Description
A fresh and flavorful Spicy Thai Pasta Salad made with tender rotini pasta, crisp vegetables, and a creamy peanut dressing with the perfect balance of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors. Perfect for meal prep, potlucks, light lunches, or quick dinners.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cucumber, julienned
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 to 3 tablespoons warm water
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded red cabbage, carrots, red bell pepper, cucumber, green onions, and cilantro.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, sriracha sauce, lime juice, ginger, garlic, and warm water until smooth and creamy.
- Add the cooled pasta to the vegetables.
- Pour the spicy peanut dressing over the pasta mixture and toss well until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle chopped peanuts over the top before serving.
- Chill the pasta salad for about 20 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
Notes
- For extra protein, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- Bean sprouts or snap peas add extra crunch and freshness.
- Reduce the sriracha for a milder flavor.
- Fresh basil can be used instead of cilantro.
- Add extra lime juice before serving for a brighter flavor.
- The dressing may thicken after refrigeration; stir in a splash of water or lime juice before serving leftovers.
- Best served chilled.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
