Chinese Spaghetti Salad

Chinese Spaghetti Salad is a delicious, mildly spicy spaghetti salad treat that your family can enjoy all year around, but is especially refreshing in the spring and summer. This easy to prepare recipe combines spaghetti, fresh vegetables and seasonings to create a delicious side-dish or meal! This recipe serves 4 to 6.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup soy sauce regular or low sodium
• 1/4 - 1/3 cup Italian dressing
• 2 teaspoon sesame seed oil
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ginger, grated
• Pinch of salt to taste
• Pinch of chili flakes to taste

• 1 package spaghetti
• 1 bunch asparagus, approximately 8-10 stalks, cleaned and cut into 3 inch long pieces
• 2 medium uncooked tomatoes, sliced in wedges
• 1/4 cup green onions uncooked, diced
• 1 can pitted black olives, sliced

Preparation

1. To make spaghetti noodles, bring large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Sprinkle with salt. Place in noodles, stirring occasionally to separate. Boil approximately 8 minutes, or according to package, until noodles are al dente. During final 2 minutes of boiling, toss in asparagus pieces.

   *Preparation Tip: Spaghetti preparation time may vary. See packaging for appropriate amount of time needed to properly cook noodles.



2. Remove noodles and asparagus from heat. Drain all water, and place noodles and asparagus in large bowl to cool.


3. Add splash of olive oil to noodles to prevent sticking. Set aside, and let cool completely.


4. In small bowl combine all ingredients for dressing. Divide dressing in half.



5. Toss cooled noodles and remaining ingredients for salad with half of dressing mixture. Refrigerate at least 3 hours.

   *Preparation Tip: Set aside small portion of green onions to use as garnish before serving.



6. Remove from refrigerator. Right before serving, toss with remaining dressing mix. Serve cold.

Variations

• Add 1/2 cup diced uncooked carrots.
• Add 1 cup cooked, cleaned shrimp or one cup diced, cooked chicken.
• Flavor to taste with soy sauce.
• Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
• Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.