Name: Discover the 6 Best Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad Recipes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast; 2 cups cooked rotini; 1 cup fresh snow peas; 1 cup diced red bell pepper; 1 cup shredded carrot; 2 cups chopped napa cabbage; 1/2 cup sliced green onions; 1 cup sliced water chestnuts; 1 cup chow mein noodles; 1 cup plain yogurt; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; to taste honey; to taste salt

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad is a colorful and nutritious dish that combines crunchy vegetables with shredded chicken and a tangy dressing. This delightful salad is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or a quick meal at home. With a blend of textures and flavors, this salad is a family favorite that satisfies every palate.

Why You’ll Love This Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad

This delightful dish is packed with benefits. First, it’s incredibly nutritious, combining protein from the chicken and fiber from the vegetables. Secondly, it’s versatile; whether you want a Chicken Pasta Salad with Soy Sauce or a Cold Chicken Pasta Salad with Mandarin Oranges, the possibilities are endless. Thirdly, it’s quick to make, taking only about 15 minutes in total. Fourth, it’s perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy it throughout the week. Fifth, it’s a hit at potlucks, ensuring that your dish is the star of the show. Finally, this Easy Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad recipe can be customized to suit various dietary preferences, making it a go-to for everyone.

Ingredients for Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad

Gather these items:

2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
2 cups cooked rotini
1 cup fresh snow peas
1 cup diced red bell pepper
1 cup shredded carrot
2 cups chopped napa cabbage
1/2 cup sliced green onions
1 cup sliced water chestnuts
1 cup chow mein noodles
1 cup plain yogurt
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon ground ginger
to taste honey
to taste salt

How to Make Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spread the sesame seeds on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 5 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning, then set aside to cool.

Step 2: Combine the shredded chicken, cooked rotini, snow peas, diced bell pepper, shredded carrot, napa cabbage, sliced green onions, and water chestnuts in a large bowl. Toss gently, ensuring each ingredient is well mixed, then set aside.
Step 3: Mix the dressing by combining yogurt, soy sauce, mayonnaise, black pepper, and ground ginger in a separate bowl. Stir well to blend the flavors. Taste the mixture and add honey as desired for sweetness and a touch of salt if needed.
Step 4: Dress the chicken mixture with your prepared dressing, tossing gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. Finally, sprinkle with the toasted sesame seeds for that perfect crunch and finish.

Discover the 6 Best Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad Recipes - Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Perfect Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad

Keep these in mind:

Use rotini pasta for its ability to hold the dressing well.
Make sure all vegetables are freshly chopped for the best flavor and crunch.
For a healthier option, you can substitute mayonnaise with more yogurt.

Adjust the sweetness of the dressing by varying the amount of honey.
This dish is best enjoyed chilled, so refrigerate it for a while before serving.

Best Ways to Serve Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad

Here are a few serving ideas:

Serve it as a side dish alongside grilled meats for a complete meal.

Pair it with a light Asian-inspired soup for a refreshing lunch.
For potlucks, consider offering it in individual cups for easy serving.

How to Store and Reheat Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad

This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you’re preparing it for meal prep, consider leaving the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat. This helps maintain the crunch of the vegetables. Simply dress the salad before serving for the best taste.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad

What’s the secret to perfect Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad?

The secret lies in balancing the flavors of the dressing. A good mix of yogurt and soy sauce, paired with honey for sweetness, creates that delicious tangy flavor that makes this salad irresistible.

Can I make Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Yes! This salad is perfect for meal prep. Just make sure to store the dressing separately until you’re ready to serve to keep the veggies crunchy.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad?

Avoid overcooking the pasta, as it can become mushy. Also, be mindful of the dressing; adding it too early can lead to soggy vegetables.

Variations of Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad You Can Try

Here are some creative twists:

For a nutty flavor, try a Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad with Peanut Dressing.
Add some fruit like mandarin oranges for a Cold Chicken Pasta Salad with Mandarin Oranges.
For a lighter option, substitute the rotini with rice noodles.

Mix in crunchy vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for added texture.

Discover the 6 Best Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad Recipes - Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad - additional detail

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo for a delightful twist. You might also enjoy Honey Roasted Rhubarb Toast for a sweet treat.

For more information on the health benefits of chicken and vegetables, you can refer to this Healthline article.