Szechuan Peanut-Noodle Salad

A great tasting Asian flavored pasta salad. If you can't serve immediately, combine pasta and sauce and toss with the vegetables just before serving.

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 1 (16 ounce) package linguine or 1 (16 ounce) package spaghetti
• 2 1⁄2 teaspoons salt
• 4  ounces snow peas, strings removed
• 1⁄2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1  tablespoon  grated peeled fresh ginger
• 1⁄4 cup soy sauce
• 2  tablespoons white distilled vinegar
• 2  teaspoons  sesame oil
• 1⁄4 teaspoon  hot pepper sauce
• 1  small cucumber, peeled, seeded, and cut into matchstick size strips
• 1⁄4 cup  dry roasted peanuts
• 1  green onion, chopped

Directions

1. In a large saucepan, cook linguine as directed on package, using 2 teaspoons salt.
2. Meanwhile, in another saucepan, combine 1 inch water and snow peas; heat to boiling over high heat.
3. Reduce heat and simmer 2 minutes; drain.
4. Rinse with cold running water; drain.
5. Cut snow peas lengthwise into 1/4-inch wide matchstick strips and set aside.
6. Drain linguine, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water.
7. To prepare dressing: In large bowl, with wire whisk, mix peanut butter, ginger, reserved pasta water, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and hot pepper sauce until smooth.
8. Add linguine to dressing in bowl and toss to coat.
9. Add snow peas and cucumber; toss to combine.
10. To serve, sprinkle with peanuts and green onions.