Last Saturday my husband and I decided to spend date night shopping around Costco, which was surprisingly mellow at 6 p.m. I came across a package of millet and brown rice ramen noodles that looked like it might fulfill my never-ending craving for pasta while not being totally unhealthy.

I came up with this cold noodle salad that is perfect for a weekday lunch.

Cold Asian Noodle Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 bricks of millet and brown rice ramen (or regular cheap ramen would do fine, just toss out the spice packet)
• 6 mini bell peppers, julienned
• 3 green onions, chopped fine
• 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 1/2 cup diced English cucumber

For the dressing:

• 1/3 cup rice wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• freshly ground pepper to taste

Directions:

Boil the noodles according the package directions. In the meantime, whisk together the dressing ingredients in a small bowl or jar.

Drain the noodles and rinse with cold water to stop them from cooking. Toss noodles, bell peppers, green onion, cilantro and cucumber in a mixing bowl. Pour dressing over the noodles and toss well. Serve right away or refrigerate until lunch time.