Say hello to lunch for the next few days! A reeeeeal tasty one. She’s beyond stupendous right out of the the fridge. I took forkful upon forkful when I was snappin’ pics. If you love my Tuna Pasta Salad, Bow Tie Pasta Salad, and Southwestern Pasta Salad, you’ll be obsessed with this divine pasta salad too! There’s SO much color, flavor, crunch, and creaminess here. Satisfaction city. Everything you could want and more for a fun pasta salad, truly! This would be a potluck slam dunk. It’s also perfect for dinner paired with whatever protein you fancy. And you can make it your own! Use pre-shredded or chopped veggies for ease, add broccoli, play with the herbs. We got this!
How to make Thai pasta salad
Key ingredients and tips
The ingredient list may look lengthy, but don’t be intimidated! The dressing comes together super quickly. You can use prepped veggies like shredded carrot to make it even easier.
Pasta: I like bow tie because it feels so right for pasta salad. I love the taste and texture of regular pasta here, but you can use any kind you like! Whole grain, gluten free or chickpea pasta are other good options. Corn: A nice pop of sweetness. You can omit this but I love the flavor and texture it adds, especially fire roasted. You can also do raw right off the cob! Peppers and carrots: For color and extra veggie goodness. If you’re not into peppers, use your favorite veggies. Cabbage: To bulk up the salad and add great crunch. You can use purple or white, but I prefer purple for color. Tahini: Luscious creaminess for our dressing. You could also use almond or peanut butter. Lime: Gorgeous brightness! Soy sauce: For some umami and saltiness. Herbs: Cilantro and a basil add a beautiful pop of green and refreshing flavor. Ginger and garlic: A mega flavor boost for our dressing. Nuts: I love roasted salted cashews or peanuts for crunch. Sunflower seeds would be great for nut free.
Which pasta is best?
You can truly go wild here. Penne, rotini, cavatappi…whatever medium size pasta shape floats your boat. You can go whole grain or gluten free. Try chickpea pasta for an extra protein punch! (Although if I’m honest, I’m totally partial to regular pasta in pasta salad).
Add-in ideas
Edamame: A great plant protein boost that’s super easy, Baked tofu or chicken: Make it a filling meal by adding tofu or rotisserie chicken like my hubby did. Grilled shrimp or salmon: Serve this pasta salad with your favorite seafood for a complete meal!
How to store
Since there’s water in the sauce, I found this salad lasts up to three days in the refrigerator.
More yummy pasta ideas
Creamy Vegetable Pasta Soup Best Vegan Lasagna Creamy Butternut and Goat Cheese Pasta
It’s a pasta party, people! You’re all invited.
¼ cup water 3 tbsp tahini 1 ½ tbsp toasted sesame oil 1 lime, juiced 1 ½ tsp soy sauce, to taste 1 tsp ground ginger 1 garlic clove, minced 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey ¼ tsp red pepper flakes ¾ tsp fine sea salt, more to taste
