Thai Pasta Salad is a perfect side dish to serve with your favorite barbecue dishes. This vegan pasta salad has a light oriental dressing is filled with fresh bell peppers and cucumbers. Thai salad is sure to become a new favorite.
Thai pasta salad is a dish Rod and I used to make all the time when we first met. Then somehow it was forgotten. I was digging through old recipes and stumble across this recipe for a pasta salad with an Oriental dressing. Since the salad was rediscovered we have made it again and again.
This Asian noodle salad is perfect for almost anytime of the year. It's really great during the summertime to take to a potluck or a barbecue. You don't have to worry about keeping it cold. This salad is okay if it reaches room temperature. I often serve it when we grill up Marinated Flank Steak.
This pasta salad is vegan so it's a hit with just about everyone.
What type of pasta do I use?
You can use spaghetti noodles or thin spaghetti noodles in this dish.
How do I toast sesame seeds?
You can buy toasted sesame seeds or you can toast them at home. I like to toast them at home because they aren't difficult and buying them costs a whole lot more. To toast, use a dry small saute pan. I often use one that is perfect for frying eggs.
Do not add oil. Heat pan over medium heat and add sesame seeds. Use a heat resistant spatula to move seeds around. The seeds will begin to brown in 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and place in a bowl as soon as they begin to brown. Do not take your eyes off the seeds while they are cooking. Sesame seeds burn in no time at all.
Additional Vegetable Options
We like to add cucumbers, bell peppers and onions, but you can add whatever veggies you want into this pasta. Some options include -
- Sugar Snap Peas
- Zucchini
- Carrots
- Green Onions
- Shallots
- Snow Peas
- Radishes
The best part of this salad - besides its great taste - it keeps really well and makes amazing leftovers! I like to pack up any extras and take them in my lunch.
More Great Salad Recipes
- Israeli Couscous Salad
- Panzanella Salad
- Greek Salad
- Cobb Salad
- Pasta and Pea Salad
- Spinach, Pear, Blue Cheese Salad
- Asparagus Pasta Salad
- Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- Orzo Chicken Salad
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If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @beyondthechickencoop
Please check out all my delicious salad recipes!
Thai Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Salad
- 8 oz pasta (I used thin spaghetti)
- 2 Tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- 1 medium cucumber
- 1 bell pepper (sliced)
- ½ sweet onion (sliced)
Dressing
- ⅓ cup rice wine vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 Tablespoon sugar
- 1 Tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 Tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Garnish
- 1 Tablespoons fresh basil (chopped)
- 2 Tablespoons fresh cilantro (chopped)
Instructions
Salad
- Cook pasta. drain, rinse in cool water and drain again. Place in a large bowl.
- Cut cucumber in half lengthwise. Scoop out seeds and discard. Cut cucumbers into thin slices.
- Add cucumbers, bell peppers and onions to pasta.
Dressing
- Place rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic and red pepper flakes into a container. Mix well.
- Pour dressing over pasta. Toss pasta until well combined with dressing.
- Add fresh cut basil and cilantro and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Toss lightly.
Notes
Nutrition
This post was originally published in August of 2016. The post has been updated.
Fred G says
Great for lunch or a salad side for dinner.
Kathy says
It really is!
Kelly | Foodtasia says
Kathy, the flavors in this pasta salad sound so delicious! I would love having this in the fridge waiting for me when hunger strikes!
Kathy says
It is one of those salads that's even better the second day!
Stacey @ The Sugar Coated Cottage says
How did you know I was craving Thai this week? Seriously this is a wonderfully flavored salad and I cant wait to try it! Take care 🙂 .
Kathy says
I'm a mind reader! 🙂 Hope you enjoy it!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
I can imagine how delicious this would be for meal prep to have for easy (delicious) lunches throughout the week! Love the Thai flavour here too.
Kathy says
Thanks Dawn!
David @ Spiced says
Another excellent reminder of the recipe archives, Kathy! I'm a big fan of Thai flavors, so the idea of incorporating them into a pasta salad sounds awesome. Bring on pasta salad season!! 🙂
Kathy says
All these recipes hidden deep down in the archives need a little love!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
I love Thai flavors Kathy! What a great pasta salad for lunches during the week!
Kathy says
I love taking to work for lunch. It travels great and is packed full of flavors.
annie@ciaochowbambina says
Thai flavors are some of my favorites! This dish will surely hit the spot!!
Kathy says
It's packed full of flavor!
Julianna says
Wow, I love all the layers of flavours happening here! So awesome!
Kathy says
It is one of my favorites.