Chinese Pasta Salad with Creamy Ginger Dressing
Elevate your pasta salad game with this vibrant and refreshing Chinese Pasta Salad with Creamy Ginger Dressing! Perfectly cooked spaghetti or thin rice noodles are tossed with a colorful medley of fresh, crisp vegetables—julienned carrots, crunchy cucumbers, sweet red bell peppers, and fragrant scallions—all tied together with a luscious, homemade peanut-ginger dressing. The dressing, a harmonious mix of creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, aromatic ginger, sesame oil, and a hint of honey, adds a rich, tangy-sweet flavor that will delight your taste buds. Finished with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and chopped cilantro, this quick and easy salad is ideal for meal prep, potlucks, or a light yet satisfying dinner. Ready in just 30 minutes, this chilled dish serves as the perfect fusion of Asian-inspired flavors and comforting pasta traditions.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti (or thin rice noodles)
- 2 large carrots, julienned
- 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium cucumber, sliced into thin matchsticks
- 3 stalks scallions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- 3 tablespoons peanut butter (creamy)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons water
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti (or rice noodles) according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process, and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Julienne the carrots, thinly slice the red bell pepper, and cut the cucumber into matchsticks. Slice the scallions and chop the cilantro.
In a small mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated ginger, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, and water. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Adjust water as needed to achieve desired dressing consistency.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, prepared vegetables (carrots, red bell pepper, cucumber, scallions), and chopped cilantro. Toss to mix evenly.
Pour the creamy ginger dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss well to coat everything evenly with the dressing.
Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the salad and give it a final toss.
Refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold or at room temperature. Garnish with additional cilantro or sesame seeds if desired.
Enjoy your flavorful and refreshing Chinese Pasta Salad with Creamy Ginger Dressing!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1178 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 49.6 g | 64% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.7 g | 38% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1444 mg | 63% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 158.2 g | 58% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 26.5 g | 95% | |
| Total Sugars | 47.5 g | ||
| Protein | 35.0 g | 70% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 451 mg | 35% | |
| Iron | 12.3 mg | 68% | |
| Potassium | 2689 mg | 57% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
