• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Californians at Home
  • Home & Decor
    • Our California Remodel
    • Shop My Home
    • Lake Tahoe Cabin Style
    • Books I Adore
  • My California Closet

Northern California Style

Northern California Style

  • Home
  • About
  • Californians at Home
  • Home & Decor
    • Our California Remodel
    • Shop My Home
    • Lake Tahoe Cabin Style
    • Books I Adore
  • My California Closet
  • Shop My Home
    • Bloglovin
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Asian Noodles & Other Main Dish Salads

May 11, 2022 By kimwheeler 23 Comments

Today I’m excited to join five others to bring you ‘Main Dish Salads’ just in time for Memorial Day, end of school year gatherings, and summer entertaining! The main dish salad is a great go-to that you can bring anywhere, and especially perfect for those alfresco nights when you want unfussy dishes to enjoy with friends and pretty sunsets!

My dish is a noodle salad and I have shared a version of this before on the blog. It’s reliable for potlucks, parties and especially warm weather gatherings. It’s a cold salad, but can be at room temp safely. To make this more of a main dish, I add shredded chicken from one whole roasted grocery store chicken. (When you do that, it does need to stay cold.)

This noodle salad has its origins from my Aunt Wendy, a great entertainer who lives on Discovery Bay. She knows how to throw a warm weather bash on her deck or out on a boat with friends. This is her recipe and it works so well and it makes a LOT! My aunt, just like my grandmother, does not believe anyone should ever go home hungry and is an effortless hostess. Her dish is a crowd pleaser. Who doesn’t like noodles? The nice thing is this can stay on a deck, patio or boat all day without spoiling ( sans the chicken obviously, if you go with that.)

Since I was experimenting, I made a few modifications to the recipe for current times by removing half the oil, removing the additional salt ( as it already has soy sauce), and using less honey and a gluten-free reduced sodium soy sauce. You could also use gluten-free angel hair pasta. I love the corn/rice mix versions of those pastas, which have the taste and texture that are nearly the same to me.

Max was my taste tester and he said he couldn’t tell any taste difference with the healthier recipe. Also we both noted that this salad is always better after a day in the refrigerator when the flavors really soak into the noodles more, so for best results, make it the day prior. That makes its a perfect make ahead dish.

Here’s my version of Aunt Wendy’s recipe…

Asian Noodle Salad

Kim Wheeler
An easy noodle recipe for a warm weather gatherings and big groups.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course, Salad
Cuisine American, Asian
Servings 10

Ingredients
  

  • 1 LB box angel hair pasta
  • 1/4 C oil
  • 1/4 C sesame oil
  • 1/2 t crushed red pepper You can go up to 2T depending how spicy you like it.
  • 1/4 C honey
  • 1/4 C soy sauce Tamari low sodium, gluten-free brands like San-J work well too.
  • 1/2 C chopped peanuts
  • 1/4 C chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2-3 T toasted sesame seeds

Instructions
 

  • Cook pasta, ( careful not to overcook with the usual 2 minute time), drain and rinse well with cold water, pulling the strands apart so they do not stick in lumps.
  • Using the same warm pot, stir together oils and crushed red pepper over medium heat briefly.
  • Remove from heat and stir in soy and honey while warm, add to pasta and distribute well.
  • Cover and refrigerate overnight.
  • When ready to serve, add in sesame seeds, peanuts and cilantro. Garnish with cilantro sprigs. Serve using tongs.
  • If making this a main course, add the shredded white meat from one roast chicken. You can also do this the night before.
Keyword salad, summer noodles, main salads, dishes for a large group,
 
 

My pictures show the meat free version as we were having this as a side with grilled salmon and a green salad the other night. Someone used the last of my crushed peppers without telling me, so those aren’t in here, but it does give it a kick of heat and is nice with the honey.

The best part about this recipe, is it comes together fast, cooks quick and you can feed a crowd. I would say you can feed 8-10 with this and if you double the recipe as my aunt often does, you can feed the masses! You need one of those huge industrial aluminum bowls if you double it, as my aunt has (linked below).

A few things you may need..

Bamboo Tongs/PB French Grain Sack Towels/WS White Pasta Serving Bowl/San-J Gluten-Free Low Sodium Soy Sauce/ Metal Tong Set/ Large 20 Inch Stainless Bowl/

 

Please visit these blogs for more delicious main dish salads!

I can’t wait to see what new ideas these ladies have…

Most Lovely Things

Classic Casual Home

Cindy Hattersley Design

Sheri Silver

Make Mine A Spritzer

 

Thank you for being here!

Kim

If you missed it, another fun post is last year’s Summer Picnic Ideas, with a pasta salad and pink lady apple and turkey baguettes, you can find here. You can also follow my Pinterest Board, Alfresco for more fun summer entertaining ideas and recipes.

If you’d like to get an email when I post, please subscribe to the blog here for a post in your inbox a few times a month! Thank you so much, as Bloglovin seems to have stopped working and I no longer post as much on Facebook and plan to do less there.

Some links may generate a small commission. Thank you for supporting the blog!

 

Filed Under: Featured, Uncategorized Tagged With: #featured, #mainsalads, #noodlesalad, #salads, #summerdishes, #summerentertaining

ON MY RADAR...

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Mary Ann Pickett says

    May 12, 2022 at 6:51 am

    Holy cow!!!! This looks great. I’ve pinned it and can’t wait to make it. It would be great for a weeknight with rotisserie pulled/chopped chicken.
    Nice job, Kim!!!

    Reply
    • kimwheeler says

      May 12, 2022 at 9:29 am

      Yes totally and makes enough for a few nights… Loved your grilled shrimp with the beautiful tomatoes. have to try that!! xx

      Reply
  2. cindy says

    May 12, 2022 at 6:58 am

    OMG a salad after my own heart. I could eat this every night for dinner (unfortunately!!) Can’t wait to get settled and make it!! Can’t wait to meet your friend’s sister as well! Now you and your friend will have to come visit!!

    Reply
    • kimwheeler says

      May 12, 2022 at 9:28 am

      Well I do think it’s better if you can try gluten free pasta if you worry about carbs like I do. I know can you believe you both are living on the same street?? So cool. I think you two will have fun together. Loved your salad bowl too. xx

      Reply
  3. LA CONTESSA says

    May 12, 2022 at 8:15 am

    LOOKS GREAT KIM………and you are using the RIGHT PASTA!
    XXX

    Reply
    • kimwheeler says

      May 12, 2022 at 9:27 am

      Isn’t it the best?? Elizabeth you can tell the difference. I am picky about pasta. I won’t just use any kind. xo

      Reply
  4. sheri silver says

    May 12, 2022 at 8:47 am

    Wow – this looks DELICIOUS – and so easy! I love the idea of adding chicken to round it out, I would imagine any protein would work! Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
    • kimwheeler says

      May 12, 2022 at 9:26 am

      Thanks Sheri! Really can’t wait to try the cauliflower salad in many ways!

      Reply
    • Heidi says

      May 13, 2022 at 2:36 pm

      Hi Kim,
      YUM. This sounds and looks delish! I will definitely make this, and happily eat most of it myself , I’m sure!
      FYI gluten free does not necessarily mean carb free! Flour is flour, corn and rice and chick peas are all high in carbs. Staying away from any kinds of flour is what reduces the carbs in a gluten free diet. That said, I love pasta and will not give it up! Cookies either!
      Have a good weekend,
      Xo Heidi

      Reply
      • kimwheeler says

        May 14, 2022 at 9:09 am

        Thanks Heidi and so hear you. Gluten free is not necessarily healthier if you need to avoid carbs… I am guessing no pasta is what needs to happen! That said when I use these alternative pastas I do feel less heavy, less of a gut bomb after I eat! Never giving up cookies or pasta, just eating a lot less and occasionally. xoxo

        Reply
  5. Annie Diamond says

    May 12, 2022 at 9:04 am

    Kim! This looks incredible! I love that you made it healthier and that Max couldn’t even tell the difference! I can’t wait to try it! I had never heard of Discovery Bay, CA! I just googled it! Looks amazing!

    Reply
    • kimwheeler says

      May 12, 2022 at 9:26 am

      Annie, I was surprised too… Guess it’s worth experimenting even with our favorites! Discovery Bay is a beautiful spot and my aunt and uncle have a lovely home and huge deck over the water. They have a lot of fun boating around and a great social life with friends there. She entertains a lot and I am always impressed she has it all down like a science!

      Reply
  6. Juliet says

    May 12, 2022 at 9:07 am

    First of all, Kim, I love your Aunt Wendy! And, this salad … so so pretty and I know it’s delicious too. I can’t wait to make it … pinning away right now. I love your bowl and salad servers too … I may (or may not, if Jim is reading over my shoulder) have them in my cart! Thanks for sharing Aunt Wendy’s recipe with us. Yum! xo

    Reply
    • kimwheeler says

      May 12, 2022 at 9:24 am

      Juliet you would love her! She’s a lot of fun. I tried too find a similar bowl and tongs.. Loving your salad and going to make tonight I think! A girl needs at least two good Asian salads on rotation! xo

      Reply
  7. Lindsey says

    May 12, 2022 at 11:49 am

    Can you make this salad printable?

    Reply
    • Lindsey says

      May 12, 2022 at 11:50 am

      The recipe I mean Haha

      Reply
      • kimwheeler says

        May 12, 2022 at 1:55 pm

        Lol I know what you meant! xx

        Reply
    • kimwheeler says

      May 12, 2022 at 1:55 pm

      Hi Lindsey, I apologize and stay tuned I am working on figuring that out. Will email you if I can fix that today. x Kim

      Reply
      • kimwheeler says

        May 12, 2022 at 3:04 pm

        Lindsey it’s printable now!! So sorry for the delay. I was in a learning phase with this stuff.. x Kim

        Reply
  8. Slawka says

    May 12, 2022 at 2:02 pm

    Hello Kim,
    Could you share the color of your kitchen cabinets? Thank you.

    Reply
    • kimwheeler says

      May 12, 2022 at 2:13 pm

      Hi sure they are painted Winter White by Benjamin Moore!

      Reply
  9. Heidi says

    May 13, 2022 at 2:38 pm

    Hi Kim,
    YUM. This sounds and looks delish! I will definitely make this, and happily eat most of it myself , I’m sure!
    FYI gluten free does not necessarily mean carb free! Flour is flour, corn and rice and chick peas are all high in carbs. Staying away from any kinds of flour is what reduces the carbs in a gluten free diet. That said, I love pasta and will not give it up! Cookies either!
    Have a good weekend,
    Xo Heidi

    Reply
  10. NC Sue says

    May 23, 2022 at 4:04 pm

    Love your posts…always so much of interest! You mentioned lunch in Burlingame with son & girl friend recently. Where did you eat? My home town so I am always interested..
    Thanks.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Featured Posts

Dining Room Refresh Ideas, San Francisco Homes, and Cosmetics I’m Loving Now

Spring Colors, White Jeans, and Skin Cleansers

Fun Kitchen Styling Tips!

Asian Noodles & Other Main Dish Salads

Loving Rattan and Serena & Lily

Tennis Style -Your Guide to the BNP & Indian Wells

Get My Posts by Email!

Find Me on Facebook

Northern California Style

Archives

Categories

Footer

Don’t Forget to Follow!

Blogger, writer and explorer sharing about my native California, and parts farther afield. Join me here where I chat about things to love in the worlds of design, fashion, home, travel and culture.

Currently Pinning

  • Have you tried smashed potatoes? | Most Lovely Things
  • Signature Style- Resort Looks and Packing Tips
  • Signature Style- Resort Looks and Packing Tips
  • Signature Style- Resort Looks and Packing Tips
  • Signature Style- Resort Looks and Packing Tips
  • Creative Wall Decor Part 1: Art and Gallery Walls
  • Why We Love Our New Solo Stove | Most Lovely Things
  • Weekend – Cool Readers, Spring Things, J Crew’s New Direction & More
  • Weekend – Cool Readers, Spring Things, J Crew’s New Direction & More
  • Weekend – Cool Readers, Spring Things, J Crew’s New Direction & More
Well after all this weather, and so much indoor ti Well after all this weather, and so much indoor time, I’m officially sick of everything and I am ready to give the home a little refresh. Homegoods and TJMaxx have some great spring items and a promotion with items from France, Italy, etc. They can be a good source for outdoor pots, new pillows, rugs and decorative bits. It’s good time to find a ‘few’ emphasis on few, new things for the home. They carry unique items, many one offs, but you have to be a discerning shopper.. What to look for and what to avoid on this little clip. 

I’ll be taking more about how to shop smart at these sort of places on the upcoming blog as well. What’s been your experience at these stores? I have had good luck and bad and I think you have to be smart about what you choose and don’t fill a home with these things. 

I’d love to hear your thoughts on shopping there. 

#californiahomestyle #springhomedecor #homegoods #homegoodsfinds #homeaccesories #northerncalstyleblog
A little spring in the kitchen while another storm A little spring in the kitchen while another storm rages. Met a friend downtown and we had to dash as the storm hit and power was out minutes later. Stay safe everyone!
I thought I’d reshare our pool bath/powder room I thought I’d reshare our pool bath/powder room today as my builder @mikemccloudconstruction shared it too. I still love the way it came out! I had saved many inspiration pictures of how I wanted this to look. I was lucky Mike helped me make this happen. A good builder who listens and has ideas as well, helps so much. I’m sharing some of  the extra details up close. 

I loved this blue sort of organic watery tile for a pool bath. I also knew I wanted an open shelf for all the pool towels so people could grab them on the way out the door. The @serenaandlily mirror definitely has that nautical almost porthole, sort of look and picked up the unfinished oak color. I used an RH pendant light and the sink is Victoria and Albert. The counter is from a slab of @vadaraquartz that I spilt and used in the laundry as well as the boy’s bath. I choose an inexpensive cement tile for this space and the connecting laundry/mud room which works with drippy pool feet!  It’s been almost four years and all still looking great! 

DM me if anyone wants details I left out! I thought I did a post on this, but maybe not! I need to do that with all the baths. 

Hope you all have a good week and get some nature in the first day of spring! 

#californiaremodel #poolbath #poolbathroom #powderroom #serenaandlily #mikemccloudconstruction #northerncalstyle #lunabaytile #vadaraquartz
On the Weekend post.. Do you love toile? I adore i On the Weekend post.. Do you love toile? I adore it and I am sharing some pretty toile pieces, beautiful woven leather bags in fun colors, cute sweatshirts, a trench coat that stands out, the new book about the story of J.Crew, and more! 

Juliet and Elizabeth have great things to dive into this weekend too…

Stop on by our blogs- links as always, in our bios or stories:
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns

Have a great weekend! Hope you got a little sun while it was out. ☀️

#weekendpost #bayareablogger #paloalto #evereve #toile #cos #madewell #jcrewbook #northerncalifornia #californiastyle #trenchcoat
Do you stress about what to pack for getaways and Do you stress about what to pack for getaways and resort vacations? This month’s Signature Style is for you! Cindy and I are sharing our tips and favorite sources for warm weather looks.  You need a few good pieces like a great linen jacket, a swimsuit you love, a couple of coverups, and a pretty dress and you’re nearly ready. More ideas and suggestions on our blogs! 

Hope there is a sunny getaway in your future!☀️
As always links are in our bios and stories..
@northerncalstyle 
@cindyhattersley

#resortwear #resortdress #resortpacking #whattowearresort
Just a little clip of some of the stylish looks se Just a little clip of some of the stylish looks seen at the @bnpparibasopen . I always love to see how people mix it up including the guys! Nice to see so many cute looks and cool hats. Loved the Day Glo brights and florals the best. Hope you get some ideas if you are going to this tournament or doing something fun in the sun soon! ☀️

Thank you to all the sweet people who kindly let me share their looks ! 

Also, due to weather..the Signature Style resort dressing post with Cindy is postponed until tomorrow. Sorry I had no Internet here in Los Gatos yesterday and 89 mile an hour winds so I have been unable to work! Back at it today. Hope you all are doing okay after yesterday’s storm! 

#bnp #bnpparibasopen #tennisparadise #whattowearbnp #tennis #tournamentlooks #indianwells #northerncalstyle
How beautiful is this? We are the embodiment of lo How beautiful is this? We are the embodiment of love in our actions.  This is a wonderful account and @yung_pueblo ‘s book ‘Lighter’ is top of the NYTimes list too. 

Happy Monday. 💛
Are you watching the @bnpparibasopen ? I just got Are you watching the @bnpparibasopen ? I just got back from three whirlwind days with pals and we had a ball. It was so good to be in the sun and and warmth -with snow capped California mountains as a backdrop.  We went in the beginning part of the tournament which we always do, and got to see Andy Murray, Sabalenka, Zverev, Raducanu, and so many fantastic other players. We basically eat, slept and breathe tennis for two days straight and we loved it!  You can still catch play on the @tennischannel 🎾

I will share another Reel of all the stylish people.. Something about tennis brings out the sharpest dressers and there was excellent people watching. 

If you love tennis, this is a bucket list tournament. They call the fifth slam and it’s getting crazy popular so plan a year ahead of you want to go. We reserved our hotel that was walking distance a year ago. More tips on my BNP post that I update each year. 
Link in bio! 

#tennisparadise #bnpparibasopen #indianwellstennisgarden #bnp #bnptips  #andymurray #zverev #raducanu #sabalenka #tennis #californiatennis #discoverpage #tennislove #tennisgirl
I separated the sectional and sort of like it apar I separated the sectional and sort of like it apart. This RH couch is a LOT of maintenance and can look pretty deflated after a weekend of hanging out. In hindsight, I’d buy a couch that does not require so much fluffing and cushion alternating. I snapped this pic because it was one of the times I had the pillows looking nice on it. You also need a lot of pillows to not get swallowed up by it. I call it the great white.

The local RH actually has a cleaning team that steams and fluffs their couch and I’ve seen them before the shop opens. I found it hard to get reviews on this couch before buying because RH does not have them online and if you notice they don’t do social media… so I’m just putting it out there. I will share what I love here,but I think it helps to be transparent about what is a disappointment too. 

#rhcloud #whitecouches #livingroom #californiahomestyle #thecaliforniahouse #cloudcouch #restorationhardware
The weekend post is up and I’m sharing things on The weekend post is up and I’m sharing things on my radar this week -like cute ballet flats and a darling spring bag, an eye brightner with sunscreen, and cool readers. Also the new head of design at J.Crew @olympiamarie and her fun account with styling inspiration and vintage J. Crew gems. Plus what to do with those tangelos, and lemon almond scones.

It’s all on the blog! 

Don’t forget to stop by Juliet and Elizabeth’s..our blogs- links as always, in our bios or stories:
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns
Have you ever made a rustic style scone? These are Have you ever made a rustic style scone? These are the only kind I’ve ever made and it all started when I had one in Paris at the @rosebakeryparis years ago. My sweet mom later bought me their cookbook. I was thrilled and have made scones with their fantastic recipe ever since. 

I was missing my mom and thinking about her as today is her birthday, (actually tomorrow she was a Leap Year baby) and made these yesterday.  She also loved lemon so I tried a variation adding Meyer Lemon zest and juice and lots of almonds and it was SO good!  These are a great treat for a rainy afternoon with tea. ☕️ Recipe is on my story.. and I’ll add it to my cookery highlight. The Breakfast Lunch Tea book from Rose Bakery is a treasure if you can still get it with many delicious recipes using whole grains and healthy ingredients. 

It’s raining cats here! Def scone weather!

#sconeday #sconerecipe #rosebakeryparis #breakfastlunchtea #teatime #sconehome #lemonalmondscones
Daffodils.. so much spring packed into a tiny flow Daffodils.. so much spring packed into a tiny flower. Loving these $1.99 bunches at @traderjoes and seeing the little guys on my walks too. 💛 

We have more storms this week! Winter 2023 is feeling very long to this Californian.

Copyright © 2023 · Northern California Style· Blog Design by Little Blue Deer