Tag: Asian

Cool Peanut Penne

cool peanut penne recipe

Yesterday on makeyourbestself.com, a self help website I contribute to, I discussed my feelings on carbs and why I believe that even simple carbs can be part of a healthy diet. The key point I stress is balance. You can read the article here. Today’s recipe is another great balanced recipe with ample plant based protein, healthy fat, and of course, carbs. This cool peanut penne would be an awesome dish to bring as a side dish to summer parties and makes a delicious vegan option as well. I used the same peanut sauce as the one featured in my spicy peanut zoodles recipe. If you would prefer to use a zoodle (zucchini noodle) instead of pasta, that recipe is perfect.

 

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Cool Peanut Penne

Yield: 6-8 servings

Serving Size: 1 c

Ingredients

  • 4 c penne pasta, dry
  • 1 c shredded carrots
  • 1 c edamame beans, thawed if frozen
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds, lightly toasted
  • 1 c cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1 handful cilantro, chopped
  • For peanut sauce
  • 5 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 2 tbsp chili paste
  • 4 tbsp peanut butter, I used crunchy

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to package.
  2. While pasta cooks, prepare vegetables and toppings.
  3. In a small bowl whisk together ingredients for peanut sauce.
  4. Strain pasta, toss with half of peanut sauce and refrigerate 30 minutes.
  5. Add veggies, and the rest of the peanut sauce and mix well. Chill until serving. Garnish with sesame seeds and cilantro.
http://freshandfit.org/cool-peanut-penne/

Cucumber & Carrot Salad with Sesame Lime Dressing

cucumber carrot 2

Today is very rainy and humid in our area. The sun is supposed to pop out later today just in time for dinner. We are planning to BBQ, so I made this asian inspired ‘Cucumber & Carrot Salad with Sesame Lime Dressing’ to go with our grilled chicken. It is very easy to put together and full of nutrient rich ingredients. The dressing has that rich nutty aroma and flavor from the toasted sesame oil and a nice acidity from the lime juice.

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Cucumber & Carrot Salad with Sesame Lime Dressing

Cucumber & Carrot Salad with Sesame Lime Dressing

Ingredients

  • 3 carrots, julienned
  • 1 cucumber, peeled lengthwise with a vegetable peeler into ribbons
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted
  • 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • juice of 1 lime
  • 1 handful of cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. combine carrots and cucumber in a medium bowl.
  2. whisk together lime juice and sesame oil. Pour over carrot and cucumber mixture.
  3. In a small pan, heat sesame seeds on low heat and heat until seeds turn light golden. remove from heat immediately.
  4. Garnish salad with sesame seeds and cilantro
http://freshandfit.org/cucumber-carrot-salad-sesame-lime-dressing/

Asian Chopped Salad

I have always loved the Asian slaw that comes on the side of many dishes at restaurants. This salad recipe turns the popular side into the main event.  By adding hearty chopped vegetables and spice rubbed grilled chicken, this Asian chopped salad can stand on it’s own or be a main entree for lunch or dinner.

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Asian Chopped Salad with Spice Rubbed Chicken and Peanut Vinaigrette

2 C Chopped Kale
1 C Cucumber ribbons (use potato peeler or mandolin)
1 C Carrot ribbons
1 C Shaved Brussel Sprouts
2 C Shredded Cabbage

(optional) handful of chopped Cilantro

unnamed

For Chicken

1-2 Chicken breasts
1 TBSP Turmeric
1 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper

Grill chicken and slice thinly
Peanut Vinaigrette

1/3 C Creamy Peanut Butter
1/3 C Toasted Sesame Seed Oil
1/3 C Red Wine Vinegar
1/4 C Coconut Aminos
1 TBSP Grated Ginger

 

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