“Delicate capellini tossed with tamari, sesame oil, bell peppers, and scallions for a light Asian–Italian fusion salad.”
Bringing Fusion Home
When we travel, food often becomes the memory that lingers the longest. Dishes we discover abroad spark curiosity and creativity once we’re back in our own kitchen. This light and flavorful sesame tamari capellini salad is one of those recipes that carries a story.
We first came across a similar dish at a local market. It caught our attention with its simplicity and freshness, and we knew it was something we wanted to try ourselves. From that starting point, we began experimenting at home, adding our own touches and adjusting the flavors until it truly felt like ours.
What makes this salad special is the way simple ingredients from different cultures come together, Italian capellini noodles meeting Asian flavors like tamari and sesame oil, then brightened with fresh peppers and scallions. The first time we tossed it together, it felt experimental, but one bite told us it was something worth perfecting.
Like any good dish, it took a few tries to find the right balance. Too much tamari, and the flavors overwhelm; too little sesame oil, and the salad feels flat. With each attempt, we adjusted until we found that sweet spot where the pasta stays delicate but the flavors sing. It’s light, colorful, and refreshing, perfect for sharing with family or serving at a summer table.
Sesame Capellini with Sweet Peppers and Scallions
Ingredients
- pound Capellini
- 1/2 cup Tamari Canbe found in any asiam food isle
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper or to taste We prefer 3/4 tsp but some find that too spicy
- 3 ounces Toasted Seasme Oil
- 1 large Red Bell Pepper coursely chopped
- 1 large Green Bell Pepper coursely chopped
- 1 large Yellow Bell Pepper, coursely chopped
- 1 bunch Scallions, coursely chopped
- 1 bunch Cilantro, coursely chopped
- Toasted Black Sesame Seedsfor garnish
- Toasted White Sesame Seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Boil pasta in as per package instuctions, stirring frequently. If package gives a range, such as 3-4 minutes always choose the lower number.. Drain pasta and rinse immmediatley in cold wat. erLet dry completely. Would suggest at least 2 hours.
- Rinse the cilantro and scallions at the same time as pasta and allow to air dry.
- Mix together tamari, cayenne and sesame oil until. well blended.
- Place pasae in a lrage mixing bowl. This is imporant as tossing can get messy. Toss dry cooked pasta with dressing. Adjust the amount of cayenne as needed.
- Coarsely chop the peppers and scallions, then toss them with the pasta. Coarsely chop the cilantro and fold it into the salad.
- Optional: If using sesame seeds sprinkle the sesame seeds on individual servings rather than mixing them into the main bowl, where they can turn soggy.
- Optional: Sprinkle a few choppled scallions on the top for presenation.
Notes
- Though thicker noodles like spaghetti can be substituted, we’ve found they make the dish too heavy, the delicate capellini really lets the flavors shine.
- Tamari is similar to soy sauce, but soy should not be substituted for tamari. Tamari is a Japanese soy sauce made primarily from soybeans with a richer, less salty flavor and has little to no wheat, while regular soy sauce is saltier and typically brewed with more wheat. We tried soy sauce once, but it was not even close and was too salty. It can be found in the Asian section of most grocery stores or in Asian markets. 3. The salad is best enjoyed within two days, but we have eaten it for over a week. 4. This makes a great potluck dish and excellent side dish for a picnic and barbecue.5. Cayenne pepper in the recipe is conservative, as we like our spicier. 6. We do love our cilantro so sometimes with use 1 1/2 bunches to add even more flavor. 6. We can’t suggest enough to allow the pasta to dry after cooking. One time, we did it in a rush, and it was a huge mistake. 6. This is such a fast, easy, and delicious dish to make, and always gets rave reviews!
This is a recipe that shines at a gathering, but we recommend making it once or twice on your own first. The preparation is so simple, but it is essential to allow the noodles to cool before thoroughly combining them with the dressing. Once you’ve got it down, it’s a dish that is always a massive hit without feeling heavy. It is best made the night before or the morning of serving.
Fresh, simple, and full of contrast, it’s a little taste of Italy and Asia in one bowl, inspired by the market and made our own at home.
A perfect bite of East meets West. Enjoy!
Steps for Sesame Capellini with Sweet Peppers and Scallions Recipe
Are you inspired to travel in the near future?
We were inspired to share this recipe through our travels. Whether your next trip is to Italy or a trip close by, check out our links below for great pricing and destination information.
When planning a trip, it’s always wise to compare accommodation prices across different platforms. Expedia, based in the U.S., and Booking.com, based in Europe, don’t always feature the same properties, so checking both can give you the best range of options. We personally prefer Booking.com for its user-friendly interface and wide selection, but we always recommend double-checking the hotel or vacation rental’s official website too, sometimes you’ll find exclusive deals or perks when booking directly.
Click the link below to explore hotels and vacation homes in the area you are planning to visit. Who knows? It might be just the spark you need to start planning your next grand adventure.
© 2025 Wanderers Compass All Rights Reserved
Considering an Italian adventure? Check out our Italy Travel Guide
Check our other recipe posts
Do you have a question for us or have a comment?
Check out our most recent blog posts
Imperial Hotel Tokyo: Experience Japanese Elegance
The Imperial Hotel Tokyo, an iconic establishment opened in 1890, blends traditional Japanese aesthetics…
October 24, 2025
Top Things to Do in the Susquehanna River Valley Pennsylvania
Discover the beauty of the Susquehanna River Valley, featuring historic towns, rural landscapes, and…
October 7, 2025
Monreale Cathedral: Marvel of Norman Architecture
Learn about the Monreale Cathedral, a grand monument that reflects the cultural merging of…
October 4, 2025Sesame Capellini with Sweet Peppers and Scallions
A light and flavorful fusion, this Asian Capellini Salad combines delicate pasta with tamari,…
September 14, 2025
Lebanon Valley, PA: A Hidden Gem in Pennsylvania Farm Country
We went in knowing little, but left loving everything about Lebanon Valley. From spinning…
September 12, 2025
Pompeii: Exploring the Ruins of a Lost City
“When you walk through Pompeii, it feels like you’re walking through history itself. The…
September 9, 2025
Old Town Scottsdale, Arizona: A Retro-Cool Desert Escape
Discover the best things to do, eat, and see in Old Town Scottsdale, Arizona.…
September 8, 2025
Rapa Nui Travel Guide: 5 Nights on Easter Island and Why You’ll Want More
Discover Rapa Nui (Easter Island) in this immersive 5-night travel guide. Explore moai, history,…
September 7, 2025
12 Best Things to Do on the Isle of Skye, Scotland
Explore the stunning Isle of Skye, known for its breathtaking landscapes and charming villages…
September 7, 2025Our Top Recommended Travel Products
Travel Insurance
Squaremouth.com
Our favorite travel insurance site!
We strongly advocate for comprehensive travel insurance, not only for minor inconveniences but also for major, unexpected events like medical emergencies. We never leave home without it. Our go-to resource is Squaremouth.com. which offers a user-friendly platform that connects you with top-rated, reputable insurance carriers. Plus, they’ll mediate on your behalf if you run into any issues.
To empower you as a consumer, we recommend you read our blog post on why travel insurance is essential and how to secure the best coverage from leading companies at an affordable price.
MedjetAssist
Medical transport back home from anywhere in the world
Medjet is a leading provider of global air medical transport. Unlike traditional travel insurance, which typically covers medical evacuation to the nearest facility, Medjet goes further by ensuring you’re transported back to the U.S. to the hospital of your choice once you’re stable enough to fly. Medjet offers membership plans that focus on medical transport, while Medjet Horizon provides expanded coverage for broader protection. Individual trip policies start at just $99, and annual policies are available for around $300. Most policies have an age limit of 74.
To learn more about how Medical Evacuation membership with Medjet Assist works, check out our blog post for a more detailed review.
Accommodations and Airfare
Booking.com
Hotels, Home rentals, BNBs, Flights, and other Transportation & Tours
Booking.com connects millions of travelers to unforgettable experiences, a wide range of transportation options, and incredible places to stay—from homes to hotels and beyond. As one of the world’s largest travel marketplaces, it supports well-known brands and entrepreneurs of all sizes. For its convenience, variety, and reliability, it’s our preferred booking platform.
Expedia and VRBO
Hotels, home rentals, BNBs, flights, and other transportation & tours
Expedia is a U.S.-based company with a mission to make global travel accessible to everyone, everywhere. At Wanderers Compass, we embrace independent travel, and platforms like Expedia are essential to making that a reality. Expedia allows you to book every aspect of your trip—from flights and accommodations to rental cars, cruises, and activities—making it a one-stop shop for all your travel needs.
Transportation
Daytrip
Personalized city-to-city private car transfer service
Daytrip provides an affordable private car service for city-to-city transfers worldwide, and we absolutely love their service. It’s a cost-effective alternative to renting a car, providing comfortable, stress-free travel with the bonus of scenic stops along the way. For example, we used Daytrip for travel between Budapest and Vienna, enjoying some fantastic detours to local attractions. With professional drivers and customizable routes, Daytrip ensures a smooth ride while allowing you to explore hidden gems and unique sights along your journey.
To learn more about how Daytrip, check out our blog post for a more detailed review.
Travel Experiences
Viator
The leading marketplace for travel experiences
Viator believes that travel is all about creating unforgettable memories. With over 300,000 experiences to choose from—ranging from simple tours to extreme adventures, plus a wide array of unique, niche activities—it’s never been easier to make lasting memories. We frequently use Viator during our travels and especially appreciate their flexible cancellation policy, which adds peace of mind to every booking.
Communication products for seamless connectivity overseas
GigSky International eSIM Data Plans
Local Prices. No Roaming. Fastest Networks.
GigSky eSIM effortlessly connects travelers around the globe, eliminating the need to swap physical SIM cards or deal with surprise roaming charges. With affordable data plans and instant activation, you can enjoy reliable internet access in over 190 countries, making your travel experience more convenient than ever. Plus, they offer a fantastic deal: a free 100 MB data plan with no credit card required. They are so confident that you will love their service!
Enjoy 10% off all GigSky Plans (except cruise and inflight) with our discount code WCOMPASS10.
To learn more about how GigSky works, check out our blog post for a more detailed review.
Shopping
Wanderers Compass Amazon Storefront
An excellent source for all travel essentials and guides that we have vetted ourselves
Amazon is one of the world’s most comprehensive online shopping platforms, offering lower prices, a wide selection, and fast delivery through teams worldwide.
This page contains affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your ongoing support!
