I must love this kind of salad, because I've made quite a few versions. This is Nigella Lawson's version from Nigella Express, a cookbook full of simple, straightforward recipes. This recipe makes a big bowl of noodles that should carry over into the weekend. Feel free to change the ingredients as you see fit. The original recipe didn't include radishes, but since they are one of my favorite vegetables, I included them. The recipe uses peanut butter, but you can omit that and use tahini, or just go with a soy vinaigrette. I didn't use precise measuring, just eyeballed everything and dumped it in together. This is a good recipe, delicious, healthy, and pleasing to the eye.
This is my submission to Presto Pasta Night, which was started by the wonderful Ruth at Once Upon A Feast. Each Friday Ruth has a recap of wonderful pasta recipes from bloggers from all over the world. So, do stop by and check it out.
SESAME PEANUT NOODLES
(Nigella Express)
Serves -6 8
THE DRESSING:
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon garlic-infused oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1/3 cup smooth peanut butter
2 tablespoons lime juice
FOR THE SALAD:
1-1/4 pounds cooked noodles, ( I used wide cut Chinese noodles, but use what you want)
2 cups bean sprouts, rinsed
1-1/2 cups snow peas, whole or cut in half or strips
1 red pepper, seeded and cut into small strips
2-4 scallions, finely sliced
1/2 cup sluced radishes
1/4 cup sesame seeds (You could substitute chopped peanuts)
1/4 heaping cup chopped fresh cilantro
Whisk together all the dressing ingredients in a bowl or small pitcher.
Put the noodles, bean sprouts, snow peas, radishes, sliced red pepper and scallions into a bowl.
Pour over the dressing and mix thoroughly to coat everything well. Sprinkle with the sesame seeds and cilantro.
I really enjoy pasta with peanut sauce as well. This one looks tasty!
Posted by: Kevin | March 06, 2008 at 04:12 PM
frankly I am a bit lukewarm to Nigella, but after seeing your wonderful interpretation of her recipes, I think I'll like her. I had something similar to your noodle salad before, that was marvallous, so as yours for sure!
Posted by: gattina | March 06, 2008 at 11:57 PM
Nummers! But ixnay on the ilantrosay!
Posted by: Jenn | March 07, 2008 at 04:10 AM
I'll definitely try this with tahini, as I've just opened a new tin!
Posted by: Lydia (The Perfect Pantry) | March 07, 2008 at 04:45 AM
Mmmm! And so pretty!
Posted by: anne | March 07, 2008 at 05:58 AM
All I have to say is ...slurp, slurp! That's me drooling at the gorgeous photos, thinking Spring and trying not to whimper because it's not here yet.
Thanks for sharing with Presto Pasta Nights. What a great dish!
Posted by: Ruth | March 07, 2008 at 07:01 AM
I make Mark Bitman's version of this salad from How to Cook Everything. Well, except that I add chicken, snow peas, cucumber, carrots, green onion, and bell pepper, while I think he only adds the green onion. :) But anyway. Yours looks great and radishes sound like a good idea to me!
Posted by: Debbie | March 07, 2008 at 08:23 AM
I make Mark Bitman's version of this salad from How to Cook Everything. Well, except that I add chicken, snow peas, cucumber, carrots, green onion, and bell pepper, while I think he only adds the green onion. :) But anyway. Yours looks great and radishes sound like a good idea to me!
Posted by: Debbie | March 07, 2008 at 08:23 AM
sher, this looks delicious. Do you think I could make this with soba noodles?
Posted by: mandira | March 07, 2008 at 09:27 AM
That looks so good! I have never made anything by Nigella and only saw her show for the first time last week. May have to see if I can borrow this cookbook from the library to do a test run! Thanks for sharing your interpretation of the recipe.
Posted by: patsyk | March 07, 2008 at 09:59 AM
This dish has my mouth watering!
Posted by: Deborah | March 07, 2008 at 10:24 AM
Really I know what you mean about infinite varieties of this dish. It is the sauce, luxurious peanuty goodness...everything else is bonus.
Posted by: Callipygia | March 07, 2008 at 04:06 PM
i love these dishes too - will be so good cold the next day! looks delish :)
Posted by: aria | March 08, 2008 at 06:04 AM
I love this kind of salad and am constantly on the lookout for new recipes. I will have to try this...it looks delicious!
Posted by: kate | March 08, 2008 at 08:19 AM
I love peanut sauce on pasta! I'll make this for dinner tomorrow night :)
Posted by: Teresa | March 09, 2008 at 09:30 PM
Yum - we LOVE seasame oil! looks great with the radishes...
Posted by: Boston Chef | March 13, 2008 at 08:28 AM
I've made this twice now. I really like it - the radishes are a great crunchy addition!
Posted by: Laura | September 15, 2011 at 02:32 PM