Oriental Noodle Salad

Oriental Noodle Salad Recipe - Delicious Asian Dish

Region / culture: Asia | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

This Oriental Noodle Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines rice noodles with a variety of colorful vegetables and a zesty orange dressing. It's perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue.

History

The origins of this recipe can be traced back to traditional Asian cuisine, where noodles are a staple ingredient in many dishes. The combination of fresh vegetables and a citrusy dressing is a common theme in Asian salads, making this recipe a delicious and healthy option for any occasion.

Ingredients

0.67 package (12 oz (340 g) size) rice noodles
2 cups snow peas, steamed
2 cups sliced red bell pepper
2 medium oranges, peeled, cut into segments
1 cup sliced mushrooms
0.5 cup fresh, or canned, bean sprouts, rinsed and drained
0.33 cup orange juice
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
0.5 tsp five-spice powder
0.25 tsp salt
0.25 tsp pepper

How to prepare

Place the noodles in a large bowl and pour boiling water over them to cover.
Let the noodles stand until they separate and become tender, which should take about 10 minutes. Then, drain them.
Allow the noodles to cool.
In a large bowl, combine the noodles, snow peas, bell pepper, oranges, mushrooms, and bean sprouts.
In a separate container, combine the orange juice and the remaining ingredients. Pour this mixture over the noodle mixture and toss everything together.

Variations

Add grilled shrimp or tofu for a protein boost.
Swap out the orange juice for lime juice for a tangier flavor.
Include shredded cabbage or carrots for added crunch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to rinse the rice noodles with cold water after cooking to prevent them from sticking together.

- You can customize this salad by adding your favorite vegetables or protein, such as grilled chicken or tofu.

- For a spicier kick, add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the dressing.

Serving Suggestions

This salad can be served as a main dish for a light lunch or dinner, or as a side dish alongside grilled meats or seafood.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to steam the snow peas until they are bright green and tender-crisp for the best texture.

- Toss the salad gently to avoid breaking the delicate rice noodles.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.

- Substitute honey or maple syrup for the sugar in the dressing for a natural sweetener.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Just toss with the dressing right before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the salad with chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, or fresh herbs for a pop of color and texture.

Pairing Recommendations

This Oriental Noodle Salad pairs well with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Serve with a side of steamed jasmine rice for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Enjoy cold or at room temperature.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Oriental Noodle Salad contains approximately 250 calories, making it a light and satisfying meal option.

Carbohydrates

This Oriental Noodle Salad is a great source of carbohydrates, with the rice noodles and fresh vegetables providing a healthy dose of energy for your day.

Fats

The olive oil in the dressing adds a healthy dose of monounsaturated fats, which are good for heart health and can help lower cholesterol levels.

Proteins

While this salad is primarily a vegetable-based dish, you can easily add protein by including grilled chicken, tofu, or edamame beans.

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is packed with vitamins and minerals from the fresh vegetables, including vitamin C from the bell peppers and oranges, and potassium from the mushrooms and snow peas.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy from the bean sprouts, and gluten from the rice noodles. Be sure to check for any other allergens based on your specific dietary needs.

Summary

Overall, this Oriental Noodle Salad is a nutritious and delicious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

This Oriental Noodle Salad is a light and refreshing dish that is perfect for a summer meal or as a side dish for a barbecue. Packed with fresh vegetables and a zesty orange dressing, it's a healthy and delicious option for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Oriental Noodle Salad. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Anna at her cozy little cottage by the lake. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the most amazing aroma wafting from her kitchen. Curious, I wandered over to see what she was cooking.

Anna was standing over a large mixing bowl, tossing together a colorful array of ingredients. Noodles, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing were all being carefully combined to create a dish that looked both beautiful and delicious. I couldn't help but ask her what she was making.

"Oh, this is just a little something I picked up during my travels in Asia," Anna said with a smile. "It's an Oriental Noodle Salad, and it's one of my favorite recipes to make on a hot day like this."

I watched as Anna finished preparing the salad and eagerly accepted a bowlful to try. With the first bite, I was hooked. The flavors were so vibrant and the textures so satisfying. I knew right then and there that I needed to learn how to make this dish for myself.

Over the next few days, Anna graciously taught me the ins and outs of making her Oriental Noodle Salad. She showed me how to cook the noodles just right so they were tender but still had a bit of bite. She explained the importance of using fresh, crunchy vegetables to add a pop of color and flavor to the dish. And she shared her secret dressing recipe, a blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of honey for sweetness.

As I practiced making the salad in my own kitchen, I couldn't help but think back on the memories of my own travels and the recipes I had picked up along the way. From the spicy curries of India to the hearty stews of Ireland, each dish held a special place in my heart. And now, thanks to Anna, the Oriental Noodle Salad was joining the ranks of my favorite recipes.

Years passed, and I continued to make the salad for family gatherings, potlucks, and just for myself on lazy summer afternoons. Each time I prepared it, I found myself transported back to that warm day at Anna's cottage, the scent of fresh ingredients filling the air and the taste of the salad bringing back memories of shared laughter and good times.

But as with all things in life, change was inevitable. Anna moved away to be closer to her family, and I found myself missing her presence in my life. The Oriental Noodle Salad became a bittersweet reminder of our friendship and the good times we had shared together.

One day, as I was preparing the salad for a family barbecue, my granddaughter came into the kitchen and asked me what I was making. I smiled at her and told her the story of how I had learned to make the Oriental Noodle Salad from my dear friend Anna all those years ago.

"Would you like to help me make it?" I asked, extending an invitation for her to join me in the kitchen.

Her eyes lit up with excitement, and she eagerly nodded her head. Together, we cooked the noodles, chopped the vegetables, and whisked together the dressing. As we sat down to enjoy the salad, I watched as my granddaughter took her first bite and savored the flavors on her palate.

"This is delicious, Grandma!" she exclaimed with a smile.

I felt a swell of pride in my chest as I realized that I had passed down not just a recipe, but a piece of my own history to the next generation. The Oriental Noodle Salad had become more than just a dish to me – it was a symbol of friendship, love, and the joy of sharing good food with those you care about.

And as I sat there with my granddaughter, enjoying the flavors of the salad and the warmth of her company, I knew that the recipe for Oriental Noodle Salad would continue to be a cherished part of our family for years to come.