Go Back
Asian Sesame Chicken Pasta Salad

Asian Sesame Chicken Pasta Salad

Asian Sesame Chicken Pasta Salad combines chicken, pasta, vegetables, edamame, and a flavorful homemade sesame dressing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8
Calories: 410
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Salad
  • 12 oz rotini pasta
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast sliced or shredded
  • 1 cup shelled edamame
  • 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 4 green onions sliced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • For the Sesame Dressing
  • 1/4 cup sesame oil
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha optional
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse thoroughly under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Set aside until completely cooled.
  2. If using frozen edamame, cook according to package directions, then drain and allow it to cool. Slice the bell pepper, shred the cabbage and carrots, and chop the green onions.
  3. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, grated ginger, garlic, sriracha, salt, and black pepper until smooth and fully combined.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked chicken, edamame, bell pepper, cabbage, carrots, and green onions. Toss gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
  5. Pour the sesame dressing over the salad and mix thoroughly until all the pasta and vegetables are coated. Make sure the dressing reaches every part of the salad for maximum flavor.
  6. Sprinkle in the sesame seeds and toss once more to incorporate them throughout the salad.
  7. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. Chilling helps the flavors blend together and creates a more refreshing salad.
  8. Before serving, stir the salad gently and garnish with additional sesame seeds and green onions if desired.

Notes

  • Rotini works particularly well because the twists hold onto the sesame dressing, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. However, bowtie, penne, or fusilli can also be used successfully.
  • For the best texture, avoid overcooking the pasta. Al dente pasta remains firm after chilling and prevents the salad from becoming soft.
  • Fresh ginger and garlic provide the brightest flavor, but powdered versions may be substituted if necessary.
  • This salad can be adjusted to your preferred spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of sriracha.