Description
A refreshing and flavorful Asian Pasta Salad featuring bow tie pasta tossed with a savory sesame-soy dressing, tender cooked chicken, fresh vegetables, and crunchy nuts. Perfect as a light lunch or a vibrant side dish, this salad combines sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors with a satisfying texture mix.
Ingredients
Sesame-Soy Dressing
- 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
Pasta Salad
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: Add the vegetable oil, seasoned rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, low sodium soy sauce, and toasted sesame seeds to a jar or bowl with a tight-fitting lid. Shake well until all ingredients are combined and the sugar dissolves. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook for about 10 minutes, approximately one minute less than the package directions, to keep it al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and immediately rinse under cold running water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Drain thoroughly to remove excess water.
- Assemble the salad: Transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl. Add the chopped cooked chicken breast, shredded carrot, chopped cilantro, sliced green onion, diced red bell pepper, and slivered almonds or peanut pieces. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Dress the salad: Give the sesame-soy dressing a good shake again to recombine. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss thoroughly so the flavors are evenly distributed across the salad.
- Serve or store: Serve the salad immediately for best texture and flavor, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. For best results, add the nuts just before serving if preparing ahead.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Instructions: Boil the pasta a day ahead, rinse well with cold water, drain completely, and toss with 1-2 teaspoons of vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Store it in a gallon-size plastic bag in the refrigerator overnight. Assemble the salad with dressing and other ingredients no more than 1-2 hours before serving. Add nuts just before serving to retain crunch.
- Storage: Store leftover Asian Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Stir well before serving. If the salad feels dry after chilling, refresh it with a splash of seasoned rice vinegar or a drizzle of vegetable oil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
