This sesame noodle salad is a perfect cold noodle salad for a hot day. Make the noodles and the dressing ahead of time and let the noodles soak in all the flavor from the dressing (sesame oil, honey, soy sauce). Then toss it with green onions, cilantro, bell pepper and peanuts right before serving. Yum! You can also add cubed cooked chicken to the salad to make it a more substantial meal, or some tahini for a creamier sesame flavor. If you take it to a potluck picnic, double the recipe! This one is a crowd pleaser. Recipe and photos updated, first published 2006
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil or vegetable oil
3 tablespoons dark sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon crushed dried red pepper or chili powder (optional)
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
Salad:
12 ounces vermicelli, thin spaghetti, or angel hair pasta
Salt
2/3 cup coarsely chopped cilantro
1/3 cup chopped roasted salted peanuts
1/3 cup thinly sliced green onions
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
