Chinese Noodle Salad

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.