Sesame-Noodle Vegetable Toss
Total Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 10 1/2 cups
Calories: 67 per serving
Category: Vegetable
Keywords: Asian, < 30 Mins, Easy
Description
Delight in the vibrant and refreshing flavors of our Sesame-Noodle Vegetable Toss, a perfect side dish for summer BBQs or a light main dish when paired with diced chicken. This Asian-inspired veggie-pasta salad is both nutritious and flavorful, making it an ideal addition to your warm-weather gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 4 cups buckwheat noodles
- 2 cups spaghetti
- 3 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/8 teaspoon salt (optional)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup celery, sliced
- 1 1/2 cups green onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, julienned
- 1/4 cup sliced water chestnuts
For the Dressing
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or hot sauce (optional)
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 67
- Fat: 5.2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 9.3mg
- Carbohydrates: 4.9g
- Fiber: 1.1g
- Sugar: 1.2g
- Protein: 1g
Instructions
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Cook the Noodles:
- Cook the buckwheat noodles and spaghetti according to their package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
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Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, freshly grated ginger, and sriracha (if using).
- Whisk until the mixture is well blended and smooth.
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Assemble the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sesame seeds, olive oil, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt.
- Add the broccoli florets, sliced celery, chopped green onions, julienned red bell pepper, and sliced water chestnuts.
- Toss to mix the vegetables thoroughly with the seasoning.
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Mix Noodles with Vegetables:
- Add the cooked and cooled noodles to the vegetable mixture.
- Gently mix until the noodles and vegetables are evenly combined.
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Dress the Salad:
- Pour the dressing over the salad.
- Toss gently to ensure that all ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
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Serve:
- Transfer the salad to a serving dish.
- Garnish with additional sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired.
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld.
Tips for Perfect Sesame-Noodle Vegetable Toss
- Noodle Choice: While this recipe calls for buckwheat noodles and spaghetti, you can experiment with other noodle types such as soba, udon, or rice noodles to suit your preference or dietary needs.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like shredded carrots, snap peas, or baby corn for added texture and flavor.
- Protein Addition: To make this a more substantial meal, add cooked, diced chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- Make Ahead: This salad can be made a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, but add the dressing just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level of the salad.
Pairing Suggestions
For a complete meal, consider pairing the Sesame-Noodle Vegetable Toss with:
- Grilled Chicken or Chicken Kabobs: The smoky flavor from the grill complements the fresh, tangy notes of the salad.
- Asian-style Dumplings: Serve alongside for a well-rounded, themed meal.
- Chilled Soup: A light, cold soup like cucumber or gazpacho can be a refreshing start to your meal.
Additional Information
Servings: The recipe yields approximately 10 1/2 cups, making it a great option for a potluck or family gathering. Each serving is approximately 1 cup, but feel free to adjust portion sizes based on your needs.
Storage: Keep the salad refrigerated in an airtight container. Consume within 2-3 days for the best quality.
Dietary Considerations: This recipe is naturally vegetarian and can be made vegan by substituting honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. For a gluten-free option, use rice noodles or gluten-free pasta.
User Reviews: With an aggregated rating of 5 stars from 1 review, this salad has been well received for its ease and delightful flavor profile.
Visual Guide
Step-by-Step Photo Instructions
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Cook the Noodles:
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Prepare the Dressing:
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Assemble the Salad:
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Mix Noodles with Vegetables:
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Dress the Salad:
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Serve:
Final Thoughts
Our Sesame-Noodle Vegetable Toss is a celebration of fresh, vibrant ingredients that come together to create a dish that’s both satisfying and versatile. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy a light yet flavorful salad with a touch of Asian inspiration. Whether served as a side or a main dish, it’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering or family meal.
Feel free to share this recipe with your friends and let us know how you enjoyed it by leaving a review. Happy cooking and enjoy your delightful Sesame-Noodle Vegetable Toss!
