Sesame Spinach Pasta Salad
I originally obtained this recipe from my best friend Renee’s Sister-in-Law. I misplaced the original, and now I’m not sure how much it has changed – but it’s damn good!
8 oz. rotelle pasta (or whatever you like)
1/4 cup sesame oil
1/4 cup sesame seeds
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (or more to taste)
1 tbs. mirin
3 tbs. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
3 – 4 cups fresh spinach leaves, chopped (in this case, from my garden…it’s a small amount, so it works for a small harvest)
1. Prepare pasta according to directions on box; allow to cool.
2. In a small saucepan, heat sesame oil over medium heat, then add sesame seeds. Toast until golden brown; allow to cool.
3. Meanwhile, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, goat cheese, mirin, sugar, salt and pepper.
4. Once pasta and sesame seeds have cooled thoroughly, combine in a large bowl with soy sauce mixture. Add spinach and combine thoroughly. Serve!
Melissa, that sounds amazing. But, I don’t have mirin, what can I replace it with?
Elyse,
Leaving the mirin out doesn’t completely change the flavor – try it without and while it will have a slightly different tang, it’ll still be to-die-for-delicious!
Melissa
I just went and bought the mirin, it wasn’t too bad.
I made it and it is so good. Travis loves it. I added chicken to it. What do I do about the spinach, won’t it get soggy? But, it is wonderfu!! You are an excellent cook.
Making this for Davey’s graduation party!
This does sound very intriguing.