Asian-Style Vegetable and Noodle Salad
This refreshing Asian-Style Vegetable and Noodle Salad is a delightful blend of diverse textures and flavors. Originally a 1993 Better Homes and Gardens winner, this updated version ensures a balance of sweet, savory, and a hint of spiciness. Ideal for a light lunch or a side dish, this salad combines spaghetti with vibrant vegetables and juicy mandarin oranges, all brought together by a tangy and aromatic dressing. Enjoy the crunch of sugar snap peas and toasted almonds complementing the smoothness of tender asparagus.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
spaghetti or fine noodles
8 ounces
asparagus spears
4 ounces (cut into 1-inch pieces)
plum sauce
1/3 cup
soy sauce
1 tablespoon
toasted sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon
red pepper flakes
1/8 teaspoon
green or red pepper
1 medium (chopped)
mandarin oranges
11 ounces (drained)
sugar snap peas
1 cup (fresh or frozen, halved crosswise)
green onion
1/3 cup (sliced)
slivered almonds
1/3 cup (toasted)
Instructions
1
1. Cook the spaghetti or fine noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Cover and chill in the refrigerator.
2
2. In a saucepan, bring a small amount of water to a boil and add the asparagus. Cover and cook for 4-6 minutes until crisp-tender. Drain and let cool.
3
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the plum sauce, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and red pepper flakes to create the dressing.
4
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chilled pasta, cooked asparagus, chopped green or red pepper, drained mandarin oranges, halved sugar snap peas, sliced green onion, and toasted slivered almonds.
5
5. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl. Toss gently until all components are evenly coated with the dressing.
6
6. Serve immediately for a fresh, crisp salad experience.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Asian-Style Vegetable and Noodle Salad?
It is a refreshing blend of noodles, vibrant vegetables, and mandarin oranges tossed in a tangy plum-soy dressing, originally based on a 1993 award-winning recipe.
What type of noodles should I use for this salad?
You should use eight ounces of spaghetti or fine noodles.
How should the noodles be cooked?
Cook them according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What are the ingredients in the dressing?
The dressing consists of plum sauce, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
How do I prepare the asparagus?
Cut the asparagus spears into 1-inch pieces and cook in boiling water for 4-6 minutes until crisp-tender.
What kind of pepper is recommended?
You can use one medium green or red pepper, chopped.
Are the sugar snap peas fresh or frozen?
You can use either fresh or frozen sugar snap peas, halved crosswise.
How are the almonds prepared for this salad?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of slivered almonds that have been toasted.
Is this salad spicy?
It has a hint of spiciness from the addition of 1/8 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
What fruit is included in the salad?
The salad includes 11 ounces of drained mandarin oranges.
Can I serve this salad immediately?
Yes, it is best served immediately for a fresh and crisp experience.
What gives the salad its crunch?
The crunch comes from the fresh sugar snap peas and the toasted slivered almonds.
How much plum sauce is required?
The recipe requires 1/3 cup of plum sauce.
What is the purpose of rinsing the pasta in cold water?
Rinsing with cold water stops the cooking process and helps keep the noodles firm for the salad.
How much toasted sesame oil is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil.
What vegetable provides a mild onion flavor?
Sliced green onions provide a mild flavor to the salad.
How long does it take to cook the asparagus?
The asparagus takes approximately 4 to 6 minutes to cook until it reaches a crisp-tender state.
Is this a light or heavy meal?
It is described as a light meal or a side dish.
How should the ingredients be combined?
Combine the pasta, vegetables, fruit, and nuts in a large bowl and toss gently with the dressing.
What is the texture of the dressing?
The dressing is described as tangy and aromatic.
Does this recipe contain soy?
Yes, it contains one tablespoon of soy sauce.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include asian, vegetable, noodle salad, light meal, side dish, refreshing, crunchy, and healthy.
How much asparagus is needed?
You will need 4 ounces of asparagus spears.
Should the pasta be chilled before mixing?
Yes, the instructions recommend covering and chilling the noodles in the refrigerator after rinsing.
How much red pepper flakes should I add?
Use 1/8 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
How much sugar snap peas are in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 cup of sugar snap peas.
Is the green onion chopped or sliced?
The green onion should be sliced.
What makes this a good side dish?
Its balance of sweet and savory flavors and varied textures make it an excellent accompaniment to many meals.
What should I do with the mandarin oranges?
The mandarin oranges should be drained of their liquid before being added to the salad.