Spicy Thai Pasta Salad (Print)
Bold Thai flavors meet al dente pasta with a fiery peanut dressing and crisp fresh vegetables.
# Ingredient List:
→ Pasta
01 - 8 oz rotini, fusilli, or linguine pasta
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
03 - 1 carrot, julienned or grated
04 - 1 cup snap peas, sliced
05 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced
06 - 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
07 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
08 - 2 tbsp roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
→ Spicy Peanut Dressing
09 - 3 tbsp smooth peanut butter
10 - 2 tbsp soy sauce
11 - 1 tbsp sesame oil
12 - 1 tbsp rice vinegar
13 - 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
14 - 2 tsp honey or maple syrup
15 - 1 garlic clove, minced
16 - 1 to 2 tsp Sriracha or chili garlic sauce, adjust to taste
17 - 2 to 3 tbsp warm water, as needed to thin
# How-To Steps:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain in a colander and rinse thoroughly under cold running water to halt the cooking process. Set aside and allow to drain completely.
02 - In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, lime juice, honey, minced garlic, and Sriracha. Whisk until smooth and well blended. Add warm water one tablespoon at a time until the dressing reaches a pourable, drizzle-friendly consistency.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooled pasta, sliced red bell pepper, julienned carrot, snap peas, sliced green onions, and shredded purple cabbage until evenly distributed.
04 - Pour the prepared peanut dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss vigorously until every strand and piece is thoroughly coated with the dressing.
05 - Fold in the chopped fresh cilantro and toss gently to incorporate. Transfer to a serving platter or bowl and scatter the chopped roasted peanuts over the top as a garnish.
06 - Serve immediately at room temperature, or refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and develop further before serving.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The peanut dressing comes together in about two minutes and tastes like something from a restaurant that charges eighteen dollars a plate.
- It actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge, which means you can make it ahead and stop worrying.
02 -
- Rinsing the pasta is not optional here, residual heat will continue cooking the noodles and turn them mushy under the dressing.
- If the dressing thickens in the fridge, stir in a splash of warm water and a squeeze of lime to bring it back to life.
03 -
- Add grilled tofu, shrimp, or chicken to turn this side dish into a full meal that satisfies without any complaints.
- Toast the peanuts in a dry skillet for two minutes before chopping, the flavor difference is remarkable and takes almost no effort.