Seriously Simple: A new twist on pasta salad: Asian style
Pasta salads have traveled a long way from mayonnaise-dressed macaroni salad. In the last few decades, pasta salads have become colorful and fresh, featuring vinaigrettes and an array of seasonal vegetables, cheeses, meats, poultry and seafood to help them sparkle. You'll find pasta varieties now include whole wheat, egg, cellophane, soba, buckwheat, semolina and gluten-free. Chinese-style wheat noodles have a little give to them, so they can hold up to mixing without breaking. If unavailable, use dried linguini. If you want to go gluten-free, look for a sturdy noodle like quinoa.
This noodle salad is a welcome treat for summer entertaining. Dark sesame oil, fresh lime juice and spicy chili paste enliven the Asian-style dressing. You can tame the heat by omitting or adding less of the chili paste. A colorful sprinkling of shredded orange carrots plus green and white bean sprouts complete this satisfying main course salad.
Asian Noodle Salad with Shrimp and Snow Peas
Serves 4 to 6
1 pound Chinese-style noodles or favorite pasta
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Dressing
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons dark sesame oil
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
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