This cold sesame appetizer is our go-to recipe for any potluck that we’re invited to. What’s great about it, is it’s simple to make, and can sit out for a while at a party and the flavors just keep getting better.  It got a great earthy flavor from the soba and sesame seeds, with a little bit of heat to make it interesting.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz. whole-wheat capellini or soba noodles — once cooked, add a touch of sesame oil to keep noodles from sticking
• 2 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon chili oil
• 2 teaspoons lighted toasted sesame seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon lime juice
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 of  red bell pepper, diced

Directions:

In a bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, chili oil, sesame seeds (leave a little left over for garnish), lime juice, and garlic.

Toss in cooked noodles, 2/3 of the cilantro, and 2/3 of the red bell pepper. Refrigerate. Right before serving, garnish with the remaining cilantro, red bell pepper, and sesame seeds.

Voila! Delicious!!