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Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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