Cold Sesame Noodle Salad With Spicy Peanut Dressing

• 1 lb linguine, cooked until al dente and drained
• 1/4 cup toasted sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, peeled and grated
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter (don't use natural)
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 teaspoons light brown sugar
• 1 cup snow peas, strings removed
• 6 scallions, white parts, thinly sliced on the diagonal
• 4 carrots, cut into matchsticks (2 cups)
• 1/4 cup peanuts, dry-roasted, chopped
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted

1. Cook and drain pasta, toss with 1 T. of the sesame oil. **Do-Ahead Tip: cover and refrigerate for up to 8 hours.
2. In a blender or food processor, process together the remaining 1 T. sesame oil, vegetable oil, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, peanut butter, vinegar, and brown sugar until smooth. Taste for soy and sugar. **Do-Ahead Tip: refrigerate up to 3 days. Let come to room temperature and whisk before using.
3. Microwave the snow peas on High or plunge into boiling water for 1 minute. Shock in ice water, pat dry, and cut in half on the diagonal. **Can omit this step if they are young and tender.
4. Add the snow peas, scallions, carrots, 2 T. of the peanuts, and 1 T. of the sesame seeds to the linguine. Pour half of the dressing over the salad and toss to coat. **Do-Ahead Tip: cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours.
5. One hour before serving, remove the salad from the refrigerator and toss with more dressing if needed. Garnish with the remaining 2 T. of peanuts and 1 T. of sesame seeds.
6. Note from contributor - I omit the 2 T. vegetable oil and use water in it's place. The dressing is a bit thinner, but healthier. Additions I enjoy: 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, several radishes - slivered, red pepper flakes for some "heat", and chopped red pepper for their vitamins and a splash of color.

linguine, sesame oil, vegetable oil, garlic, fresh ginger, soy sauce, peanut butter, rice vinegar, light brown sugar, snow peas, scallions, carrots, peanuts, sesame seeds

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/cold-sesame-noodle-salad-with-spicy-peanut-dressing-412468 (may not work)