Oriental Pasta Salad
A vibrant and flavorful cold pasta salad featuring crunchy vegetables, toasted sesame seeds, and a creamy peanut dressing with a hint of spice, perfect for casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup sesame seed ⓘ
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup sesame oil ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes ⓘ
- 1/4 cup minced green onions
- 2 cups broccoli flowerets
- 1 large red pepper, seeded and cut into large chunks ⓘ
- 1/4 pound snow peas, trimmed
- 1 cup thinly sliced carrots ⓘ
- 1 (12 to 16 ounces) package frozen shrimp ⓘ
Instructions
- In a small skillet over low heat, toast sesame seeds, stirring occasionally, until seeds turn a light golden brown (about 3 minutes).
- Remove from heat and cool.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier dressing, consider adding a splash of coconut milk or using almond butter instead of peanut butter. You can also substitute the shrimp with grilled chicken or tofu for a different protein option. If you prefer a bit more spice, feel free to increase the red pepper flakes to taste. Toasting the sesame seeds is crucial for enhancing their flavor, so don't skip that step.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Oriental Pasta Salad chilled or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with seafood recipes like Shrimp Linguini or can be enjoyed as a light main dish. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or a fresh green salad. Garnish with additional minced green onions and sesame seeds for an appealing presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the salad in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to keep it from drying out. Alternatively, you can enjoy it cold straight from the fridge, which makes it a perfect make-ahead dish for meal prep.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oriental Pasta Salad contains roughly 527 calories, with 19g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (100% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value), and protein (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2661mg per serving (116% 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 fresh shrimp instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh shrimp can be used in this recipe. Just ensure they are peeled and deveined before adding them to the salad. Cook them until they are opaque and pink, usually about 3-4 minutes, then mix them in with the other ingredients.
How can I make this salad vegetarian?
To make this salad vegetarian, simply omit the shrimp and consider adding more vegetables such as bell peppers, cucumbers, or even edamame for added protein. You can also include marinated tofu or chickpeas for a hearty alternative.
What type of pasta works best for this salad?
While traditional pasta can be used, consider using whole wheat or rice noodles for a healthier option. The texture of rice noodles complements the Asian flavors well and adds a unique twist to the dish.
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).