Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 16 oz. spaghetti
- 1 cup red pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup purple cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1.5 cups shelled edamame
- 3 stalks green onion, thinly sliced
Dressing
- 1 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons tahini (or peanut butter)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
Garnish
- 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions, about 8–10 minutes. Drain, toss immediately with olive oil to prevent sticking, and season with kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper. Transfer the pasta to the refrigerator to chill while preparing the remaining ingredients.
- Prepare the vegetables: Thinly slice the red pepper, purple cabbage, and green onions. Shred the carrots if not pre-shredded. Shell the edamame if using frozen unshelled beans. Combine all the vegetables and shelled edamame in a large mixing bowl.
- Make the dressing: In a large mason jar or small bowl, combine low sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, olive oil, tahini (or peanut butter), sesame oil, brown sugar, ground ginger, garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Shake vigorously or whisk until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the salad: Add the chilled pasta to the bowl of vegetables. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the top of the salad for added crunch and sesame flavor. Serve immediately or keep chilled until ready to enjoy.
Notes
- The tahini can be substituted with peanut butter for a slightly different but equally delicious flavor.
- Ensure the pasta is well chilled to prevent the salad from becoming mushy.
- This salad can be made a few hours ahead and stored in the refrigerator to enhance the flavors.
- For added protein, consider adding grilled chicken or tofu.
- Adjust the sweetness and acidity of the dressing to your preference by varying the brown sugar and rice vinegar amounts.
- Use gluten-free spaghetti for a gluten-free version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian