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Savory Asian Noodle and Walnut Salad

Recipe by California Walnut Board

1/2 cup chopped California walnuts

6 ounces vermicelli rice noodles

1/2 cup prepared fat-free Asian style salad dressing , plus 3 tablespoons

1 pound medium shrimp, peeled & deveined (about 16 shrimp)

1/2 teaspoon salt, to taste

1/4 teaspoon pepper, to taste

1 red bell pepper, cut into julienne strips

3/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced, (about 8-10)

1 large English cucumber, peeled, seeded & thinly sliced

3/4 cup bean sprouts

1 carrot, peeled & cut into julienne strips, or grated

1/3 cup chopped cilantro

2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger

1 head butter lettuce

4 cups mixed Asian greens, i.e: mizuna, tat soi, red mustard, napa cabbage

cilantro leaves for garnish

Preheat oven to 350F. Arrange walnuts in a single layer on a sheet pan & toast until lightly browned, about 5 -7 minutes. Cool.
Bring 6 cups of water to a boil. Add vermicelli rice noodles and cook for 3-4 minutes. Drain well, cool slightly, and toss with 1/2 cup dressing. Chill noodles.
Season shrimp lightly with salt and pepper. Thread shrimp on short bamboo skewers, allowing 2 per skewer. Coat a large nonstick skillet with canola cooking spray and place over medium high heat. Sear shrimp in pan until pink, about 3 minutes per side. Brush shrimp with 2 tablespoons dressing. Set aside to cool.
Toss chilled rice noodles with 1/2 of the walnuts, bell pepper, green onions, cucumber, bean sprouts, carrot, cilantro, and ginger.
Wash butter lettuce & divide between 4 plates. Toss Asian greens with remaining tablespoon of dressing & arrange in butter lettuce cups. Place rice noodles next to greens. Arrange 2 skewers of shrimp on each salad. Sprinkle remaining walnuts overall. Garnish with cilantro leaves.