Soba Noodle Salad

Ingredients

• 6 Tbsp seasoned rice vinegar
• 1 Tbsp sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 large garlic clove, minced
• 1 1/2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
• Zest of one lime
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dark sesame oil
• 6 ounces soba noodles
• 1/2 large red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 small ripe mango, peeled and chopped into cubes
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced fresh basil
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced fresh mint
• 1/2 cup chopped toasted salted peanuts

Directions

1. Set a saucepan over medium heat and add the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Warm it for 1-2 minutes, just until the sugar and salt have dissolved. Stir in the garlic, then let the mixture cool. Once it has cooled, mix in the lime juice, lime zest, and sesame oil.
2. Cook the noodles in salted water until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain them, then rinse thoroughly under cool water. Move the noodles to a large bowl and toss them with the dressing.
3. Add the mango, bell pepper, basil, and mint to the bowl. Toss everything together, then plate it. Finish with chopped peanuts scattered over the top.