Sesame Noodle Salad

I have actually posted this recipe before, but it is soooo good, that I wanted to post it again with my modifications for Share a Spoon! With Think Tank Momma!  Head over, check out some fab PASTA recipes and link up to add your own.  I can't wait to get more pasta ideas.  It's become my new favorite obsession!  Aside from chocolate of course.  I got the original idea for this dish from Got No Milk when she made Sesame and Cilantro Vermicelli Salad.  I have changed it up a bit to suit my taste buds!

Sesame Noodle Salad

Dressing:

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

3 tablespoons sesame oil

1 teaspoon crushed dried red pepper flakes

3 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons soy sauce

Salad:

8 ounces vermicelli or pasta of choice - I use a whole wheat or high protein pasta

salt (for cooking pasta)

1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh basil or to taste (or cilantro)

1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions

1/2 cup sliced and chopped red bell pepper

2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds - I love toasted sesame seeds!

You can also add chicken to this salad, to make a complete meal!

-Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water, according to package directions. Drain but do not rinse.
-While the pasta is cooking, prepare the dressing. In a microwave-safe dish, heat the canola oil, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes, in the microwave on high heat for 1-2 minutes. Add the honey and soy sauce and mix well.

-Combine the drained pasta with the dressing in a large bowl until the pasta is well coated. Cover and chill for several hours.

When ready to serve, mix in the basil, green onions, bell pepper (and chicken, if desired). Garnish with toasted sesame seeds. 

This is currently my favorite pasta dish!  My second favorite is to take the drained pasta, with just a little of the liquid and saute it in a pan with a little olive oil.  Then add fresh Parmesan cheese, basil, red pepper flakes, and black pepper.  So easy and so good!

What about you? What's your favorite way to eat pasta?

I'm also linking this up with Eat at Home for ingredient spotlight - honey, and Finding Joy in My Kitchen - ingredient spotlight: bell peppers!