Thai Pasta Salad

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This post was originally published in August of 2016. The post has been updated.

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 ingredients do I need?

• Spaghetti
• Cucumbers
• Bell Peppers
• Onion
• Rice Wine Vinegar
• Soy Sauce
• Sugar
• Sesame Oil
• Fresh Ginger
• Garlic
• Red Pepper Flakes
• Fresh Basil
• Fresh Cilantro
• Sesame Seeds

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

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5 from 8 votes

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Thai Pasta Salad

Prep Time

20 mins

Cook Time

10 mins

Total Time

30 mins

 

Pasta salad with a light Thai dressing.

Course: Salad

Cuisine: American

Keyword: oriental pasta salad, pasta salad recipes, thai pasta salad, thai salad recipes, vegan pasta salad

Servings: 8 people

Calories: 159 kcal

Author: Kathy

Ingredients

Salad

• 8 oz pasta I used thin spaghetti
• 2 Tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
• 1 medium cucumber
• 1 bell pepper sliced
• 1/2 sweet onion sliced

Dressing

• 1/3 cup rice wine vinegar
• 2 Tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 Tablespoon sugar
• 1 Tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 Tablespoon fresh grated ginger
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Garnish

• 1 Tablespoons fresh basil chopped
• 2 Tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped

Instructions

Salad

1. Cook pasta. drain, rinse in cool water and drain again. Place in a large bowl.
2. Cut cucumber in half lengthwise. Scoop out seeds and discard. Cut cucumbers into thin slices.
3. Add cucumbers, bell peppers and onions to pasta.

Dressing

1. Place rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic and red pepper flakes into a container. Mix well.

2. Pour dressing over pasta. Toss pasta until well combined with dressing.

3. Add fresh cut basil and cilantro and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Toss lightly.

Recipe Notes

Recipe adapted from Sunset

Nutrition Facts

Thai Pasta Salad

Amount Per Serving

Calories 159 Calories from Fat 27

% Daily Value*

Fat 3g5%

Sodium 258mg11%

Potassium 189mg5%

Carbohydrates 27g9%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 4g4%

Protein 5g10%

Vitamin A 550IU11%

Vitamin C 21.3mg26%

Calcium 35mg4%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.