As we move into summer, we’ll want more cool dishes. Here’s a good one.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz rice noodles or soba noodles

• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

• 1 cucumber, julienned

• 1 carrot, julienned

• 3 green onions, sliced

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (or basil, if you’re cilantro-challenged)

• 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped (optional)

• Sesame seeds for garnish

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 2 Tablespoons honey

• 1 Tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 Tablespoon sesame oil

• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• Juice of 1 lime

• Red pepper flakes to taste (optional)

Instructions:

Cook the rice noodles or soba noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Thinly slice the red bell pepper, julienne the cucumber and carrot, and slice the green onions.

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, lime juice, and red pepper flakes (if using) until well combined.

In a large bowl, combine the cooked noodles, pepper, julienned cucumber and carrot, and sliced green onions. Pour the dressing over the noodle mixture and toss to coat evenly.

Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Before serving, toss the salad again and sprinkle with fresh cilantro or basil, chopped roasted peanuts, and sesame seeds.