Asian Fusion Pasta Salad
This Asian Fusion Pasta Salad brings together the vibrant colors and robust flavors of East and West in one delightful dish. Perfect as a side for barbecued meats or as a standalone vegetarian delight, this dish combines tender macaroni with crisp vegetables and a creamy, tangy dressing. Simple yet sophisticated, this salad is both refreshing and satisfying, making it an excellent choice for gatherings, picnics, or just a wholesome family meal. The recipe offers a unique twist on traditional pasta salads and allows room for creative substitutions based on your preferences.
7
Servings
214
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
macaroni
2 cups (uncooked)
large carrots
2 (cut into 1-inch strips)
snow peas
1 cup (halved (or substitute regular peas))
green onions
2 (sliced)
sweet red pepper
1/2 cup (thinly sliced)
mayonnaise
1/2 cup
sour cream
1/2 cup
red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon
soy sauce
1 tablespoon
ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon
pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop further cooking. This will also help prevent the pasta from sticking together.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled macaroni, carrot strips, halved snow peas, sliced green onions, and thinly sliced red pepper. Toss gently to blend the ingredients.
3
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, red wine vinegar, soy sauce, ground ginger, and pepper until mixture is smooth and well emulsified. Adjust the seasonings to your taste, if necessary.
4
Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Gently toss until everything is thoroughly coated with the dressing.
5
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a suitable lid and refrigerate the salad for 1–2 hours. Chilling not only enhances the flavors but also allows the salad to firm up slightly.
6
Serve cold as a side dish or a light main course. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
11.4g
Fat
22.9g
Carbs
4.3g
Protein
1.4g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Asian Fusion Pasta Salad?
It is a vibrant dish that combines East and West flavors, featuring tender macaroni, crisp vegetables, and a creamy, tangy dressing with soy sauce and ginger.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is a standalone vegetarian delight as it contains no meat products.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 7 servings.
What type of pasta is used in this salad?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of uncooked macaroni.
Can I substitute the snow peas?
Yes, you can substitute the 1 cup of halved snow peas with regular peas if preferred.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The dressing is a blend of mayonnaise, sour cream, red wine vinegar, soy sauce, ground ginger, and pepper.
How long should I chill the salad before serving?
It is recommended to refrigerate the salad for 1 to 2 hours to enhance the flavors and allow it to firm up.
Why do I need to rinse the macaroni under cold water?
Rinsing under cold water stops the cooking process to keep the pasta al dente and prevents the noodles from sticking together.
How many calories are in a serving of this pasta salad?
Each serving contains approximately 214 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 11.4 grams of fat in each serving.
Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger?
Yes, you can substitute fresh grated ginger for the 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger for a more intense flavor.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
Based on the nutritional data provided, there is no sugar recorded in this recipe.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving provides 4.3 grams of protein.
How should I prepare the carrots?
You should use 2 large carrots cut into 1-inch strips.
What kind of vinegar is required?
The recipe specifies using 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar.
Is the dressing dairy-free?
No, the dressing contains 1/2 cup of sour cream, which is a dairy product.
Can I add meat to this salad?
Yes, it is often served as a side for barbecued meats, but you could easily stir in grilled chicken or shrimp.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 22.9 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this salad suitable for a picnic?
Absolutely, it is noted as an excellent choice for gatherings, picnics, and barbecues.
How much fiber is in the Asian Fusion Pasta Salad?
There is 1.4 grams of fiber per serving.
How should the red pepper be sliced?
The 1/2 cup of sweet red pepper should be thinly sliced.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, making it ahead is ideal since it needs to chill for at least 1-2 hours for the flavors to meld.
How many green onions do I need?
The recipe calls for 2 green onions, which should be sliced.
Is the salad served hot or cold?
This salad should be served cold.
What is the preparation for the macaroni?
Cook it according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water.
Can I use different vegetables?
Yes, the recipe description notes that there is room for creative substitutions based on your preferences.
What gives the salad its 'Asian' flavor profile?
The combination of soy sauce and ground ginger in the dressing provides the distinct Asian-inspired flavor.
How much soy sauce is in the dressing?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of soy sauce.
Should I cover the salad while it's in the fridge?
Yes, you should cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a suitable lid while it refrigerates.
How much pepper is used in the seasoning?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.