Craving a dish that's not just delicious but also packed with nutrition? Look no further than this Asian-inspired Healthy Pasta Salad with Creamy Peanut Sauce! Imagine twirling your fork into a vibrant mix of whole grain pasta, crisp vegetables, and a luxuriously smooth peanut sauce that'll transport your senses to culinary heaven. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or impressing your health-conscious friends, this recipe proves that healthy eating can be incredibly exciting and flavor-packed!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz whole grain pasta
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup carrots, shredded
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the whole grain pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Wash and dice the bell peppers and cucumber into bite-sized pieces. Shred the carrots using a grater or a food processor. Set all the vegetables aside in a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the creamy peanut sauce. Add the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Whisk together until smooth and well combined. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a tablespoon of warm water to reach your desired consistency.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Allow the pasta to drain thoroughly.
- Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the diced vegetables. Pour the creamy peanut sauce over the pasta and vegetables. Toss everything together gently until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Let the pasta salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. You can also refrigerate it for a more refreshing taste if desired.
- Before serving, give the salad a final toss and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more soy sauce or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flavor and crunch.
- Serve the healthy pasta salad chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy your nutritious and flavorful dish!
Tips
- Use whole grain pasta for added fiber and nutrition
- Ensure pasta is cooled completely to prevent sauce from becoming too thin
- For extra protein, consider adding grilled chicken or tofu
- Customize vegetables based on seasonal availability
- Make the sauce ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for quick meal preparation
- For a spicier kick, add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes
- Toast sesame seeds before sprinkling for enhanced nutty flavor
- This salad tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
