Spicy Thai Pasta Salad
A vibrant and exciting pasta salad that fuses the comfort of pasta with the bold flavors of Thai cuisine. Tender pasta is tossed in a zesty, slightly sweet, and spicy dressing, with crunchy peanuts and fresh herbs. It’s an impressive yet easy dish perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a special weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: No-Cook (Dressing) / Boiling (Pasta)
- Cuisine: Thai-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian (can be made vegan with maple syrup, and gluten-free with tamari)
Ingredients
12 ounces short pasta (such as rotini, fusilli, or penne)
For the Dressing:
1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
1–2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
For the Salad Add-ins:
1/2 cup chopped roasted peanuts
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup chopped green onions
Optional additions: shredded carrots, diced red bell pepper, edamame
Instructions
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients: soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey/maple syrup, sesame oil, crushed red pepper flakes, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, dressing, chopped peanuts, cilantro, and green onions.
Add any optional ingredients you like, such as shredded carrots, diced red bell pepper, or edamame.
Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary (more spice, sweetness, or salt).
Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
This salad can be made a few hours ahead of time and refrigerated. The flavors will continue to develop.
For a nut-free version, substitute sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for peanuts.
Ensure all ingredients are well combined for an even distribution of flavor.
Serve cold.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approx. 1.5 cups
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Find it online: https://paulakitchen.com/spicy-thai-pasta-salad/