Tuesday, February 13, 2018

Chinese Noodle Salad



red lentil pasta and veggies

It's the Chinese New Year and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious Chinese Noodle Salad. Blogging is an opportunity to learn about different cultures and delicious flavors from all over the globe.





Twisted noodles in a bowl


This simple hearty side dish that is both flavorful and healthy. Sauteed cabbage and noodles have always been one of my favorites.  Chinese Noodle Salad is my variation of my noodle salad, but I've added sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds to give it that Asian flavor that so many people just love.


noodle salad and vegetables


In addition, I've added some uncooked chopped veggies and sunflower seeds  for a little crunch and fiber.

Whether you are looking for a dish to bring to a pot luck or a side to serve for dinner, this easy recipe is sure to please. After all , who doesn't love pasta and best of all it doesn't need to be heated up. It is delicious at room temperature for easier serving.

You have your choice of what type of pasta to use. Of course I selected a gluten free variety-
I have been seeing red lentil pasta twists at Whole Foods, Aldi's and even the supermarket.  It's made from 100% red lentils. The ones I've bought at both Aldi and Whole Foods are both organic and gluten free.
box of red lentil pasta


I love the slightly reddish color of the red lentil noodle, and it's firm texture in the salad. However, I did feel the red lentil flavor  was a little overbearing in this recipe so next time I might change to a brown rice gluten free pasta that I get at Trader Joe's and save my red lentil pasta for a palin bowl of pasta and cheese.

It's a great side for a group because it takes into consideration guests with specific diets needs. It is gluten free ( of course you need to use a gluten free pasta) , egg free, diary free. If you leave out the sunflower seeds , it can also be nut free.

two heart shaped bowls with pasta
Maybe I'll make some for Valentine's Day


Chinese New Year is on Feb 16 2018 - Celebrate and Enjoy!!

Ingredients: 
1/2 head of white cabbage, chopped
1 onion, sliced 
2  of olive oil 
1/2 red pepper, chopped 
1/2 cup of chopped parsley
1 cup of chopped fresh tomatoes
1/2 cup of toasted sunflower seeds
1 Tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds
1/4 cup of sesame oil 
Salt and pepper to taste
2 Tablespoons of 21 Salute salt free seasoning from Trade Joe's ( or Mrs. Dash) 

Directions: 
In a large skillet, suttee the onions in the olive oil on a low flame for about 5 minutes. Add the chopped cabbage and saute until the cabbage is soft and set aside.  

Cook 12 ounces of dry noodles according to the directions on the package.  Drain noodles and toss with the sauteed onion and cabbage mixture in a large bowl. Add the raw chopped vegetables ( red pepper, parsley, tomatoes) and the sunflower seeds. Add the sesame oil, toasted sesame seeds, salt and pepper, and a salt free seasoning like 21 Salute from Trader Joes.  Serve at room temperature.

Variation: omit the sesame oil and sesame seeds and toss with Italian dressing and 1/2 cup of feta cheese



Linking to Beth Fish Reads Weekend Cooking where anyone can share a food related post. This week Beth review the Netflix series called Rotten which explores the many problems in our food industry,. 

This post is also linked to Souper Sunday where anyone can share a soup, salad, or sammie recipe. Check out this week's recipes.

20 comments:

  1. Simple and delicious! I love those noodles made with legumes.

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    Replies
    1. Angie,
      I've tried the black bean noodle as well and I think I like it best

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  2. I love noodle salad! Great idea for celebrating Chinese New Year. I bet adding sesame seeds and sesame oil to this recipe makes it extra special!

    Shirley

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    Replies
    1. I do like the flavor of the sesame- the oil is a distinct taste

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  3. Love the look of this gorgeous Chinese noodle salad ! Light yet bursting with wonderful flavors.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Balvinder,
      I thought it looked appealing and attractive too

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  4. It's so pretty too -- I need to check out different GF noodles so I can serve pasta at a gathering.

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    Replies
    1. I've also made black bean pasta- they all have a strong flavor

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  5. Perfect for the warm weather we are already having here! YUM! Thanks for sharing this recipe.

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  6. We only buy gluten free pasta as my husband is intolerant. WE like Barilla's.

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  7. Chinese condiments and spices are a great addition to pasta salads like yours. There are even Chinese traditional noodles like cellophane noodles, that are gluten free.
    best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

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  8. Didn't know about the red lentil pasta -- will have to try some. Thanks for the recipe!

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  9. Your salad looks delicious--love the colors and flavors. I have seen the red lentil pasta and have yet to try it so I am glad to know about the flavor so I know what (and what not) to use it for. ;-)

    Thanks for sharing it with Souper Sundays this week!

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  10. I have tried red lentil pasta as well as bean pastas, and like them so much. And this salad recipe looks great, thanks for sharing it!

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  11. I love a good pasta salad and what better way to celebrate Chinese New Year?!

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  12. Those noodles look like pasta to me....

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  13. I love your heart-shaped bowls, and perfect for both Valentine's Day and Chinese New Years!

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  14. Hi Judee,
    Your Chinese Noodle Salad looks delicious and perfect for the Chinese New Year! Thanks so much for sharing your awesome post with us at Full Plate Thursday. Have a great week and come back soon!
    Miz Helen

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  15. I love the flavours in this recipe, Judee! Plus, I'm really intrigued by the red lentil pasta. Although I can eat gluten, I do try to eat less of it these days, and lentils are so good for us! Featuring this post at The Hearth and Soul Link Party this week. Hope to see you there! Thank you for sharing!

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Your comments are appreciated. I love knowing who is stopping by to read my posts! Have a great day.

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