Bright, fresh, and bursting with flavor, Sesame Pasta Salad with Red Peppers and Snow Peas is the ultimate side dish or light main course. This vibrant recipe combines tender pasta with crisp snow peas, sweet red bell peppers, and a tangy sesame-ginger dressing for a delightful mix of textures and Asian-inspired flavors. Toasty sesame oil, soy sauce, and a touch of honey create a perfectly balanced dressing that ties the dish together, while sesame seeds and green onions add the finishing touch. Ready in just 25 minutes and served chilled or at room temperature, this make-ahead-friendly salad is perfect for summer picnics, meal prepping, or weeknight dinners.
Bring a pot of salted water to boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
While the pasta cooks, prepare the snow peas by trimming the ends and blanching them in boiling water for 1 minute. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process, then drain and set aside.
Slice the red bell pepper into thin strips and set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic to create the sesame dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper if necessary.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, blanched snow peas, sliced red peppers, sliced green onions, and sesame seeds.
Pour the sesame dressing over the pasta mixture and toss well to coat everything evenly.
Transfer the salad to a serving dish and garnish with additional sesame seeds or green onions if desired.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Calories |
871 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 36.0 g | 46% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.3 g | 26% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 13.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2355 mg | 102% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 116.1 g | 42% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.8 g | 49% | |
| Total Sugars | 32.7 g | ||
| Protein | 25.0 g | 50% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 170 mg | 13% | |
| Iron | 9.0 mg | 50% | |
| Potassium | 1081 mg | 23% | |
*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.