Spicy Cashew Pasta Salad (Printable Version)
Pasta tossed with creamy cashew dressing, crisp veggies, and herbs for a quick, savory meal.
# Ingredients:
→ Cashew Dressing
01 -
1/2 cup cashews, soaked in boiling water for 5 minutes
02 -
1/4 cup olive oil
03 -
2 tablespoons cool water, more if needed for consistency
04 -
2 tablespoons soy sauce
05 -
2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
06 -
1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
07 -
1 tablespoon agave nectar, can substitute maple syrup
08 -
2 teaspoons sesame oil
09 -
2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
10 -
1 teaspoon sriracha
11 -
Juice of 1 lime
12 -
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
13 -
1/4 teaspoon salt, more to taste if needed
→ Pasta Salad
14 -
1/2 cup spicy cashew dressing
15 -
1/2 pound pasta, cooked
16 -
1/2 cup cucumbers, diced
17 -
1/2 cup tomatoes, diced
18 -
1/2 cup cabbage, shredded
19 -
1/2 cup crunchy chow mein noodles, to be added when serving
20 -
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
21 -
1/4 cup slivered almonds
22 -
1/4 cup green onions, sliced
# Steps:
01 -
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
02 -
Soak the cashews in boiling water for at least 5 minutes to soften. For smoother consistency, soak them in the fridge for at least 1 hour. Drain the soaked cashews and blend them with olive oil, water, soy sauce, cilantro, nutritional yeast, agave nectar, sesame oil, ginger, sriracha, lime juice, red pepper flakes, and salt until smooth. Add more water 1 tablespoon at a time for desired consistency.
03 -
Wash and prep all vegetables by dicing cucumbers, tomatoes, shredding cabbage, and chopping cilantro.
04 -
In a large serving bowl, mix the cooked pasta with diced cucumbers, tomatoes, shredded cabbage, green onions, cilantro, almonds, and desired amount of cashew dressing.
05 -
Add the crunchy chow mein noodles to the salad just before serving to maintain their crisp texture.
# Notes:
01 -
If storing the salad in the refrigerator, note that the pasta will absorb some of the dressing. Add additional dressing when serving if needed.
02 -
Do not add the crunchy chow mein noodles until ready to serve to prevent them from becoming soggy.