• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
The Devil Wears Salad
  • Recipe Categories
  • Salad Recipes
  • Side Dish Recipes
  • Salad Dressings
  • Pairings
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Fall Salads
  • Recipe Categories
  • Salad Recipes
  • Side Dish Recipes
  • Salad Dressings
  • Ingredient Pairings
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Asian Salad Recipes

    Asian Pear Salad with Soba and Hot Smoked Salmon

    Published: Jun 25, 2020 · Modified: Jan 13, 2021 by The Devil Wears Salad

    Jump to Recipe

    Combining soba noodles with Asian Pear and Hot Smoked Salmon for a delicious meal on its own. Simple to make with delicious fresh flavours makes this gluten free salad a no brainer.

    Asian Pear Salad with Soba and Hot Smoked Salmon

    Why We Love Asian Pear Salad with Soba and Hot Smoked Salmon

    Simple to make and delicious fresh flavours makes this gluten free salad a no brainer. A few easy steps to follow and you have a delicious savoury salad that is complete as a meal on its own.

    For work lunches, it is perfect for eating on the go. Toss salad with the lemon soy dressing when ready to eat.

    What I love the most is adding Asian pear to elevate the flavours and textures. The delicate, juicy sweetness lifts the soba noodles and acts as a delicious counterpoint to the hot smoked salmon.

    Lunch Recipes for Work

    I’ve worked in some places where lunch options are very limited. Either the same ol’ canteen meals or overpriced cafe-style sandwiches.

    I eventually learnt that good leftovers from dinner and easy lunch recipes for work was the way to go.

    Soba noodles are a great gluten free substitute for wheat noodles and pasta. I love the earthy buckwheat flavour, and I find they hold their shape better in gluten free salads, especially when eating on the go.

    For this easy salad recipe, I’ve combined soba noodles with crisp Asian pear and savoury hot smoked salmon to give a balanced texture and tossed it together with a dairy free salad dressing with delicious lemon soy flavours. Excellent lunch recipe for work.

    What is Asian Pear?

    When people first encounter Asian pear, they do tend to get confused. Is it an apple? Is it a pear? Is it a real pear? How does Asian pear ripe? Do I eat the skin? So many questions for this delicious fruit.

    Native to East Asia, the Asian pear is a distant relative of the European pears we are more familiar with like William Bartlett, Beurre Bosc and Packhams but are quite different in texture and flavour.

    Asian pear or Nashi pear

    How to Eat Asian Pear?

    Also known as Nashi in Australia, Asian pear is a round fruit very similar to a large apple in shape but has a unique juicy, crisp bite. The flavours are delicately sweet and is a delicious fruit to eat as is.

    Unlike their European counterparts, Asian pear is ripe on the tree and then harvested. So they are ready to eat when you buy them.

    My kids love Asian pears. Slightly a bit big for lunch boxes, we generally have Asian pears cut as after school snacks or as our dessert after dinner. They are so juicy that sometimes you need to have a napkin with you!

    My mother in law has a large Asian pear tree and we do get asked how to eat Asian pear in other recipes. I love substituting apples or the usual William Bartlett pears for Asian pear in salads. They add a crisp texture with a whole lot of sweetness.

    Asian pear also doesn’t turn brown which is a great bonus for salads. And why don’t try pairing it with cheese next time as well?

    How to Make Asian Pear Salad with Soba and Hot Smoked Salmon

    How to Cook Soba Noodles

    Soba noodles are made from buckwheat so it is fantastic for gluten free salads.

    However, there may be brands that might mix regular wheat flour so please check the packaging to confirm. Also, check the packaging of your soba noodles to cook as each brand may vary on cooking time.

    Bring a large saucepan of water to the boil and add dried soba noodles. Stir occasionally so the noodles don’t stick. Cook until al dente, it should not take more than 2-3 minutes.

    Drain soba noodles. Give them a good rinse under cold water. This removes any excess starch. Place in a large mixing bowl and add a few drops of sesame oil so the noodles don’t stick.

    For some other soba noodle salad inspiration, try our Shimeji Mushrooms, Cucumber, Seaweed and Soba Noodle Salad or Soba Noodle Salad with Pearl Oyster Mushrooms.

    Soba noodle or buckwheat noodle

    How To Make The Asian Pear Salad

    Asian pears do not turn brown quickly like other pears and apples. Therefore, they are great in salads and there is no need to use salted water to stop oxidation.

    Cut Asian pear in half and remove the core. Slice Asian pear in thin matchsticks. Set aside for assembly.

    Remove hot smoked salmon from packaging. Discard skin and pull apart the salmon flesh into a bowl. Set aside for assembly.

    I have included a good amount of spring onion in this recipe as I love the added crunch and peppery flavours.

    If you are not a big fan of spring onions, you can substitute half the amount with chopped coriander. And if you detest coriander, then throw in some spinach leaves for a fresh green element.

    Thinly cut spring onions (scallions) into slices. Use both the green and white part of the onion. Set aside.

    Spring onion, green onion or scallion

    How to Make Lemon Soy Dressing

    This is a gluten free salad dressing if you use tamari. If you don’t have tamari, light soy sauce would work as well but no longer a gluten free salad dressing.

    This is a delicious dairy free salad dressing that will keep in the fridge and work well with brown rice salad, light cucumber salad or even over steamed fish.

    Add lemon juice, water, tamari and sesame oil together in a mason jar. Shake well together.

    Asian Pear Salad with Soba and Hot Smoked Salmon

    How To Assemble The Salad

    In a large mixing bowl, add soba noodles, flaked hot smoked salmon, Asian pear and half the chopped spring onions together. Dress with lemon soy dressing and toss well.

    Transfer to a large serving platter or 4 individual bowls and scatter remaining chopped spring onions and sesame seeds. Serve cold.

    If you were taking this gluten free salad to work, then I would mix everything together but omit the lemon soy dressing. Dress the salad when you are ready to eat.

    Under 20 minutes, you have a tasty meal. Basically, slice Asian pear and tear apart hot smoked salmon as the soba noodle cooks in the background. Lemon soy dressing literally takes two seconds.

    So if you are looking for easy peasy gluten free salads, our Asian Pear Salad with Soba and Hot Smoked Salmon is a winner.

    That’s all!

    More Asian Salad Recipes

    Get inspired by the biggest collection of salad recipes in the one place. We have recipes to suit lifestyle preferences and different occasions. These salads are both delicious and stylish. Search for your favourite ingredient to find a salad you’ll love!

    • Asian Eggplant Salad with Miso Dressing
    • Baby Cuttlefish Salad with Green Papaya
    • Gochujang Chicken Salad with Noodles and Tofu
    • Cantonese Roast Duck Salad with Radicchio
    • Five Spice Tofu Salad with Vietnamese Cha Lua

    Easy Salad Dressing Recipes

    Salad dressings are incredibly easy to make in the comfort of your own home. This way you can control the ingredients to suit your palate and you can make the exact portion you need for that one meal. Check out our collection!

    • Ginger, Tamarind and Plum Sauce Dressing
    • Chilli Soy Dressing
    • Miso Mayo Dressing
    Lifting a serve of Asian Pear Salad with Soba and Hot Smoked Salmon with a gold fork

    DON’T WANT TO MISS RECIPES? Click HERE to get them sent to your inbox.
    Follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.


    Recipe

    Asian Pear Salad with Soba and Hot Smoked Salmon
    Print Recipe
    5 from 47 votes

    Asian Pear Salad with Soba and Hot Smoked Salmon

    Combining soba noodles with Asian Pear and Hot Smoked Salmon for a delicious meal on its own. Simple to make with delicious fresh flavours makes this gluten free salad a no brainer.
    Prep Time10 minutes mins
    Cook Time10 minutes mins
    Total Time20 minutes mins
    Course: Salad
    Cuisine: Asian
    Dietary: Dairy Free, Egg Free, Gluten Free, Nut Free, Pescatarian
    Servings: 4 people
    Calories: 401kcal
    Author: Sammy Eng

    Ingredients

    Salad

    • 300 g soba noodle
    • 1 Asian pear
    • 150 g hot smoked salmon
    • 3 sprigs spring onion
    • 2 tbsp sesame seeds

    Dressing

    • ½ lemon, juiced
    • 4 tbsp tamari
    • 2 tbsp water
    • 1 tbsp sesame oil

    Click on the toggle below for conversion to US Cooking Units.

    Instructions

    Salad

    • Bring a large saucepan of water to the boil and add dried soba noodles. Cook until al dente, it should not take more than 2-3 minutes. Drain soba noodles. Give them a good rinse under cold water. Place in a large mixing bowl and add a few drops of sesame oil so the noodles don’t stick.
    • Cut Asian pear in half and remove the core. Slice Asian pear in thin matchsticks. Set aside for assembly.
    • Remove hot smoked salmon from packaging. Discard skin and pull apart the salmon flesh into a bowl. Set aside for assembly.
    • Thinly cut spring onions (scallions) into slices. Use both the green and white part of the onion. Set aside.

    Dressing

    • Add lemon juice, tamari, water and sesame oil together in a mason jar.
    • Shake well together.

    Assembly

    • In a large mixing bowl, add soba noodles, flaked hot smoked salmon, Asian pear and half the chopped spring onions together.
    • Dress with lemon soy dressing and toss well.
    • Transfer to a large serving platter or 4 individual bowls
    • Scatter remaining chopped spring onions and sesame seeds.
    • Serve cold.

    Notes

    • If you can’t find Asian / Nashi Pear, you can substitute with green apple or William Bartlett pear.
    • Don’t use a ripe pear, make sure it is firm.
    • If you don’t have tamari, light soy sauce would work as well but no longer a gluten free salad dressing.
    • Check soba noodle packaging for cooking time as this may vary and also to ensure it is gluten free.
    • If you are not a big fan of spring onions, you can substitute half the amount with chopped coriander. And if you detest coriander, then throw in some spinach leaves for a fresh green element.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 401kcal | Carbohydrates: 67g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 1745mg | Potassium: 466mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 114IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 189mg | Iron: 4mg

    *Disclaimer: Nutritional information provided is an estimate only and generated by an online calculator.

    Tried this recipe? We’d Love To See It!Mention @thedevilwearssalad or tag #thedevilwearssalad!

    Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you.

    « What Goes Well with Almond?
    Tamari Lime Dressing »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Mama Maggie's Kitchen

      October 28, 2020 at 6:21 pm

      5 stars
      This dish looks so deliciously good. I wish I could eat that right this minute!

      Reply
      • The Devil Wears Salad

        November 02, 2020 at 12:56 pm

        LOL! Wish we could pass it you over the screen!

        Reply
    2. Chef Dennis

      October 28, 2020 at 6:01 pm

      5 stars
      Hmm yum! I love all good salads! And this Asian Pear and Hot Smoked Salmon looks absolutely delicious.

      Reply
      • The Devil Wears Salad

        November 02, 2020 at 12:56 pm

        Thank you! It really is yum!

        Reply
    3. Connie

      October 28, 2020 at 1:41 pm

      5 stars
      Love the sound of a sweet and crisp pear and Asian pears are perfect! Added with soba noodles and this salad is amazing!

      Reply
      • The Devil Wears Salad

        November 02, 2020 at 12:55 pm

        Thanks Connie! It’s an interesting combination of ingredient and you’re right, the pears are super sweet!

        Reply
    4. jill

      October 28, 2020 at 2:50 am

      5 stars
      Oh my goodness, this looks so good! I can’t wait to try this recipe!

      Reply
      • The Devil Wears Salad

        October 28, 2020 at 6:35 am

        Thanks Jill! We hope you do too! It really is yum!

        Reply
    5. Marina

      October 27, 2020 at 7:42 pm

      5 stars
      Asian pear salad looks absolutely irresistible

      Reply
      • The Devil Wears Salad

        October 28, 2020 at 6:35 am

        Thanks Marina!

        Reply
    6. FOODHEAL

      October 27, 2020 at 1:48 pm

      5 stars
      Oh, those pears! I like shopping at Asian shops just to pick them. Adding them to soba and smoked salmon must create a very delicious salad. This is a recipe I’ll next time I go to Asian shops.

      Reply
      • The Devil Wears Salad

        October 28, 2020 at 6:35 am

        Those pears are super sweet and make for excellent additions to salads. Glad you like shopping at Asian grocers. Such a treasure trove!

        Reply
    7. Sara

      October 27, 2020 at 2:44 am

      5 stars
      This sounds like such a refreshing salad! I love soba so I’ll have to try this sometime.

      Reply
      • The Devil Wears Salad

        October 28, 2020 at 6:32 am

        Thanks Sara! Well, if you love soba, you should also try our Vegan Soba Noodle Salad with Yuzu Dressing.

        Reply
    8. Rosario Arecco

      October 26, 2020 at 11:47 am

      5 stars
      I love soba noodles, I’m going to prepare it this week!

      Reply
      • The Devil Wears Salad

        October 28, 2020 at 6:30 am

        If you love soba noodles you can also try our Soba Noodle Salad with Pearl Oyster Mushrooms!

        Reply

    Leave a Comment Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    The Devil Wears Salad Team

    United by a common love for salads, us 3 girls decided to embark on a journey to show you that you CAN win friends with salad!

    Tried and tested, these recipes are designed for all discerning home cooks. We have everything from no cook recipes right through to showstoppers. Something for everyone!

    More About Us →

    Most Popular Recipes

    • Korean Cucumber Salad - Oi Muchim (오이무침)
      Korean Cucumber Salad – Oi Muchim (오이무침)
    • Roasted Asian Eggplant with Gochujang Glaze on a brown plate with black cutlery served with noodles
      Roasted Asian Eggplant with Gochujang Glaze
    • Air Fryer Parsnip Fries with Red Pepper Mayo on dotted grey and white napery
      Air Fryer Parsnip Fries
    • Kachumber Salad [Authentic Indian Salad] served with naan bread and veg pulao
      Kachumber Salad [Authentic Indian Salad]
    • Miso Mayo Dressing
      Miso Mayo Dressing
    • Yuzu Dressing
      Yuzu Dressing

    Spring Salad Recipes

    • 2 spoons serving some Easy Shrimp Salad from a brown bowl
      Easy Shrimp Salad Recipe
    • crunchy noodle salad with wombok in a round grey bowl with serving spoon on the right
      Crunchy Noodle Salad with Cabbage
    • fennel courgette salad on a white plate in the middle with a smaller black plate filled with salad on the top left corner
      Courgette Salad with Fennel and Citrus
    • Grilled Little Gem Salad with Tahini Ranch Dressing served on a white plate over grey napery
      Little Gem Salad with Vegan Ranch Dressing
    The Devil Wears Salad | Salad Gazette

    Fall Salad Recipes

    • Kale Salad with Avocado in a brown bowl
      Kale Salad with Avocado
    • Sous Vide Pork Tenderloin Salad surrounded by fresh feijoas and fall leaves
      Sous Vide Pork Tenderloin Salad
    • 2 serves of Baked Tempeh Salad on a grey plates
      Baked Tempeh Salad
    • brown mushrooms marinated in parsley, shallots, garlic, chilli flakes and vinegar served in a bowl with spoon on the side
      Quick Pickled Mushrooms Recipe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    The Devil Wears Salad Team

    United by a common love for salads, us 3 girls decided to embark on a journey to show you that you CAN win friends with salad!

    Tried and tested, these recipes are designed for all discerning home cooks. We have everything from no cook recipes right through to showstoppers. Something for everyone!

    More About Us →

    Most Popular Recipes

    • Korean Cucumber Salad - Oi Muchim (오이무침)
      Korean Cucumber Salad – Oi Muchim (오이무침)
    • Roasted Asian Eggplant with Gochujang Glaze on a brown plate with black cutlery served with noodles
      Roasted Asian Eggplant with Gochujang Glaze
    • Air Fryer Parsnip Fries with Red Pepper Mayo on dotted grey and white napery
      Air Fryer Parsnip Fries
    • Kachumber Salad [Authentic Indian Salad] served with naan bread and veg pulao
      Kachumber Salad [Authentic Indian Salad]
    • Miso Mayo Dressing
      Miso Mayo Dressing
    • Yuzu Dressing
      Yuzu Dressing

    Spring Salad Recipes

    • White Asparagus Salad Recipe on a grey plate with blue napkins and a bunch of parsley in the background
      White Asparagus Salad Recipe
    • Watercress Salad with Apple and Pear in a grey bowl with cheese and bread on the side
      Watercress Salad with Apple and Pear
    • Creamy Cucumber Avocado Salad on a grey plate with black cutlery and grey napkin
      Creamy Cucumber Avocado Salad
    • Spicy Asian Chicken Salad in a grey bubble plate
      Spicy Asian Chicken Salad
    The Devil Wears Salad | Salad Gazette

    Fall Salad Recipes

    • a bowl of freekeh grain salad with roasted beetroot and spiced sumac dressing drizzled on the side. Using gold fork and spoon to serve.
      Freekeh Grain Salad with Preserved Lemons
    • soba noodles, pearl mushrooms, edamame, spring onions, cilantro and sesame seeds served in a grey bowl with fork on side
      Pearl Oyster Mushroom Noodle Salad Recipe
    • pear arugula salad on large grey plate next to a bowl of candied walnuts and arugula
      Pear Arugula Salad with Candied Walnuts
    • a plate of Waldorf salad with gold fork and spoon serving, a smaller bowl of salad and two bread rolls at the top of the plate.
      The Best Waldorf Salad Recipe

    Footer

    The Devil Wears Salad Favicon

    About Us
    Accessibility Statement
    Privacy Policy
    Terms of Use
    Work With Us

    Facebook
    Instagram
    Pinterest
    Twitter

    ↑ back to top

    Copyright © 2022 The Devil Wears Salad