GREEN GODDESS NOODLE BOWL WITH GINGER MISO DRESSING

This makes for such a delicious lunch. It can be eaten warm or cold, is full of green veg, buckwheat noodles and a tasty immune boosting ginger laced dressing. Plus it can be vegetarian, vegan or filled with whatever choice of protein you’re into. Versatile, easy food that works just as well for lunch, dinner and easy to whip up for a crowd. The dressing soaks in and amps up the flavour. The different steps can all be done the night before if you’re having it for lunch; just layer in your lunch container and put it in the fridge ready to whip out the next day.     Serves 4

Ingredients
250g buckwheat noodles

Dressing
2 Tbs tamari
1 tsp sesame oil
1 Tbs freshly grated ginger
2 Tbs rice wine vinegar
1 tsp miso paste

2 x bok choy
3 cups English spinach, finely shredded
2 tsp lime juice
1 Tbs white sesame seeds, toasted
2 cups snow peas
2/3 cup podded edamame (if frozen, cover pods in boiling water and let stand for a few minutes)
2/3 cup spring onion, finely sliced
1 cup coriander leaves
1 avocado, finely sliced
1 cup finely sliced cucumber rounds, cut in half
1/2 tsp black sesame seeds (or more of white!)
1 tsp rice wine vinegar extra
1/2 tsp tamari extra
1 cup bean shoots
4 boiled eggs cooked to your liking (alternatively hot smoked salmon, grilled/roasted chicken etc)

1. Dressing –  Combine 2 Tabs each of tamari & rice wine vinegar. 1 tsp each of sesame oil, miso paste.  1 Tab freshly grated ginger.

2.Toast seeds, prepare vegies. Cook soba noodles by packet instructions. Make sure you cool under cold running water after cooking, then immediately toss with 3 Tabs of the above dressing.

3.Separate bok choy leaves, clean well then slice lengthways into 1cm strips. Steam over boiling water for 5 minutes, or until softened. Toss with the remaining dressing.

4.Dress spinach with the lime juice and toss with the box choy, spring onion and toasted white sesame seeds. Set aside.

5.Combine sliced cucumber with black sesame seeds, 1/2 tsp tamari and 1 tsp rice wine vinegar. Set aside.

Trim snow peas then steam over rapidly boiling water for 3 minutes, or until they brighten in colour.

Slice eggs in half.

Assemble salad: In each bowl place 1/4 of the noodles. Follow with 1/4 of the bok choy/spinach mixture, 1/4 of the snow peas, 1/4 of the edamame, 1/4 of the cucumber,  1/4 of the coriander leaves, 1/4 of the avocado, 1 egg and the bean shoots. Basically put everything you’ve prepared into bowls!

Cold Sesame Chicken and Noodle Salad

Chewy rice noodles are right at home in this cold summer salad for a crowd, bolstered by fresh veggies, tender strips of chicken, and a creamy sesame-ginger dressing that clings to every last bite. It’s quick and easy to pull together and totally satisfying without being too heavy.

Serves 6 to 8

INGREDIENTS
For the dressing:
1/4 cup rice vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon grated fresh peeled ginger
2 Tab white or red miso paste
2 Tab tahini
2 Tab tamari or soy sauce (try yeast flakes or mushroom juice)
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For the salad:
250g oz dried wide rice noodles
2 cups finely shredded red cabbage
1/2 medium English cucumber, julienned
1 cup frozen shelled edamame, thawed  (broad beans instead?)
2 Tab black sesame seeds, divided
2 cooked boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 500g), sliced into 1/4-inch thick strips
4 medium scallions, green part only, thinly sliced on the diagonal

Make the dressing: Whisk the vinegar, garlic, ginger, miso, tahini, and tamari or soy sauce together in a small bowl. While whisking, slowly pour in the oil and whisk until emulsified; set aside.

Make the salad
: Break the dried noodles in half and cook according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch. Set aside until completely cooled.

Place the cooled noodles, cabbage, cucumber, edamame, 1 Tab sesame seeds, and about 1/4 of the dressing in a large bowl. Toss to combine. Top with the chicken, scallions, and remaining sesame seeds. Drizzle with the remaining dressing and toss together.

RECIPE NOTES

Make ahead: The dressing can be made up to 1 day in advance and stored in a covered container in the refrigerator. The salad can be prepared and assembled up to 4 hours in advance, covered, and stored in the refrigerator until serving.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.