Sesame, Snow Pea, and Shiitake Pasta Salad
Two kinds of green peas, sesame, ginger, and soy give this earthy pasta salad bold flavor.

Ingredients
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Kosher salt
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1/2 pound dried rolled, tubular pasta (such as cavatelli or strozzapreti)
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1/2 cup frozen baby green peas
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40 fresh snow peas (4 to 5 ounces), trimmed
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3 tablespoons vegetable oil
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1 cup thinly sliced yellow onion
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1/2 pound shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and sliced 1/4 inch thick (about 3 cups)
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1 teaspoon minced garlic
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1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
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Freshly ground black pepper
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4 teaspoons soy sauce
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1 tablespoons rice vinegar
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2 teaspoons Asian sesame oil
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1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar
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1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions (white and green parts)
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2 tablespoons toasted white sesame seeds
Directions
1.
Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until barely al dente, about 1 minute less than package timing. Add the green peas and cook for about 30 seconds. Add the snow peas, stir, and immediately drain the vegetables and pasta in a colander set in the sink. Rinse with cool water to stop the cooking. Drain well, toss with 1 Tbs. of the vegetable oil, and set aside.
2.
Heat 1 Tbs. of the vegetable oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, shiitake, garlic, ginger, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and a few grinds of pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are opaque and the mushrooms have released their juices, 3 to 4 minutes--don't let the vegetables brown. Remove the pan from the heat, transfer the vegetables and any juices to a small bowl, and let cool to room temperature.
3.
In another small bowl, whisk the remaining 1 Tbs. vegetable oil with the soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, and sugar.
4.
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta and vegetables, scallions, and 1 tablespoon of the sesame seeds. Toss with the dressing and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve at room temperature, garnished with the remaining sesame seeds.
Make Ahead:
You can prepare the salad up to 2 hours ahead.
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