Asian Sesame Noodle Salad

I started making this salad a couple of summers ago and it was love at first taste.  It combines all the wonderful asian cuisine flavors I have come to love such as tamari, fresh ginger root, and peanut; culminating into one fantastic salad!

Ingredients

PEANUT DRESSING

• 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
• 1/4 cup tamari ( or use soy sauce)
• 1/3 cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons peeled fresh ginger, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 3 teaspoons honey
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed chili pepper flakes ( or to taste)

NOODLE SALAD

• 3/4 lb linguine ( or use vermicelli or thin spaghetti)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper and 1 yellow pepper, seeded and cut into thin strips
• 1 cup of sliced carrots
• 2-3 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

Directions

1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until tender; drain and rinse well under COLD water, then toss with 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, transfer to a large bowl, then add in the red bell pepper and green onions.
2. Using a food processor or blender puree all the dressing ingredients until smooth (about 2 minutes).
3. Just before serving pour the dressing over the cooked pasta and veggies, then add in the toasted sesame seeds; toss well to combine.

Source:  Adapted from Food.com