Green Tahini Noodles

These vegan Green Tahini Noodles combine vibrant, crunchy vegetables and a fresh, zingy dressing – perfect for a light summer meal. The combination of tenderstem broccoli, peas, and other veg makes it not only delicious but also nutritious. The key here is the green tahini dressing, which is perfectly balances. The coriander adds freshness, the tahini creaminess and the miso and ginger umami. These green tahini noodles are perfect when you’re short on time but still want something flavour-packed and satisfying.

The best part? This recipe is highly customisable. Swap out the soba noodles for udon or rice noodles, or change up the vegetables depending on what you have. Whatever you do, these green tahini noodles will keep you coming back for more. Let’s dive into the ingredient breakdown and how each element makes this recipe shine.

You can watch the full recipe video here.

Table of Contents

• Ingredient Breakdown
• Green Tahini Noodles: Customisation and Flexibility
• Why Tahini and Miso Work So Well Together
• How to Serve and Enjoy these Green Tahini Noodles
• Why This Green Tahini Noodles Recipe Works
• More Noodle Recipes

Ingredient Breakdown

• Frozen peas or edamame: They add a sweet, earthy flavour and a hit of protein.
• Tenderstem broccoli: A vibrant, nutrient-dense vegetable that cooks quickly and retains a bit of bite, adding texture to the dish.
• Dried soba noodles: Buckwheat noodles that offer a nutty flavour and hold up well to the creamy dressing. You can substitute these with any other noodle variety, like rice or udon noodles, if preferred.
• Cucumber: Adds a refreshing crunch and coolness to balance the tangy dressing.
• Radish: Offers a sharp, peppery bite that lifts the dish and contrasts the creaminess of the tahini.
• Spring onion: Adds mild onion flavour without overwhelming the dish, giving a touch of brightness.

Dressing Ingredients:

• Fresh coriander: The star of the dressing, it brings a bright, herbaceous note that lightens up the creamy tahini base.
• Good-quality tahini: The foundation of the dressing, providing a nutty richness. Opt for a good-quality tahini for best results.
• Fresh ginger: Adds a warm kick and depth to the dressing, balancing the richness of the tahini.
• Limes (zest and juice): The acidity from the lime juice brightens the whole dressing, while the zest adds a concentrated citrus flavour.
• White miso paste: A subtle umami flavour that adds a savoury note to the dressing without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Agave: Just a touch of sweetness to balance the tangy and savoury elements in the dressing.

Green Tahini Noodles: Customisation and Flexibility

One of the highlights of this Green Tahini Noodles recipe is how easily adaptable it is, both to your tastes or what you have on hand. If you don’t have soba noodles, don’t worry. Rice noodles, udon, or even a whole grain pasta will work just as well. The soba noodles in this recipe offer a nutty, earthy flavour that complements the creamy tahini dressing, but their function is simply to provide a base for the vegetables and sauce.

Similarly, you can switch out the vegetables. While peas and tenderstem broccoli bring a nice balance of sweetness and crispness, you can replace them with edamame, asparagus, or green beans if you prefer. The important thing is to keep the variety of textures: a mix of crunchy, crisp veggies and soft noodles makes every bite exciting.

You can also play around with the dressing’s consistency. Add more water if you prefer a thinner sauce that will evenly coat the noodles and veggies, or keep it thick for a more indulgent texture. It all depends on what you’re in the mood for.

Why Tahini and Miso Work So Well Together

If you’re familiar with tahini, you know it’s rich, slightly nutty, and incredibly creamy. It pairs beautifully with bold flavours, which is why it works so well in this dressing. The coriander and lime brighten up the tahini, making it feel lighter and more refreshing, while the miso adds depth. Miso paste, especially the white variety used here, has a mellow, slightly sweet flavour with just the right amount of umami to make the dressing savoury without being overwhelming.

It’s worth mentioning that the quality of tahini you use can make or break the dressing. Supermarket tahini can often be overly bitter or too thick. I recommend opting for brands like Baracke, Al Nakhil, Al Taj, and Belazu, which are smoother and have a well-rounded flavour. They blend easily and provide the perfect base for the other ingredients to shine.

This combination of creamy, tangy, and savoury flavours creates a dressing that’s both comforting and refreshing. It’s the perfect partner for the fresh, crisp vegetables in this dish, balancing out their crunch with a rich sauce that clings to the noodles.

How to Serve and Enjoy these Green Tahini Noodles

These green tahini noodles are best served immediately after assembling, as the noodles and veggies stay fresh and vibrant. Divide the noodles into bowls, top with the peas, broccoli, cucumber, radish, and spring onions, then drizzle over the vibrant green dressing. The dressing is thick enough to coat everything beautifully but still light and zingy, making each bite packed with flavour.

For an extra touch, sprinkle a pinch of shichimi togarashi (Japanese 7-spice) over the top if you’re feeling adventurous, and don’t forget the red chilli for a bit of heat. These optional garnishes elevate the dish, giving it a bit more personality and flair. They aren’t essential, but they add a nice touch if you want to impress or elevate the dish even further.

Why This Green Tahini Noodles Recipe Works

The combination of creamy, tangy, and fresh elements in this dish is what makes it stand out. The noodles and vegetables are simply a vessel for that gorgeous green tahini dressing, which ties everything together. The fresh coriander and lime keep the dressing bright and summery, while the miso and ginger add depth, making this salad more satisfying than your typical cold noodle dish.

It’s also incredibly quick to make. With a total time of 15 minutes, it’s the perfect dish for a busy weeknight or a light lunch. The ease of customisation means you can change up the vegetables or noodles depending on what you have on hand, so it’s also an excellent way to use up fridge staples.

Final Thoughts

These Green Tahini Noodles are proof that quick and simple doesn’t have to mean boring. With a bright, flavour-packed dressing and a mix of crunchy, fresh vegetables, this dish delivers on both taste and texture. It’s perfect for summer, but let’s be honest, you’ll be craving it all year round. Whether you’re enjoying it as a light lunch or doubling the recipe for a bigger meal, it’s a dish you’ll come back to time and time again.

More Noodle Recipes

If you’re a fan of noodles, you’re in for a treat! Here are some of my favourite noodle recipes, each packed with bold flavours and fresh ingredients:

• Teriyaki Chicken Noodles: A quick and satisfying dish with tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and noodles coated in a sticky teriyaki sauce.
• Saucy Mushroom Noodles: Hearty noodles tossed in a rich mushroom sauce, filled with umami goodness and perfect for a comforting meal.
• Spicy Pork Noodles: A spicy, Korean-inspired noodle dish inspired by japchae, a delicious sweet potato noodle stir fry, and jeyuk bokkeum, spicy stir fried pork.
• Sichuan Tahini Noodles: Creamy tahini paired with spicy Sichuan flavours in a beautifully balanced noodle dish that brings together nuttiness and heat.
• Spicy Sesame Noodles: Noodles coated in a spicy sesame sauce.

These recipes are perfect for noodle lovers looking for something quick, delicious, and packed with flavour. Explore more on Zena’s Kitchen!