Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad is a delightful fusion of tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a flavorful dressing that balances savory and sweet notes. Perfect as a light lunch or a refreshing side dish, it combines familiar Asian-inspired ingredients with comforting pasta.

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
• 4 cups cooked rotini pasta (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

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. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread the sesame seeds evenly on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 5 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning. Remove and allow to 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 and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix together the plain yogurt, soy sauce, mayonnaise, black pepper, and ground ginger. Taste the dressing, then add honey and salt according to your preference for sweetness and seasoning.
4. Step 4: Pour the dressing over the chicken and pasta mixture. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds on top before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For added crunch, toss in some chopped peanuts or cashews just before serving.
• Use Greek yogurt for a thicker, creamier dressing.
• Substitute rotini with any pasta shape you prefer, such as fusilli or penne.
• Add a splash of rice vinegar to the dressing for extra tang.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chow mein noodles and sesame seeds are best added fresh before serving to keep their crunch. Reheat is not recommended; enjoy chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of protein?

Yes, you can swap the cooked chicken breast for cooked shrimp, tofu, or even shredded turkey for a different twist.

Is this salad good for meal prep?

Absolutely. Prepare all components ahead and store separately. Combine and add crunchy toppings just before eating to maintain freshness and texture.

Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 112 reviews

A refreshing and flavorful Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad featuring tender shredded chicken, crisp vegetables, crunchy chow mein noodles, and a creamy, tangy dressing with a hint of sweetness. This dish combines Asian-inspired ingredients for a perfect light lunch or side salad.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Chinese-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salad

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
• 4 cups cooked rotini (about 3 cups dry)
• 1 cup fresh snow peas, trimmed
• 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 your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds evenly on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 5 minutes. Keep a close eye to ensure they don’t burn. Once toasted, remove and let them cool.
2. Prepare Salad Mixture: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast, 4 cups cooked rotini pasta, 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 ounces drained sliced water chestnuts, and 1 cup chow mein noodles. Toss gently to mix all ingredients evenly and set aside.
3. Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together ⅔ cup plain yogurt, ¼ cup soy sauce, ¼ cup mayonnaise, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon ground ginger until smooth. Taste the dressing and add honey gradually to reach your preferred sweetness. Add salt if needed and stir well.
4. Combine Salad and Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Finally, sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the top as a garnish. Serve immediately or chilled.

Notes

• Use rotini pasta or similar types like fusilli or penne for best texture.
• Adjust honey in the dressing to balance the savory flavors according to your taste.
• For a crunchier salad, add the chow mein noodles just before serving.
• You can substitute plain yogurt with Greek yogurt for a thicker dressing.
• Best served chilled or at room temperature.

Keywords: Chinese chicken pasta salad, Asian pasta salad, rotini salad, chicken salad with chow mein noodles, sesame seeds salad