Chilled soba noodle salad with marinated cucumbers, sesame and avocado

Step 1

Using a mandoline or knife, thinly slice the cucumbers into rounds. Place them in a bowl and sprinkle over 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Using your hands, lightly massage the salt into cucumbers and leave to sit for 5 minutes.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil. While you wait for it to boil, add ice cubes to a bowl of water (this is called an ice bath).

Step 3

When the water is boiling,add the soba noodles and cook according to packet instructions, about 6-7 minutes. Drain the noodles, and refresh under cold running water. Drop them into the ice bath and leave them to chill while you prepare the remainder of the salad.

Step 4

Prepare your seasoning sauce by combining the rice vinegar, sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt and tamari. Stir until the sugar has dissolved. Squeeze the cucumbers to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the liquid. Place the cucumbers in a bowl and pour over the seasoning sauce. Add the sesame seeds and stir to combine. Set aside to marinate for 5 minutes.

Step 5

Drain the noodles and place them into a large serving plate or bowl. Add the cucumbers along with the seasoning sauce, avocado, sesame oil and, using tongs or your hands, toss well to combine. To serve, top with spring onions and scatter with more sesame seeds.