Soba Noodle Salad

Step 1: In a large salad bowl combine the lettuces together with the basil leaves, and vegetables (-cucumber). Using a thin knife slice the chile from the tip of the chile - when you reach the seeds stop slicing and discard or save the remaining chile for another use. Add to the lettuces and toss.

Step 2: In a small bowl or jar whisk the olive oil with the dressing ingredients (oil - sugar). Using a Microplane set over a fine sieve over a bowl gate the ginger into the sieve and then press on the skids to drain as much juice as possible into the bowl. Pour 1 teaspoon of the ginger juice into the bowl with the dressing (discarding the rest of the ginger). Season dressing with salt and pepper and whisk all together.

Step 3: Divide dressing among 4 ramekins and sprinkle each with some of the sesame seeds.

Step 4: In a large pot of boiling water cook the soba noodles until al dene (under 5 minutes). Drain noodles into a colander and rinse under cold running water until the water runs clear. Drain again.

Step 5: Divide noodles among 4 serving plates. Divide the lettuces and vegetables over the noodles; sprinkle with remaining sesame seeds. Serve with dressing on the side.