Thai Pasta Salad
Experience a burst of vibrant flavors with Thai Pasta Salad! This refreshing salad combines tender pasta with crisp vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a zesty Thai-inspired dressing for a delightful fusion of East-meets-West flavors.
Ingredients:
– 8 ounces pasta (such as fusilli or penne)
– 1 cup shredded cooked chicken breast (optional for added protein)
– 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
– 1 cup shredded carrots
– 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
– 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
– Optional: 1/4 cup chopped Thai basil
– Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh pineapple
For the dressing:
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
Instructions:
1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
2. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, honey, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sriracha until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Set aside.
3. Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken (if using), sliced red bell pepper, shredded carrots, chopped cucumber, chopped green onions, chopped cilantro, chopped mint, chopped roasted peanuts, and any optional ingredients like Thai basil or fresh pineapple.
4. Add the dressing: Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss until everything is evenly coated in the dressing.
5. Chill and marinate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the Thai pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Serve: Once chilled, give the salad a final toss to redistribute the dressing. Serve chilled, garnished with additional chopped peanuts and fresh herbs if desired.
7. Enjoy: Enjoy your refreshing and flavorful Thai Pasta Salad as a side dish or a light main course!
Feel free to adjust the ingredients and seasonings according to your taste preferences. Bon appétit!
