Easy Asian Chicken Pasta Salad (Printable Format)
Chicken, pasta, and fresh veggies tossed in a flavorful sesame-soy dressing for a bright, satisfying dish.
# Needed Ingredients:
→ Dressing
01 -
1/2 cup vegetable oil
02 -
1/3 cup soy sauce
03 -
1/3 cup rice vinegar
04 -
1 1/4 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
05 -
3 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
06 -
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
07 -
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
08 -
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
09 -
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
→ Salad
10 -
16 ounces rotini pasta
11 -
5 cups fresh spinach
12 -
1 1/2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
13 -
1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
14 -
15 ounces mandarin oranges, drained
15 -
1/2 cup carrots, shredded into matchsticks
16 -
1/3 cup green onions, sliced into thin rings
17 -
1/3 cup cilantro, roughly chopped
18 -
1/3 cup almonds, roughly chopped
# Preparation Steps:
01 -
Combine vegetable oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, sugar, ginger, black pepper, garlic powder, and sesame seeds in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake well for 30 seconds until sugar is fully dissolved and dressing is emulsified. Set aside.
02 -
Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a generous amount of salt, then stir in rotini pasta. Cook according to package directions until al dente, stirring occasionally. Drain pasta in a colander and rinse under cold running water for 20 seconds to stop cooking and remove starch.
03 -
Transfer cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl. Pour one-third of dressing over the pasta and toss to distribute evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop.
04 -
While pasta chills, shred cooked chicken into 1-inch bite-sized pieces. Dice bell pepper, shred carrots into thin matchsticks, slice green onions, roughly chop cilantro, and chop almonds. Drain mandarin oranges thoroughly.
05 -
Remove chilled pasta from refrigerator. Add spinach, chicken, bell pepper, mandarin oranges, carrots, green onions, and cilantro to the bowl. Toss gently to combine. Pour remaining dressing over salad and toss evenly. Let rest a few minutes to allow flavors to meld.
06 -
Toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly until fragrant and golden. Transfer salad to serving bowl or plates. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped almonds immediately before serving.
# Supplementary Details:
01 -
Do not skip rinsing the pasta with cold water to prevent sticking and halt the cooking process.
02 -
Allowing the pasta to absorb a portion of the dressing while chilling enhances flavor and texture.
03 -
Toasted sesame oil contributes a deep, nutty aroma; using the toasted variety is recommended.