Chilled Asian Noodle Salad with Zesty Peanut-Lime Dressing
Delight in the vibrant flavors of this Chilled Asian Noodle Salad, featuring a refreshing combination of seasonal vegetables and a creamy, tangy peanut-lime dressing. Perfect for warm summer days, this salad is not only quick to whip up but also versatile enough to serve as a festive side dish for gatherings or picnics. Elevate it to a hearty main course by adding grilled chicken or tofu for an extra protein boost. With its beautiful colors and tantalizing textures, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends!
N/A
Servings
250
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
cooked thin pasta
1 lb (cooked al dente and cooled)
scallions
2-4 (chopped, save some for garnish)
red bell pepper
1 (julienned, save some for garnish)
roasted peanuts
to taste (chopped, save all for garnish)
black sesame seeds
1 tablespoon (or substitute with regular sesame seeds, optional)
grated fresh ginger
1 tablespoon (freshly grated)
garlic
2 cloves (minced)
serrano chili
1 (chopped)
fresh cilantro leaves
3 tablespoons (washed and leaves picked)
unsalted creamy peanut butter
1 1/2 tablespoons (smooth variety)
fresh lime juice
3 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
rice vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons (unseasoned)
soy sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons (low sodium preferred)
light brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons (packed)
canola oil
2/3 cup (for emulsion)
sesame oil
1 tablespoon (for flavor)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the dressing. In a food processor, combine the grated ginger, minced garlic, chopped serrano chili, fresh cilantro, creamy peanut butter, lime juice, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and light brown sugar. Blend until smooth.
2
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the canola oil and sesame oil until the mixture is well emulsified and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if necessary.
3
Transfer the dressing to a bowl and let it sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled thin pasta with chopped scallions, julienned red bell pepper, and black sesame seeds (if using).
5
Drizzle just enough of the dressing over the salad to lightly coat the ingredients. Gently toss to combine, ensuring everything is well mixed without over-tossing.
6
To serve, plate the salad at room temperature and generously garnish with reserved scallions, red bell pepper, chopped roasted peanuts, and additional sesame seeds if desired.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
22.5g
Carbs
6.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this dish?
The dish is called Chilled Asian Noodle Salad with Zesty Peanut-Lime Dressing.
Is this noodle salad served hot or cold?
This noodle salad is served chilled or at room temperature, making it ideal for warm summer days.
What are the primary flavors in the dressing?
The dressing features a creamy and tangy combination of peanut butter, lime juice, ginger, garlic, and serrano chili.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 250 calories per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, it is tagged as gluten-free; ensure you use gluten-free pasta and soy sauce.
What type of pasta should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of thin pasta, cooked al dente and cooled.
What kind of oil is used for the emulsion?
The recipe uses 2/3 cup of canola oil for the emulsion and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil for flavor.
How much protein is in the salad?
Each serving contains 6.25g of protein.
What vegetables are included in the salad?
The salad includes chopped scallions and julienned red bell peppers.
How should I prepare the ginger?
You should use 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger.
What kind of peanut butter is recommended?
The recipe specifies 1 1/2 tablespoons of unsalted creamy peanut butter.
Can I add meat to this salad?
Yes, you can add grilled chicken to turn this into a hearty main course.
What is the recommended resting time for the dressing?
The dressing should sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature to let the flavors meld.
What type of chili provides the heat?
One chopped serrano chili is used in the dressing.
Are there sesame seeds in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 tablespoon of black sesame seeds, though regular sesame seeds can be substituted.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving contains 22.5g of carbohydrates.
How much fat is in this dish?
There are 15g of fat per serving.
What type of vinegar is used?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 tablespoons of unseasoned rice vinegar.
Is there sugar in the dressing?
Yes, 1 1/2 teaspoons of packed light brown sugar are included.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 2 cloves of minced garlic.
What garnishes should be used?
Garnish with reserved scallions, red bell pepper, chopped roasted peanuts, and extra sesame seeds.
How much cilantro is required?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of fresh cilantro leaves.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 17 ingredients in this recipe.
Is the soy sauce low sodium?
Low sodium soy sauce is preferred for this recipe.
How do I incorporate the oil into the dressing?
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the oil until the mixture is emulsified and creamy.
Can I use tofu in this recipe?
Yes, adding tofu is a great way to provide an extra protein boost.
Is this recipe good for picnics?
Yes, it is versatile and perfect for gatherings or picnics.
How much lime juice is needed?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice.
Should the pasta be rinsed after cooking?
The recipe indicates the pasta should be cooked al dente and cooled before mixing.