This Szechwan Pasta Salad is a refreshing twist on traditional Italian salads, infusing Chinese flavors into a hearty main course. The dish features delicate angel hair pasta tossed with crunchy water chestnuts, crisp snow peas, and tender cooked turkey. A rich dressing made from mayonnaise, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a kick of Szechuan hot oil binds the ingredients together, creating a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and spicy notes. Fresh cilantro and toasted sesame seeds add aromatic depth and visual appeal. Ideal for potlucks, summer barbecues, or a quick weeknight dinner, this salad is equally delicious served warm or chilled. It&# 226;ÂÂs a protein-packed meal that satisfies cravings while offering a unique culinary experience.
Szechwan Pasta Salad
Description
This Szechwan Pasta Salad is a refreshing twist on traditional Italian salads, infusing Chinese flavors into a hearty main course. The dish features delicate angel hair pasta tossed with crunchy water chestnuts, crisp snow peas, and tender cooked turkey. A rich dressing made from mayonnaise, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a kick of Szechuan hot oil binds the ingredients together, creating a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and spicy notes. Fresh cilantro and toasted sesame seeds add aromatic depth and visual appeal.Ingredients
Directions
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Cook the angel hair pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
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While the pasta cooks, prepare the vegetables: dice the red bell pepper and carrots, slice the water chestnuts, chop the green onions, slice the mini corn cobs, and slice the snow peas diagonally.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, soy sauce, sesame oil, Szechuan hot oil, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic to create the dressing.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced turkey, water chestnuts, corn, snow peas, bell peppers, carrots, green onions, and cilantro leaves.
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Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
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Taste and adjust seasoning with additional soy sauce or hot oil if desired.
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Transfer the salad to a serving dish and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and reserved cilantro leaves for garnish.
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Serve immediately or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 14
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 1618.5kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 13.8g22%
- Saturated Fat 3.0g15%
- Cholesterol 156.6mg53%
- Sodium 140.7mg6%
- Total Carbohydrate 227.0g76%
- Dietary Fiber 16.3g66%
- Sugars 4.5g
- Protein 111.2g223%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
For a spicier kick, increase the amount of Szechuan hot oil or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
This salad can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Stir well before serving.
Substitute chicken or shrimp for the turkey if preferred.
If fresh snow peas are unavailable, you can use frozen snow peas, thawed and patted dry.
