This weekend many Americans will be celebrating Independence Day with parades, parties and food-filled barbecues. I’ll be cooking for a few of those myself and celebrating my independence from a hot oven and stove with this quick, simple recipe that my mom threw together for just such occasions. With few ingredients, this dish is easily customized to your taste preference. Increase the soy sauce for a tangier bite, up the Dijon ante for greater zip or turn up the heat with the red pepper oil without ever breaking a sweat in the kitchen. — Sarah C. Read on for cold sesame noodles!

Lynda’s Simple Sesame Noodles

Ingredients:

1 ½ lb linguine
1 – 2 tablespoons peanut oil
1 ½ cups mayonnaise
¼ cup dark sesame oil
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
¼ cup soy sauce
red pepper oil to taste
8 green onions cut diagonally in ½ inch pieces

In a large pot, cook linguine as directed on the box, usually 8 – 10 minutes.While the pasta cooks, put peanut oil in a large bowl and set aside. In a second bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sesame oil, Dijon mustard, soy sauce and onions. Add red pepper oil slowly, tasting every so often until you’ve achieved your ideal level of heat. Toss the cooked pasta with the peanut oil and allow to cool slightly. Mix in the prepared sauce and refrigerate. Serve cold.