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
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.
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…
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.
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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!!!
Yes totally and makes enough for a few nights… Loved your grilled shrimp with the beautiful tomatoes. have to try that!! xx
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!!
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
LOOKS GREAT KIM………and you are using the RIGHT PASTA!
XXX
Isn’t it the best?? Elizabeth you can tell the difference. I am picky about pasta. I won’t just use any kind. xo
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!
Thanks Sheri! Really can’t wait to try the cauliflower salad in many ways!
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
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
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!
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!
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
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
Can you make this salad printable?
The recipe I mean Haha
Lol I know what you meant! xx
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
Lindsey it’s printable now!! So sorry for the delay. I was in a learning phase with this stuff.. x Kim
Hello Kim,
Could you share the color of your kitchen cabinets? Thank you.
Hi sure they are painted Winter White by Benjamin Moore!
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
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.