Nothing beats a delicious and satisfying pasta salad on a warm summer day. This vegan Asian Peanut Pasta Salad is a perfect blend of vibrant flavors that will leave your taste buds happy and your tummy full. Packed with colorful vegetables, hearty pasta, and a creamy peanut dressing, this recipe is a delightful option for picnics, potlucks, or a light lunch at home. Let’s dive into creating this flavorful dish!
Asian Peanut Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. whole wheat spaghetti
– 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
– 1 cup shredded carrots
– 1 cup edamame, shelled
– 4 green onions, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 1/4 cup peanuts, chopped
– Sesame seeds for garnish
For the Peanut Dressing:
– 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
– 3 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon maple syrup
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
– Water to thin, if necessary
Instructions:
1. Cook the whole wheat spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, rinse it under cold water, and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine the sliced red bell pepper, shredded carrots, edamame, green onions, and chopped cilantro.
3. Add the cooked and cooled spaghetti to the bowl with the vegetables.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger until smooth. If the dressing is too thick, you can add a little water to reach your desired consistency.
5. Pour the peanut dressing over the pasta and vegetables, tossing everything together until well coated.
6. Garnish the salad with chopped peanuts and sesame seeds for an extra crunch.
7. Chill the Asian Peanut Pasta Salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
8. Serve the salad cold or at room temperature and enjoy the delicious blend of flavors in every bite!
This Asian Peanut Pasta Salad is not only visually stunning with its array of colorful vegetables but also incredibly satisfying thanks to the creamy peanut dressing that ties everything together. The juxtaposition of the crunchy peanuts and the tender pasta creates a delightful texture that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this dish is a winner that will please everyone at the table. So, whip up a batch of this Asian Peanut Pasta Salad and get ready to impress your family and friends with a flavor-packed, vegan delight!
