Can I make this salad less spicy?

Absolutely! Simply reduce the amount of red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon, or add them gradually to taste. You can also substitute sweet paprika for some of the red pepper for color without the heat.

Is there a substitute for sesame oil?

Sesame oil provides a distinctive flavor that's hard to replace, but if you must, try using walnut oil or a mild olive oil with a drop of toasted sesame seeds. The flavor won't be identical, but it will still be delicious.

Can I prepare this salad the same day I plan to serve it?

While overnight marination gives the best results, you can get away with a 4-hour chill time in a pinch. To enhance flavor development in less time, mix the pasta with the dressing while the pasta is still warm.

What makes the dressing separate and how can I fix it?

Oil and honey naturally want to separate. To fix this, warm the dressing slightly and whisk vigorously before pouring over the pasta. The pasta's starch will also help keep the dressing emulsified as it sits.

Spicy Thai Pasta Salad Recipe

Name: Spicy Thai Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 12 ounces bowtie pasta; 1 to 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1/3 cup sesame oil; 1/4 cup honey; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 1/2 cup honey roasted peanuts; 1/2 cup sliced green onions

Description

This Spicy Thai Pasta Salad is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings or quick lunches. The combination of sesame oil, honey, soy sauce, and a hint of spice from crushed red pepper flakes creates an irresistible flavor. Topped with fresh cilantro, honey-roasted peanuts, and green onions, this salad is a refreshing and satisfying twist on traditional pasta salads.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Pasta

12 ounces bowtie pasta

Sauce

1 to 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/3 cup sesame oil
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt

Toppings

1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 cup honey roasted peanuts
1/2 cup sliced green onions

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta
Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain the pasta well and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
Prepare the Sauce
In a medium saucepan, combine the vegetable oil and sesame oil. Heat over medium heat and stir in the crushed red pepper flakes. Allow the mixture to cook for about 2 minutes, infusing the oil with spice.
Mix the Sauce Ingredients
Add the honey, soy sauce, and salt to the saucepan. Turn off the heat and whisk everything together to combine. Pour the sauce over the cooked pasta, ensuring the pasta is coated evenly with the mixture. Stir well to ensure all the pasta absorbs the flavors.
Refrigerate the Salad
Cover the pasta with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight to let the flavors meld together.
Add Toppings and Serve
Just before serving, mix in the fresh cilantro, honey-roasted peanuts, and green onions. Stir everything together to evenly distribute the toppings and serve.

Notes

For a gluten-free version of this recipe, substitute with gluten-free pasta and tamari in place of soy sauce.
You can adjust the crushed red pepper flakes based on your spice tolerance.
The salad tastes even better when left overnight, as the flavors have more time to develop.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 0mg