Composed Asian Noodle Platter

• 4 ounces Asian rice vermicelli or bean thread noodles
• 3 to 4 ounces baby spinach, long stems removed if desired
• 3 stalks bok choy, with leaves, thinly sliced
• 1 cup thinly shredded red cabbage
• 3/4 cup Coconut-Peanut Sauce or Salad Dressing (page 215), or as needed
• 1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro
• 3 to 4 scallions, green parts only, thinly sliced
• One 8-ounce package White Wave Thai baked tofu, cut into thin strips
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into short, narrow strips
• 1/4 cup peanut halves, optional

1. In a heatproof container, cover the noodles with very hot water.
2. Cover the dish and let the noodles soak for 15 to 20 minutes or until al dente, then drain.
3. Rinse under cool water, then drain well again.
4. Cut the noodles in several directions to shorten (kitchen shears work well for this).
5. Meanwhile, combine the spinach, bok choy, and cabbage in a mixing bowl.
6. Spread on a large serving platter.
7. Combine the cooked noodles with 1/2 cup of the peanut sauce, the cilantro, and half of the scallions.
8. Toss together.
9. To arrange the salad, mound the noodle mixture in the center of the vegetables, leaving about 3 inches of the vegetables showing all around.
10. Arrange a neat pile of half of the tofu on one side of the vegetables, and the other half opposite.
11. Do the same with the pepper.
12. Scatter the remaining scallions over the top, followed by the optional peanuts.
13. Pass the salad around with salad tongs for grabbing the salad components.
14. Pass additional dressing for everyone to use as desired.
15. A light soup is a good introduction to this centerpiece salad.
16. Fresh Tomato-Coconut Soup (page 39) is a nice summer selection, and for cooler weather, try Miso Soup with Sweet Potatoes and Watercress (page 36).
17. Calories: 228
18. Total Fat: 11g
19. Protein: 13g
20. Carbohydrates: 38g
21. Fiber: 4g
22. Sodium: 445mg

rice vermicelli, baby spinach, choy, red cabbage, coconutpeanut sauce, fresh cilantro, scallions, red bell pepper, peanut halves

Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/composed-asian-noodle-platter-390529 (may not work)