Description
Spicy Thai Pasta Salad — tender noodles tossed with crisp veggies, fresh herbs, and a zesty, creamy-spicy dressing for a bold, refreshing bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
Dressing
- 1–2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust for desired heat)
- 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/3 cup sesame oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp salt
Toppings
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup honey-roasted peanuts
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Prepare the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of boiling salted water. Once al dente, drain thoroughly and transfer to a large mixing bowl to cool slightly.
- Infuse the Oils: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the vegetable oil, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Gently cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oil is fragrant and infused with heat (but not smoking).
- Mix the Dressing: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and salt, whisking until everything is well combined and the honey is dissolved.
- Dress the Pasta: Pour the warm, spicy-sweet dressing over the drained pasta. Toss thoroughly, ensuring every piece of pasta is coated in the flavorful sauce.
- Chill: Cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. This allows the flavors to meld for maximum impact.
- Add Toppings & Serve: Just before serving, fold in the chopped cilantro, honey-roasted peanuts, and sliced green onions for freshness and crunch. Serve cold or at room temperature.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes for more or less heat.
- Salad can be made ahead and kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Add grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp for a more substantial meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side-dishes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 recipe (about 1-1.5 cups)
- Calories: 361
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg