado, sesame seeds and peanuts.

Enjoy. Gem x