Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add in the soba or rice noodles and cook according to package instructions, usually about 4–5 minutes, until tender yet firm to the bite. Once cooked, drain the noodles in a colander and immediately rinse them under cold running water to stop the cooking process and cool them down. Set aside in a large bowl.

While the noodles are cooking, take a cutting board and chop the veggies. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup each of shredded carrots, thinly sliced red bell pepper, and sliced snap peas, along with 1/4 cup of chopped green onions. Toss everything together to ensure the colors are vibrant and the veggies are evenly distributed, creating an inviting base for your Cold Teriyaki Noodles Salad.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the dressing by combining 1/4 cup soy sauce, 3 tablespoons teriyaki sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup), and 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger. Keep whisking until the mixture is well combined and smooth, allowing all the rich flavors to come together beautifully.

Pour the freshly made dressing over the vegetable mix in the large bowl. Gently toss the vegetables and dressing together until every piece is well coated, ensuring every bite of the salad bursts with flavor. This is a crucial step, as it prepares the base for your Cold Teriyaki Noodles Salad.

Next, add the cooled soba or rice noodles to the vegetable mixture. Use a large spoon or a pair of tongs to carefully mix everything together, ensuring the noodles are evenly distributed throughout the salad. This process takes about a minute, and you will want to see vibrant colors and textures meld together appealingly.

To finish off your Cold Teriyaki Noodles Salad, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro over the top. If you'd like extra protein, now is the perfect time to fold in some cooked chicken, tofu, or shrimp. Gently mix to distribute the garnishes throughout the salad for an appealing presentation.

Your Cold Teriyaki Noodles Salad is now ready to be enjoyed! You can serve it immediately for a fresh, crunchy treat or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld even more, enhancing the overall taste. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping it a delightful meal prep option.