Asian Whole Wheat Noodles & Carrot Ribbons with Pea Shoots and Avocado

I haven't been in the kitchen making dinner much this month. Sure, I've been in the kitchen but it's been more for sweets, treats and a quick blending smoothie. Last weekend I was craving that savory, umami flavor like none other. I swore I wouldn't go out to eat to satisfy, and thank goodness I had some farm-fresh produce and other key ingredients on hand...I ended up with a fun new creation: Asian Whole Wheat Noodles & Carrot Ribbons with Pea Shoots and Avocado.

I was inspired by the pea shoots I got in my CSA--so large, fresh, green and screaming to star in a salad. I knew I wanted something warm, comforting and creamy. Enter wholesome, whole wheat pasta, carrots peeled into thin ribbons where they eventually mimic the movement of the noodles, and fresh pea shoots all tied together with a soy sauce and rice wine vinegar dressing.

To make the salad even better I added toasted sesame seeds to the homemade Asian dressing and chunks of creamy avocado on top. This salad is so fresh, so warm, a bit crunchy and comforting. It was just what I needed and conveniently made in under 25 minutes. Give my new Asian Whole Wheat Noodles & Carrot Ribbons with Pea Shoots and Avocado recipe a try. It's a balanced weeknight meal for your busy holiday season.

Asian Whole Wheat Noodles & Carrot Ribbons with Pea Shoots and Avocado

by Becky of Project Domestication

Yield: 2 main dish servings, 4 side dish servings

Ingredients:

1/4 lb. whole wheat spaghetti noodles

5-6 medium carrots, peeled in ribbons

2-3 c. pea shoots

1 avocado, sliced or cubed

kosher salt and black pepper, for serving

for dressing:

1/3 c. sesame seeds, toasted

1/3 c. sesame oil

1/3 c. rice wine vinegar

1/3 c. soy sauce

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

1/2 tsp. black pepper

2 TB. honey

Directions:
Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Meanwhile make dressing in mason jar by combining and shaking all ingredients. When pasta is done, drain. Place back in pan and add 1/3-1/2 of the dressing. Peel carrots into ribbons directly into pot and stir. Add in pea shoots and toss. 

Place in serving bowls and top with avocado. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste, particularly on the avocado. Add any additional dressing and enjoy.

Note: Recipe double and triples easily. If you are wanting to add meat to the dish, marinated flank steak would be perfect.

If you like Asian Whole Wheat Noodles & Carrot Ribbons with Pea Shoots and Avocado you may also like:
Asian Mizuna Greens & Pasta w/ Edamame & Pea Shoots on Project D

Sushi Salad on Two Peas and Their Pod

Soba Noodles & Vegetables with Thai Basil Pesto on Vintage Mixer

Asian Slaw with Cashews and Pear-Ginger Dressing on Cookin' Canuck

Asian Noodle & Greens Salad on Mountain Mamma Cooks