Description
This Sesame Noodle Salad is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender spaghetti tossed in a creamy peanut-soy dressing, combined with crunchy shredded red cabbage and carrots. Garnished with green onions and roasted peanuts, it makes a perfect light meal or side dish that can be served warm or chilled.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti, uncooked
- 4 ounces red cabbage, finely shredded
- 4 ounces carrots, finely shredded
- 2 stalks green onions, finely sliced
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the spaghetti according to the package directions without adding salt to the water, as the peanut sauce will provide sufficient seasoning. Drain the cooked pasta and do not rinse it. Allow the pasta to cool for about 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the low-sodium soy sauce, creamy peanut butter, rice vinegar, grated fresh ginger, white sugar, and finely chopped garlic. Microwave on high for 1 minute to soften the peanut butter and warm the mixture. Remove from microwave and whisk until smooth. Stir in the sesame oil to finish the sauce.
- Mix the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled spaghetti, finely shredded red cabbage, shredded carrots, and the prepared peanut sauce. Toss gently until the noodles and vegetables are evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick to coat the noodles well, add a little water while stirring to thin it out. The noodles can be refrigerated up to a day before serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, stir the finely sliced green onions into the salad. Top with chopped roasted peanuts for added crunch. Serve the salad warm, at room temperature, or chilled according to your preference.
Notes
- Do not salt the pasta cooking water as the sauce will provide seasoning.
- Use regular creamy peanut butter, but natural peanut butter works as well.
- The noodles can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to one day.
- Adjust sauce consistency with water if it is too thick to coat the noodles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
