[Savory Cold Sesame Chinese Pasta Salad]

Ingredients and Weight:

• 1 box (16 oz) penne pasta
• 1 cup chopped cucumber
• 1 cup chopped bell pepper (any color)
• 1/2 cup chopped red onion
• 1/2 cup chopped carrots
• 1 (15-oz) can corn, drained
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup toasted sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Preparation Time:

• 15 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 10 minutes (for pasta)

Difficulty Level:

• 1 (Beginner)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, carrots, corn, lettuce, and cilantro.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients.
4. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to coat.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 250 per serving (1 cup)
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 10g
• Fat: 8g

Dish Characteristics:

• Refreshing, light, and flavorful
• Crunchy vegetables and chewy pasta
• Tangy sesame-based dressing
• Suitable for both vegetarians and vegans

User Comments:

• "This salad is a perfect summer dish. It's light, refreshing, and so flavorful." - Jessica
• "I love the combination of vegetables and the sesame dressing. It's a great way to get your veggies in." - Mark
• "This is my favorite pasta salad recipe. It's so easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser." - Emily

Special Precautions and Tips:

• To make this salad gluten-free, use gluten-free penne pasta.
• If you don't have toasted sesame oil, you can substitute regular sesame oil.
• For a spicier salad, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.