Chilled Pasta Salad
A refreshing chilled pasta salad filled with crisp vegetables, toasted sesame seeds, and a tangy soy-lemon dressing, perfect for light meals or summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 oz. linguine or fettucine ⓘ
- 1 c. thinly sliced fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 medium carrot, shredded ⓘ
- 1/4 c. sliced green onion ⓘ
- 6 cherry tomatoes, halved ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. salad oil ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. sesame oil ⓘ
- 1 medium zucchini, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
- 2 to 3 drops bottled hot pepper sauce
- 2 Tbsp. toasted sesame seed ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- Rinse and drain well.
- In a large bowl, toss cooked pasta, sliced mushrooms, shredded carrot, sliced green onion, sliced zucchini, sliced cucumber, and halved cherry tomatoes.
- In a small bowl, combine salad oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, sesame oil, and hot pepper sauce.
- Cover the dressing and shake well to blend.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle with toasted sesame seed.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier salad, consider adding chickpeas or grilled chicken as protein. You can substitute the pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free options for healthier alternatives. If you're short on time, pre-sliced vegetables can save prep time. Experiment with different dressings; a vinaigrette can add a tangy twist. This recipe is versatile, similar to 'Truly Italian Pasta Salad' for a robust flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This chilled pasta salad is perfect for picnics or potlucks. Serve it alongside grilled meats or as a light lunch on its own. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with dishes like 'Orange Roughy Marsala' for a complete meal. Consider adding crusty bread to soak up any leftover dressing.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld and improve overnight. To reheat, you can warm it in the microwave for about 30 seconds, but it's best enjoyed chilled. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of olive oil or dressing before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chilled Pasta Salad contains roughly 960 calories, with 6g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 82g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (64% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1392mg per serving (61% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of pasta for this salad?
Absolutely! While linguine or fettuccine is recommended, any pasta shape works well. Consider using bowtie or penne for a fun twist. Just ensure you cook it al dente to maintain texture in the salad.
How can I make this pasta salad vegan?
To make this salad vegan, simply omit the hot pepper sauce if it contains non-vegan ingredients. Ensure that all dressings and ingredients are plant-based. This salad naturally fits into vegan recipes with its fresh vegetables and flavorful dressing.
Can I add protein to this pasta salad?
Yes, adding protein is a great way to make this salad more filling. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu are excellent choices. You could also incorporate some beans, which are a great addition, similar to a 'Bean-Pasta Soup Mix'.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).