Name: Asian Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: ¼ cup vegetable oil; 3 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 teaspoons low sodium soy sauce; 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds; 12 ounces bow tie pasta (about 4 cups); 2 cups chopped cooked chicken breast meat or rotisserie chicken; 1 cup shredded carrot; ¾ cup roughly chopped cilantro; ½ cup thinly sliced green onion; ½ cup diced red bell pepper; ½ cup slivered almonds or peanut pieces

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 47 reviews

There is nothing quite like enjoying a vibrant, flavorful dish that manages to be both refreshing and satisfying, and this Asian Pasta Salad Recipe does exactly that. Combining tender bow tie pasta with crisp vegetables, aromatic herbs, savory chicken, and a perfectly balanced sesame-soy dressing, it’s a celebration of textures and tastes in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a bright side dish for weeknight dinners or a show-stopping potluck contribution, this Asian Pasta Salad Recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large clear glass bowl holds several layers of ingredients arranged in separate sections: pale yellow cooked pasta bows at the bottom left; bright orange shredded carrots at the top left; small chunks of light brown cooked meat at the top center; finely chopped green onions next to the meat towards the middle; thinly sliced red bell peppers at the bottom right; and a cluster of beige sliced almonds at the top right. A woman's hand pours a brown sauce filled with sesame seeds from a glass jar into the center of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and a blue and white striped cloth and wooden spoon lie in front. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Asian Pasta Salad Recipe lies in its simple yet impactful ingredients. Each component plays an essential role, adding layers of flavor, crunch, and color that make every forkful a delight.

Vegetable oil: A neutral base that carries and melds the dressing flavors effortlessly.

Seasoned rice vinegar: Adds tanginess and brightness that lift the salad’s profile.
Brown sugar: Balances acidic and savory notes with a subtle sweetness.
Sesame oil: Offers a nutty, fragrant richness that defines the dressing.

Low sodium soy sauce: Provides savory umami without overpowering saltiness.
Toasted sesame seeds: Bring texture and a toasty burst of flavor.
Bow tie pasta: The perfect bite-sized base that holds the dressing well.

Cooked chicken breast: Tender protein adding satisfying heartiness.
Shredded carrot: Gives crisp sweetness and vivid orange pops.
Cilantro: Fresh herbaceous brightness that invigorates the salad.
Green onion: Mild oniony sharpness for depth.
Red bell pepper: Sweet crunch and brilliant color contrast.
Slivered almonds or peanut pieces: Final nutty crunch for texture and flavor contrast.

How to Make Asian Pasta Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sesame-Soy Dressing

Begin by whisking together the dressing ingredients in a jar or bowl—vegetable oil, seasoned rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, soy sauce, and toasted sesame seeds. Shake or stir them thoroughly until the sugar dissolves and everything is beautifully combined. This dressing is the magic that ties the entire salad together with its perfect balance of sweet, tangy, savory, and nutty notes.

Step 2: Cook and Cool the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bow tie pasta for about 10 minutes, stopping just before it becomes completely tender. Rinsing the pasta under cold water immediately after draining is crucial—it cools the pasta to stop the cooking process and keeps it from sticking, ensuring every bite stays pleasantly chewy rather than mushy.

Step 3: Combine the Salad Ingredients

In a spacious bowl, toss together the drained pasta, chopped cooked chicken, shredded carrot, cilantro, green onion, red bell pepper, and your choice of slivered almonds or peanut pieces. Mixing these ingredients now allows the combination of colors, textures, and flavors to build anticipation for the final step.

Step 4: Dress and Toss

Give your sesame-soy dressing another good shake, then pour it generously over the pasta and vegetables. Toss everything gently but thoroughly so the dressing coats every piece and merges the ingredients into one harmonious dish. Now your Asian Pasta Salad Recipe is ready to be served!

How to Serve Asian Pasta Salad Recipe

A large white bowl filled with a colorful pasta salad showing three main layers: the bottom layer has light yellow bow-tie pasta with a smooth texture, scattered evenly throughout; the middle layer features small pieces of diced white meat and thin orange carrot strips adding texture and contrast; the top layer is dotted with bright green cilantro leaves and small bits of red bell pepper, sprinkled with sesame seeds for extra detail. Two wooden salad spoons rest on the right side of the bowl. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with some loose cilantro leaves around the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra toasted sesame seeds or chopped fresh cilantro on top elevates the salad’s visual appeal and enhances the nutty, fresh flavors. You can also add a light drizzle of extra sesame oil for an added aromatic finish just before serving.

Side Dishes

This Asian Pasta Salad Recipe pairs beautifully with grilled meats like teriyaki chicken or seared salmon, complementing them with its refreshing crispness. Alternatively, serve it alongside light dumplings or spring rolls for a full Asian-inspired feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the salad in individual lettuce cups or hollowed-out mini bell peppers to turn it into bite-sized delights perfect for parties. It also makes a colorful layer in mason jars for a portable lunch option that maintains freshness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Asian Pasta Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Before serving again, toss the salad well to redistribute the dressing, and add a splash of seasoned rice vinegar or a drizzle of vegetable oil if it seems a little dry after chilling.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated, as freezing can negatively affect the texture of both the pasta and fresh vegetables. For optimal flavor and crunch, avoid freezing this salad.

Reheating

Since this is a cold salad, reheating is generally unnecessary and not recommended. If preferred warm, you can gently bring the cooked chicken to room temperature separately and serve over the salad. Otherwise, enjoy it chilled for the refreshing experience it offers.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this Asian Pasta Salad Recipe?

Absolutely! While bow tie pasta works beautifully, you can substitute with rotini, penne, or farfalle. Just be sure to cook and rinse the pasta properly to keep the right texture.

Is it possible to make this salad vegetarian?

Yes, just swap the chicken for tofu, edamame, or extra crunchy nuts and seeds. The dressing packs enough flavor to keep the salad satisfying and vibrant.

How long does the Asian Pasta Salad Recipe stay fresh in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, it will stay fresh for up to 4 days. Just be sure to keep the nuts separate until serving if you want them to stay crunchy.

Can I prepare the salad dressing ahead of time?

Definitely! The sesame-soy dressing can be made days in advance and stored in the fridge. Just give it a quick shake before using to recombine any separated ingredients.

What’s the best way to prevent the pasta from sticking?

Rinsing the cooked pasta under cold water stops the cooking process and cools it down, which helps prevent clumping. Tossing it lightly with a little vegetable oil before combining with the other ingredients adds extra protection against sticking.

Final Thoughts

If you love dishes that burst with fresh flavor, diverse textures, and easy preparation, you absolutely must try this Asian Pasta Salad Recipe. It’s a vibrant combination that satisfies cravings and impresses guests every time. I can’t wait for you to make it and fall in love with this delightful salad just like I have!

Asian Pasta Salad Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need