Angel Hair Pasta Salad Recipe

Wow your taste buds with this incredibly easy and impressive Angel Hair Pasta Salad! Ready in just 20 minutes, this vibrant salad combines delicate angel hair pasta with crunchy almonds, sesame seeds, and a tangy Asian-inspired dressing. Perfect for a light lunch, side dish, or potluck contribution.

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Calories 531.7 kcal
Protein 24g
Rating 5.0 (4 Reviews)
Angel Hair Pasta Salad

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Angel Hair Pasta Salad

  • Angel Hair Pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing) + 2 tablespoons olive oil (for dressing)
  • Slivered Almonds
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • Olive Oil
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
  • Red Cabbage
  • 2 chopped scallions
  • 1/2 cup chopped water chestnuts

How to Make Angel Hair Pasta Salad

  1. Cook 8 ounces of angel hair pasta according to package directions. Drain well and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small skillet over medium-low heat.
  3. Add 1/4 cup sliced almonds and 1 tablespoon sesame seeds to the skillet.
  4. Sauté until lightly browned, about 3-5 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Set aside to cool.
  5. In a small jar with a tight-fitting lid, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon sugar, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon white pepper.
  6. Cover the jar tightly and shake well to combine the dressing.
  7. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 2 chopped scallions, and 1/2 cup chopped water chestnuts with the cooked and cooled pasta.
  8. Add the toasted almond and sesame seed mixture to the bowl.
  9. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
  10. Serve immediately or chill for later. Garnish with extra sesame seeds or chopped scallions, if desired.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Want to unlock deeper, more complex flavors? Try toasting your whole spices before grinding them, or blooming ground spices in a little warm oil to enhance their aroma. Deglazing your pan with a bit of stock, wine, or even water after browning ingredients can capture those tasty caramelized bits, adding richness to your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

17 g

Sugar

63g

Fat

17g

Carbs

19g