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Spicy Thai Peanut Pasta Salad
Nawaal Ahmed

Spicy Thai Peanut Pasta Salad

Thai-Inspired Pasta Salad with Peanuts and Cilantro
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Thai
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz bowtie pasta
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 3 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 tsp chili garlic sauce
  • 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
  • 1 cup julienned carrots
  • 1 small cucumber thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1/2 cup sliced green onions
  • 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente with a slight bite in the center.
  2. Drain the pasta and rinse it briefly under cool water to stop the cooking process and keep the texture firm.
  3. Heat the vegetable oil and sesame oil in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until fragrant and lightly shimmering.
  4. Whisk in the peanut butter until smooth and creamy with no lumps remaining.
  5. Add the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, lime juice, chili garlic sauce, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and salt.
  6. Stir continuously for 1 to 2 minutes until the dressing becomes glossy, silky, and aromatic.
  7. Transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl and pour the warm dressing over the top.
  8. Toss thoroughly until every piece of pasta is evenly coated in the rich peanut sauce.
  9. Add the shredded cabbage, carrots, cucumber, cilantro, green onions, and roasted peanuts.
  10. Gently fold everything together until the vegetables are evenly distributed throughout the salad.
  11. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top for added crunch and nutty flavor.
  12. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour so the flavors can fully develop.
  13. Toss again before serving and add an extra squeeze of lime juice for brightness if desired.

Notes

Protein: 11 g

Carbohydrates: 46 g

Fat: 22 g

Fiber: 4 g

Sugar: 10 g

Sodium: 640 mg