Description
A vibrant, protein-packed Asian-inspired pasta salad featuring rotini tossed with a creamy peanut butter dressing infused with orange juice, sriracha, and fresh ginger. This refreshing dish combines crunchy cabbage, carrots, cucumber, and scallions for a colorful, flavorful meal perfect for lunches or light dinners.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 2.5 oz orange juice
- 1/4 cup peanut butter (preferably creamy for smooth emulsion)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp liquid aminos (e.g., Bragg)
- 1.5 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 4 tsp sriracha
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Pasta Salad
- 8 oz rotini pasta (Barilla Protein+ recommended)
- 1.25 cups shredded cabbage
- 1.25 cups julienned or grated carrots
- 1.25 cups diced cucumber
- 4 scallions, sliced on a bias
Instructions
- Prep Vegetables: While waiting for water to boil, thinly slice the cabbage, julienne or grate the carrots into matchsticks, dice the cucumber into bite-sized pieces, and slice the scallions on a bias. Set all prepared vegetables aside in a large mixing bowl for assembly later.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, mince the garlic clove finely and combine with peanut butter, orange juice, rice vinegar, maple syrup, liquid aminos, sriracha, ginger, and sesame oil. Whisk thoroughly until smooth and the peanut butter fully dissolves, creating a silky emulsion. Adjust seasoning if desired.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well, then rinse under cold running water until completely cooled to stop cooking and prevent mushiness. Let drain to remove excess water.
- Assemble Salad: Add the cooled pasta and prepared dressing to the bowl containing the vegetables. Toss thoroughly to coat everything evenly. Allow the salad to sit for 5-10 minutes to let flavors meld and pasta absorb the dressing.
- Serve: Serve the salad cold or at room temperature as a refreshing, protein-rich meal.
Notes
- Use creamy peanut butter for a smoother dressing emulsion.
- Rinse pasta with cold water to prevent it from overcooking and becoming mushy.
- Allowing the salad to rest before serving enhances flavor melding.
- Adjust sriracha for desired heat level and maple syrup for sweetness.
- This salad is great for meal prep and can be stored refrigerated for up to 2 days.
