Thai Noodle Salad

Here is the recipe I promised earlier to the ladies who attended cooking class last week. This cool, refreshing Asian salad is perfect with just about anything. If you want to make a meal out of it, you can toss some grilled shrimp or chicken, which will make a perfect summer dinner for your whole family.


Here is a nifty gadget called Japanese Mandolin Slicer. You can purchase it on Amazon.com or at the Han Me Korean Market for less than $30. But first the WARNING! It is not the safest kitchen tool for a beginner cook. The blade is extremely sharp and if you are not careful, you can easily cut your hand.


On the other hand, when you get used to this slicer, it makes the quickest and prettiest julienne cuts! There are three interchangeable blades with varying thickness. And for my poached salmon (click for photos), I use this indispensable tool to slice cucumbers paper thin to adhere to the body.


But remember, cooking is suppose to be fun. If you are hesitant to try julienne cuts by hand or with the mandolin slicer, get a package of already julienne carrots in the store for now. No sweating, OK?


Thai Noodle Salad
Serves 8-10 as a side dish

1 pound of linguini, broken in half then cooked and drained, put 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to prevent from sticking.

4 Sprigs of green onions, julienne
1 Red bell pepper, cored, julienne (Tricolor peppers are beautiful, too)
2 Carrots, peeled, julienne
2 Cucumbers, seeded, julienne

2 Jalapeno Peppers, seeded, julienne (*see note below)
1 bunch Cilantro, leaves only
1/4 C toasted sesame seeds (divided)
1/4 C toasted almond slivers (divided)

Dressing (can be made up to 5 days ahead)
1/2 C fresh lemon juice
1/2 C soy sauce
3 Tablespoon Chili Oil**
3 Tablespoon Sesame Oil
1 tsp Sugar
2 tsp Red Pepper flakes**

Pasta can be cooked and veggies prepped up to two days ahead. Place all vegetables, pasta, half of almond and sesame seeds in a large mixing bowl. Up to half and hour before serving, mix all the ingredients well with the dressing. Garnish with remaining almond slivers and sesame seeds. Serve.

*Wear latex gloves when seeding and slicing Jalapeno peppers. Oil in these peppers are very potent and can cause severe burning in your fingers and hands!!!
**If you are serving this to children, reduce or omit chili oil and substitute the same quantity with sesame oil.