Thai-Inspired Pasta Salad

With a rich peanut butter dressing accented with sesame, this refreshing gemelli pasta salad is packed with veggies and yummy Thai-style flavours.

Prep Time20

Cook Time10

Total Time30

Pasta Range: Artisan

Pasta Shape: Gemelli

Cooking Skill: Advanced

Collection: New Favourites

Serves:

Calories: 450kcal

Ingredients

1 pkg (450 g) Italpasta Artisan Gemelli
1/3 cup (75 mL) smooth peanut butter
2 tbsp (30 mL) sesame oil
2 tbsp (30 mL) soy sauce
4 tsp (20 mL) pure maple syrup
4 tsp (20 mL) apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp (15 mL) sriracha hot sauce optional
1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt
1/2 tsp (2 mL) black pepper
1 cup (250 mL) thinly sliced red cabbage
1 cup (250 mL) shredded carrots
1 cup (250 mL) diced cucumber
1/2 cup (125 mL) diced red bell pepper
3 green onions thinly sliced and divided
1/4 cup (60 mL) finely chopped fresh cilantro divided
2 tbsp (30 mL) toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and refresh under cold running water; drain well.
In large bowl, whisk together peanut butter, sesame oil, soy sauce, maple syrup, vinegar, hot sauce (if using), salt and pepper. Add pasta, cabbage, carrots, cucumber, red pepper, half the green onions and half the cilantro; toss with dressing to combine.
Transfer to serving bowl or platter, and garnish with remaining green onions, remaining cilantro and sesame seeds.

Tips

Substitute apple cider vinegar with lime juice or rice vinegar if preferred.

Add a protein like chickpeas, chopped firm tofu or cooked chopped chicken if desired.

For meal-prepped lunches in to-go jars, divide dressing evenly among six 2-cup (500 mL) mason jars. Layer in pasta, cabbage, carrots, cucumber, red pepper, green onions, cilantro and sesame seeds. Seal jar with lid. Store in refrigerator for 1 to 2 days. Shake before eating.

Nutritional Analysis