Weight Watchers: Noodles in Sesame-Soy Sauce

Hard to believe that it's Monday morning already! Feels like I blinked and the weekend is over. We had some gorgeous weather and even got the chance to make s'mores with our neighbors after dinner Saturday night.

I imagine I'm not the only one out there trying to balance healthy eating with weekend indulgences. So, in an effort to keep my eating "in check", I pulled out some of my cookbooks that focus on lower calories, fat and more vegetables. I'm going to be sharing these recipes as I make them as I imagine we all can use a few more healthy recipes to share with our families.

Last week I sat down and created a tentative meal plan. This seems to be the main way that I am able to ensure that I eat right during the upcoming week. It also ensures that I don't make too many impulse purchases as the grocery store. I chose more recipes than I knew I'd be making as I like to have more options than I have days to cook.

My first recipe this week is something I thought would be perfect for tossing into my lunch bag, Noodles in Sesame-Soy Sauce. This recipe comes from Weight Watchers New Complete Cookbook which I've had for quite awhile now. I picked it up and marked tons of recipes, but for some reason haven't managed to make most of them.

I love Asian flavored dishes so this one appealed to me right away. Very simple to make and it was done in about 15 minutes. Definitely use an Asian sesame oil rather than the plain one's you find at the grocery store with the other oils. It adds a lot more flavor, and you should be able to find it in the ethnic foods section of most large grocery stores.

I did add some slivered almonds to mine as I like to add a bit of crunch to dishes like this. I think peanuts would also be a nice addition. Sliced, cooked chicken would make this an even more filling lunch or main course meal. Of course, that will change the points value for those on WW. This recipe makes 6 servings at 3 points each, made as stated in the recipe.

From Family, Friends and Food

I'm submitting this dish to Presto Pasta Nights which is being hosted by Ruth at Once Upon a Feast. Be sure to head over to her blog on Friday, June 5th for a full round-up of great pasta dishes!

Check out the Garden Veggie Pizza over at Aggie's Kitchen - looks positively delicious!

Over at Gaga in the Kitchen you'll find a veggie packed Asparagus & Mushroom Stir-fry.


Noodles in Sesame-Soy Sauce
Source: Weight Watchers New Complete Cookbook

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Asian sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon white-wine vinegar
• 4 cucumbers, peeled and julienned
• 3 cups hot cooked vermicelli or rice noodles
• 6 scallions (green part only), chopped

Directions

1. To prepare sauce, in a small bowl combine the soy sauce through vinegar.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cucumbers, vermicelli and sauce; toss to coat. Transfer to a platter; sprinkle with scallions.

Per serving: 140 calories, 3 grams Total Fat, 2 grams Dietary Fiber (per WW New Complete Cookbook).