Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad is a delightful blend of tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and flavorful rotini pasta. Tossed in a tangy, creamy dressing with a hint of sweetness, it’s perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing side dish.

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
• 4 cups cooked rotini (about 3 cups dry)
• 1 cup fresh snow peas
• ½ cup diced red bell pepper
• ½ cup shredded carrot
• 2 cups chopped napa cabbage
• ¼ cup sliced green onions
• 8 ounce can sliced water chestnuts (drained)
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 1 cup chow mein noodles
• ⅔ cup plain yogurt
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• Honey (to taste)
• Salt (to taste)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread the sesame seeds evenly on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 5 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning, then remove and let cool.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked rotini, snow peas, red bell pepper, shredded carrot, napa cabbage, green onions, water chestnuts, and chow mein noodles. Toss gently to mix well and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the plain yogurt, soy sauce, mayonnaise, black pepper, and ground ginger. Taste the dressing and add honey to reach your preferred sweetness. Add salt if needed.
4. Step 4: Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds on top before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For added crunch, try adding chopped almonds or cashews instead of sesame seeds.
• Substitute rotini with other pasta shapes like fusilli or penne for variety.
• If you prefer a spicier salad, add a dash of sriracha or chili flakes to the dressing.
• Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and tamari instead of soy sauce.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture, add the chow mein noodles just before serving to keep them crisp. Reheat is not recommended as the pasta salad is best served cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and can save prep time while providing great flavor.

How far in advance can I prepare this salad?

You can prepare the salad a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. Add crunchy ingredients like chow mein noodles and toasted sesame seeds just before serving to maintain their texture.

Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 81 reviews

A refreshing and crunchy Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad featuring tender shredded chicken breast, cooked rotini pasta, and a variety of fresh vegetables. Tossed in a creamy sesame-soy yogurt dressing and topped with toasted sesame seeds and crispy chow mein noodles, this salad is perfect for a light lunch or a flavorful side dish.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Chinese-American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salad

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
• 4 cups cooked rotini pasta (about 3 cups dry)
• 1 cup fresh snow peas, trimmed and sliced
• ½ cup diced red bell pepper
• ½ cup shredded carrot
• 2 cups chopped napa cabbage
• ¼ cup sliced green onions
• 8 ounce can sliced water chestnuts, drained
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 1 cup chow mein noodles

Dressing

• ⅔ cup plain yogurt
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• Honey, to taste
• Salt, to taste

Instructions

1. Toast sesame seeds: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the sesame seeds evenly on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 5 minutes. Keep a close watch to prevent burning. Once toasted, remove from oven and set aside to cool.
2. Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, cooked rotini pasta, fresh snow peas, diced red bell pepper, shredded carrot, chopped napa cabbage, sliced green onions, sliced water chestnuts, and chow mein noodles. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
3. Prepare the dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the plain yogurt, soy sauce, mayonnaise, black pepper, and ground ginger. Taste the dressing and add honey gradually to reach your desired level of sweetness. Adjust salt if needed.
4. Toss salad with dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the combined salad ingredients. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly with the dressing.
5. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the salad as a final garnish. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

• To save time, use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken.
• Feel free to substitute rotini pasta with other short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli.
• Add more honey if you prefer a sweeter dressing or adjust soy sauce for saltiness.
• Serve chilled or at room temperature for best taste.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Keywords: Chinese chicken pasta salad, Asian chicken salad, cold pasta salad, sesame chicken salad, healthy chicken salad