Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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