Spicy Noodle Salad

Spicy Noodle Salad

8 servings
A delicious cold pasta salad recipe with a spicy Asian dressing with sesame oil, chili flakes, chili paste, garlic and more.

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp avocado oil
  • 2 tbsps toasted sesame oil
  • 2 tbsps rice wine vinegar
  • 2 tbsps honey
  • 4 tbsps soy sauce

    I use liquid aminos

  • 4 cloves garlic

    minced

  • 2 tsps grated ginger
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 2 tbsps hot garlic chili sauce

    sambal olek

  • 1 lime
  • Optional: sea salt and pepper
  • 1 box fettuccine noodles

    340g I used gluten free

  • 1 red pepper

    diced

  • 1 yellow pepper

    diced

  • 2 cups spinach
  • 1/2 cup matchstick carrots
  • 3 cups cooked chicken

    cubed

  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro

    chopped

  • 1/2 cup cashews

Directions

  1. 1

    Boil the spaghetti noodles according to package directions. In the last two minutes of cooking add the bell peppers and carrots. Drain and cool.

  2. 2

    Whisk all the dressing ingredients together, taste and add sea salt and pepper if needed.

  3. 3

    Add the dressing to the noodles and vegetables, along with chicken and cashews.

  4. 4

    Refrigerate and stir every hour until cold.

  5. 5

    Top with fresh cilantro.

Spicy Noodle Salad

Spicy Noodle Salad

8 servings

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About this Recipe

Craving a vibrant, flavorful cold pasta salad that delivers a satisfying kick? This Spicy Noodle Salad is your answer, bringing together an irresistible Asian-inspired dressing with fresh vegetables and tender chicken for a refreshing meal.

Why This Recipe Works

What sets this Spicy Noodle Salad apart is its bold, aromatic dressing. A perfect balance of savory soy sauce (or liquid aminos), tangy rice wine vinegar, sweet honey, and the warming heat from hot garlic chili sauce (sambal oelek), red pepper flakes, garlic, and ginger creates an explosion of flavor. The use of fettuccine noodles provides a delightful texture, perfectly coated by the zesty dressing, making it a truly unique cold pasta dish.

What to Expect

Prepare for a feast for your senses. Each bite of this Spicy Noodle Salad offers a complex interplay of spicy, sweet, and umami notes, brightened by a hint of lime. The fettuccine noodles provide a satisfying chew, while crisp red and yellow peppers, tender spinach, and crunchy matchstick carrots add a refreshing counterpoint. Cubes of cooked chicken ensure it's a hearty and complete meal, finished with the satisfying crunch of cashews and fresh, fragrant cilantro. It’s a truly addictive cold dish that's perfect for warm days or a light, yet fulfilling, lunch.

Customization & Variations

This versatile salad welcomes your personal touch. Feel free to swap the cubed chicken for firm tofu, shrimp, or simply add more vegetables for a vegetarian version. If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes and hot garlic chili sauce. For a different noodle experience, explore other pasta shapes, though fettuccine offers excellent surface area for the dressing. The recipe also notes you can use liquid aminos instead of soy sauce, and gluten-free fettuccine is a great option for those with dietary needs.

Serving & Context

This Spicy Noodle Salad is ideal for meal prep, picnics, potlucks, or simply a light and flavorful weeknight dinner. Serve it chilled, garnished with extra fresh cilantro or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an extra touch of elegance.

Frequently Asked Questions