Description
A vibrant and refreshing Thai Pasta Salad featuring tender pasta tossed with crisp vegetables and a creamy, tangy peanut dressing. This quick and easy salad is perfect for a light lunch or a flavorful side dish, blending Asian-inspired flavors with fresh ingredients for a delightful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 oz pasta (rotini, bowtie, or any pasta you prefer)
- 1 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup cucumber, julienned
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional for garnish)
Peanut Dressing
- 1/4 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan version)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional, for heat)
- 2-3 tablespoons warm water (to thin out the dressing, adjust as needed)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta completely.
- Prepare the veggies: While the pasta cools, thinly slice the red bell pepper and red onion, shred the carrots, and julienne the cucumber. Set all vegetables aside for assembling.
- Make the peanut dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, lime juice, and sriracha if using. Gradually add warm water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dressing reaches a smooth and pourable consistency.
- Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the sliced bell pepper, shredded carrots, cucumber, and red onion. Toss gently to blend the ingredients evenly.
- Add the dressing: Pour the prepared peanut dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss well to ensure every bite is coated with flavorful dressing.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped cilantro, green onions, and peanuts over the salad as garnish. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to enjoy a chilled, refreshing pasta salad.
Notes
- For a vegan option, substitute honey with maple syrup.
- Chilling the salad enhances the flavors and makes it even more refreshing.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha based on your preferred spice level or omit entirely for a mild taste.
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed to make the dish gluten-free.
- Peanuts can be omitted or replaced with cashews or almonds if you have allergies.
