Meal Prep Mediterranean Soba Noodle Bowls with Sumac, Mint, and Aleppo Pepper
Looking for a noodle dish that’s light, zesty, and packed with bold flavor? These Soba Noodles with Sumac, Mint, and Aleppo Pepper bring together Japanese buckwheat noodles with a vibrant Mediterranean twist.
The nutty soba noodles are tossed in a tangy dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, sumac, and Aleppo pepper, then layered with crisp cucumbers, fresh green onions, and fragrant Afia dried mint. Perfect for batch cooking, this recipe keeps well in the fridge, making it a go-to option for easy lunches or light dinners all week long.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick Cooking: Soba noodles cook in under 5 minutes.
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Stores Well: Can be eaten warm or cold, so perfect for grab-and-go lunches.
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Versatile: Add protein (chicken, shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas) to make it a full meal.
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Batch Friendly: Doubles easily for 4–5 days of lunches.
Ingredients (Serves 3-4, Meal Prep Friendly)
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8 oz soba noodles (buckwheat noodles)
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2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
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2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
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1 tsp Afia Aleppo Pepper Mediterranean Pantry Spice (adjust to taste)
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2 tsp Afia Dried Mint Mediterranean Pantry Spice (or 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped)
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1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced and halved or julienned
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3 green onions, thinly sliced
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Salt, to taste
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Optional garnish: toasted sesame seeds, more fresh herbs
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Step-by-Step Instructions
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Cook the noodles: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook soba noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
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Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, sumac, Aleppo pepper, and salt.
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Assemble the noodles: Place soba noodles in a large bowl. Toss with the dressing until well coated.
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Add veggies & herbs: Mix in cucumber slices, green onions, and Afia dried mint. Toss gently.
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Portion for meal prep: Divide noodles into meal prep containers. Garnish with sesame seeds or extra mint if desired.
Storage
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Lasts 3–4 days in the fridge in an airtight container.
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Best served cold or at room temp for on-the-go meals.
Tips for the Perfect Soba Noodles
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Don’t overcook: Soba noodles cook fast—keep them slightly firm to avoid mushiness.
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Chill for freshness: For a refreshing salad-style dish, refrigerate noodles for 30 minutes before serving.
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Keep protein separate for meal prep: Add cooked chicken, tofu, or shrimp in a separate section to keep flavors fresh.
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Bloom the Aleppo pepper (optional): For extra depth, gently warm olive oil and bloom the Aleppo pepper before tossing with noodles.
Serving Ideas
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As a light main course with a side salad.
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Paired with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu for added protein.
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Served cold at a summer picnic or holiday potluck.
Why This Dish Works
The nutty base of soba noodles pairs beautifully with the tang of sumac, the cooling freshness of mint, and the mild smoky warmth of Aleppo pepper. It’s a simple yet striking flavor combination that bridges Mediterranean and Japanese cuisines, making this dish unique, wholesome, and unforgettable.
Try it once, and it might just become your go-to noodle recipe!