Tasty Sesame Noodle Salad
A light yet hearty dish featuring capellini noodles, fresh vegetables, and a zesty sesame dressing, perfect for warm days or quick dinners.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 12 oz capellini Can be substituted with rice noodles for a gluten-free option.
- 1/2 cup peas
- 1/2 cup edamame
- 1/2 cup carrots (julienned into 2-inch matchsticks) Julienned for better texture.
- 1/2 cup cilantro
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves (finely chopped)
- 1/2 red pepper (sliced into 1/4-inch thin strips)
- 1/2 cucumber (thinly sliced)
- 3 green onions (thinly sliced)
For the Sauce
- 1/4 cup tamari A gluten-free alternative to soy sauce.
- 4 tbsp sesame oil Use organic or freshly pressed for best flavor.
- 1 tbsp honey Can be replaced with maple syrup for vegan version.
- 2.5 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1.5 tbsp ginger paste
- 1 lime (freshly squeezed)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes Adjust to your taste preference.
To Serve
- 1.5 tbsp sesame seeds (toasted) Toast in a skillet if not pre-toasted.
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by julienning the carrots, slicing the red pepper, and thinly slicing the cucumber and green onions. Finely chop the fresh mint leaves.
Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together tamari, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, ginger paste, minced garlic, and chili flakes until fully combined.
Noodles
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add capellini and cook until al dente, about 2-3 minutes.
- Drain the pasta and rinse thoroughly under cold water, gently stirring to stop the cooking process.
Combine
- Transfer the drained pasta to a serving bowl, pour half the dressing over it, and gently toss to coat the noodles. Let sit for 5 minutes.
- Add the prepared vegetables to the pasta, pour in the remaining dressing, and toss everything together until evenly coated.
Serving
- Transfer the salad to a serving platter and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top just before serving.
Notes
Serve this salad slightly chilled for the best flavor. Rinse noodles under cold water immediately after draining to prevent stickiness. Make variations by adding fresh herbs or other vegetables as desired.