A Summer Salad So Good

We have enjoyed a bunch of outstanding new meals the past few weeks, and I am dying to share some of my favorites.  In honor of the hot, summery weather, here is my new favorite summer salad.  It has kept me going this week despite the glorious heat.   Enjoy a trip to your nearby farmers' market (or your garden if your blessed!), grab a few pantry staples, and you're set.  No oven needed.

Asian Noodle Salad 

(Adapted from Ree Drummond's Favorite Salad Ever! at The Pioneer Woman)

I dreamt about making this salad for 3 days.  

I chopped for most of the morning when my munchkins were distracted with toys.

I finally enjoyed the salad of my labors during nap time....

....I licked my plate:

(uncharacteristically lovely photo of my food)

1.  Combine together in a very large bowl: 

Half a head of cabbage, chopped

Half a bunch of romaine lettuce, chopped

One red pepper, sliced

1-2 cups of perfectly plump sugar snap peas, chopped

1 cucumber, peeled & chopped

1 large bunch cilantro, chopped

3 scallions, chopped

2 large carrots, grated or peeled with a vegetable peeler

1/2 cup Craisins dried cranberries

1/4 cup peanuts, lightly chopped 

8oz whole wheat spaghetti noodles, cooked, drained and rinsed in cold water

2.  Then make the dressing.  Remember, I licked my plate.

 You can see the gorgous layers. They are, from the bottom up:

1/4 cup brown sugar

8 Tbs soysauce

3 Tbs fresh ginger, chopped

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1 lime, juiced

zest of one lime

6 Tbs olive oil

2 Tbs sesame oil

A large pinch of chopped cilantro

3.  Shake your precious dressing, pour over and toss with your salad.

4.  Enjoy every glorious bite. Perhaps on the porch. Perhaps during nap time :)