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Fresh Yuzu Poppy Seed Pasta Salad

Fresh Yuzu Poppy Seed Pasta Salad - featured image
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A light, refreshing pasta salad featuring a tangy yuzu poppy seed dressing, crunchy snap peas, and toasted sesame seeds. Perfect for quick summer lunches or easy dinner sides.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 g) short pasta like rotini or penne
  • 1 cup snap peas, trimmed and halved
  • 3 tablespoons yuzu juice (fresh or bottled)
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool and prevent sticking. Drain well and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  2. Blanch the snap peas: In the same boiling water, cook snap peas for 1 to 2 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Remove and plunge into ice water to stop cooking. Drain and add to the pasta bowl.
  3. Toast the sesame seeds: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add sesame seeds and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
  4. Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together yuzu juice, mayonnaise, honey, white wine vinegar, poppy seeds, toasted sesame oil, salt, and pepper until smooth and emulsified.
  5. Combine the salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta and snap peas. Add sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Gently toss until evenly coated.
  6. Chill and serve: Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. Toss again before plating. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; al dente texture is best. Blanch snap peas briefly and plunge into ice water to keep crunch. Toast sesame seeds carefully to avoid burning. Dressing can be made ahead and stored. For vegan version, substitute mayonnaise with vegan mayo and honey with maple syrup. Gluten-free pasta can be used.

Nutrition

Keywords: yuzu pasta salad, poppy seed dressing, snap peas, toasted sesame, summer salad, healthy pasta salad, easy pasta salad

Find it online: https://sunnysavory.com/fresh-yuzu-poppy-seed-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-healthy-snap-pea-side-dish/