Sesame Ginger Asian Pasta Salad
Elevate your meal time with this vibrant Sesame Ginger Asian Pasta Salad, a delightful fusion of textures and flavors that celebrates vegetarian cuisine. This refreshing salad features al dente linguine paired with crisp broccoli florets, sweet cherry tomatoes, and crunchy carrots, all tossed with a tantalizing sesame-soy dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or as a colorful side dish at gatherings, this salad is not only easy to make but also packed with nutrients. Enjoy a burst of Asian-inspired flavor right in your bowl, courtesy of Karen C. Greenlee.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dry Linguine
8 ounces (Cooked al dente)
Broccoli Florets
3 cups (Fresh)
Cherry Tomatoes
12 (Halved)
Green Onions
4 (Sliced)
Carrots
2 large (Sliced diagonally)
Soy Sauce
1/4 cup (For dressing)
Toasted Sesame Seeds
2 tablespoons (For dressing)
Brown Sugar
2 tablespoons (For dressing)
Dark Sesame Oil
2 tablespoons (For dressing)
Lemon Juice
1 tablespoon (For dressing)
Hot Sauce
1/4 teaspoon (For dressing)
Garlic Cloves
2 (Minced)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the dry linguine according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow it to drain completely.
2
In a large salad bowl, combine the cooked linguine with the broccoli florets, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced green onions, and diagonally sliced carrots. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
3
In a small mixing bowl or a jar with a lid, whisk together the soy sauce, toasted sesame seeds, brown sugar, dark sesame oil, lemon juice, hot sauce, and minced garlic until well combined. If using a jar, close the lid tightly and shake vigorously until the mixture is homogeneous.
4
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving. Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sesame Ginger Asian Pasta Salad?
This is a vibrant vegetarian fusion dish featuring linguine, fresh vegetables, and a savory sesame-soy dressing.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the Sesame Ginger Asian Pasta Salad is specifically designed as a vegetarian-friendly meal.
What type of pasta is best for this salad?
This recipe uses 8 ounces of dry linguine cooked until it is al dente.
Can I substitute the linguine for another noodle?
While linguine is recommended, you could use other long noodles or even fusilli while maintaining the Asian-inspired flavor profile.
What vegetables are included in this salad?
The salad includes fresh broccoli florets, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced green onions, and diagonally sliced carrots.
How much broccoli is needed?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of fresh broccoli florets.
What ingredients are in the sesame ginger dressing?
The dressing consists of soy sauce, toasted sesame seeds, brown sugar, dark sesame oil, lemon juice, hot sauce, and minced garlic.
Is the dressing for the Asian pasta salad spicy?
It contains 1/4 teaspoon of hot sauce, providing a very mild kick that can be adjusted to your preference.
How many garlic cloves should I use?
The recipe requires 2 minced garlic cloves for the dressing.
Why should I rinse the pasta under cold water?
Rinsing the pasta under cold water stops the cooking process immediately, ensuring the noodles stay al dente and don't get mushy in the salad.
How do I prepare the carrots?
The two large carrots should be sliced diagonally for a better texture and visual appeal.
Can I make the dressing in a jar?
Yes, you can combine all dressing ingredients in a jar with a lid and shake it vigorously until the mixture is homogeneous.
How long should the salad sit before serving?
It is recommended to let the salad sit for about 10 minutes after tossing so the flavors can properly meld.
Should this salad be served hot or cold?
This salad is best enjoyed either chilled or at room temperature.
What type of sesame oil is recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for dark sesame oil for its rich, toasted flavor.
How many cherry tomatoes are required?
You will need 12 cherry tomatoes, which should be halved before adding to the salad.
Are the sesame seeds toasted?
Yes, using toasted sesame seeds is recommended to enhance the nutty aroma of the dish.
Is there any sugar in the dressing?
Yes, the recipe uses 2 tablespoons of brown sugar to balance the saltiness of the soy sauce.
Can I add extra protein to this salad?
While the base recipe is vegetarian, you can easily add tofu, chickpeas, or your choice of protein to make it more filling.
What is the purpose of lemon juice in the recipe?
Lemon juice provides a necessary acidity that brightens the flavors of the sesame and soy sauce.
How many green onions are used?
The recipe uses 4 sliced green onions.
Is this recipe quick to make?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick recipe that is easy to prepare for lunch or dinner.
Does the recipe contain ginger?
Although named 'Sesame Ginger', the provided ingredient list focuses on garlic and sesame oil for the primary aromatics.
Can I prepare this dish for a potluck?
Absolutely, it is a colorful and flavorful side dish that serves well at gatherings.
Is the broccoli cooked or raw?
The recipe uses fresh broccoli florets, which provides a crisp texture to the salad.
How do I ensure the dressing coats everything?
Pour the dressing over the bowl and toss gently to ensure the linguine and vegetables are evenly coated.
Who is the creator of this recipe?
This recipe was provided by Karen C. Greenlee.
Can I use regular soy sauce or low sodium?
You can use 1/4 cup of either regular or low-sodium soy sauce depending on your dietary preferences.
Is this salad healthy?
Yes, it is a nutrient-packed salad featuring fresh vegetables and healthy fats from sesame oil.
Can I store leftovers of this pasta salad?
Yes, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the vegetables crisp.