Spicy Thai Pasta Salad
Spicy Thai Pasta Salad combines tender bowtie pasta with a warm, glossy sesame-chile dressing. It's a perfect make-ahead dish, packed with sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, finished with fresh cilantro and crunchy peanuts.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Medium saucepan
Ingredients
- 12 ounces bowtie pasta
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/3 cup sesame oil
- 1 to 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
- 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 onion
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the bowtie pasta according to the package directions until al dente, about 10 to 12 minutes; drain and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
- Set a medium saucepan over medium heat and warm the vegetable oil and sesame oil together, then stir in the crushed red pepper flakes and cook for 2 minutes, stirring often.
- Add the honey, soy sauce, and salt to the saucepan, then stir just until the dressing looks smooth and combined before taking it off the heat.
- Pour the warm dressing over the cooked pasta and toss well to coat every piece evenly.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, so the flavors have time to settle into the pasta.
- Just before serving, stir in the chopped fresh cilantro, honey roasted peanuts, and sliced green onion.
Notes
Texture Tip: Cook the pasta to al dente. It will soften as it chills in the dressing, so starting with a firmer bite prevents a mushy result.
Fresh Toppings: For the best texture, add the cilantro, peanuts, and green onions right before serving. This keeps them fresh and crunchy.
Reviving Leftovers: If the salad seems dry the next day, which is normal as the pasta absorbs the dressing, simply stir in a small splash of sesame oil, vegetable oil, or a little extra soy sauce until it looks glossy again.
Nutrition information is an estimate based on common ingredients and serving sizes. Values may vary depending on brands, portions, and substitutions.