Chilled Asian Chicken Pasta Salad Delight
Cool down with this refreshing Chilled Asian Chicken Pasta Salad Delight, a perfect blend of tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and flavorful pasta, all tossed in a tangy sesame soy dressing. This dish is an exquisite fusion of textures and tastes, making it not only a feast for the eyes but also for the palate. Ideal for potlucks, summer picnics, or family gatherings, this salad can be prepared in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Enjoy as a light meal or as a exciting side dish that is sure to impress!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pasta
1 lb (cooked per package directions and drained)
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
1.5-2 lbs (cooked and cut into 1 inch cubes)
Frozen baby peas
2 cups (thawed)
Carrot
1 (peeled and sliced)
Red bell pepper
1 (cored and cut into julienne strips)
Green onions
4 (chopped)
Light soy sauce
1/2 cup (none)
Canola oil
1/4 cup (none)
Rice wine vinegar
1/4 cup (none)
Sesame oil
2 tablespoons (none)
Garlic
1 tablespoon (minced)
Dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons (none)
Fresh ginger
1 tablespoon (grated)
Hot chili oil
2 drops (none)
Sesame seeds
2 tablespoons (none)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chilled Asian Chicken Pasta Salad Delight?
It is a refreshing one-dish meal featuring tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and pasta tossed in a tangy sesame soy dressing.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
What kind of pasta should I use for this salad?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of pasta; medium shapes like rotini, fusilli, or bow ties work best for holding the dressing.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken cut into 1-inch cubes is a great time-saving alternative.
How do I prepare the baby peas?
The 2 cups of frozen baby peas should be completely thawed before being added to the salad.
What ingredients are in the tangy sesame soy dressing?
The dressing consists of light soy sauce, canola oil, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, dark brown sugar, fresh ginger, and hot chili oil.
Is this pasta salad spicy?
It has a very mild kick from 2 drops of hot chili oil, but it is generally considered savory rather than spicy.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, preparing it in advance is recommended to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
How should the carrots be prepared?
One carrot should be peeled and sliced before being added to the mixture.
What is the best way to cut the red bell pepper?
The red bell pepper should be cored and cut into thin julienne strips.
Do I need to cook the ginger?
No, the fresh ginger should be grated and whisked directly into the dressing.
Can I substitute the canola oil?
Yes, you can use other neutral oils like vegetable oil or grapeseed oil if canola oil is unavailable.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of minced garlic.
What role does the dark brown sugar play in the recipe?
The dark brown sugar balances the acidity of the vinegar and the saltiness of the soy sauce.
Are there any garnishes suggested for this salad?
The salad is topped with chopped green onions and 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds for texture and flavor.
Can I use rice vinegar if I don't have rice wine vinegar?
Yes, rice vinegar and rice wine vinegar are often used interchangeably in this type of dressing.
Is this recipe suitable for a summer picnic?
Absolutely, its chilled nature and sturdy ingredients make it ideal for picnics and outdoor gatherings.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I add more heat to the recipe?
Yes, if you prefer a spicier salad, you can increase the amount of hot chili oil or add red pepper flakes.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
This recipe requires 15 specific ingredients.
Should the pasta be rinsed after cooking?
For chilled pasta salads, it is often helpful to rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Yes, cooked shrimp or firm tofu cubes would work well as substitutes for chicken in this Asian-inspired dish.
Is light soy sauce necessary?
Light soy sauce provides the necessary saltiness without being as heavy as dark soy sauce, but regular soy sauce can be used as a substitute.
What if I don't have fresh ginger?
While fresh ginger is best for flavor, you can use a smaller amount of ground ginger in a pinch.
Are the sesame seeds toasted?
Toasting the sesame seeds lightly in a pan before adding them can enhance their nutty flavor.
How much chicken is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 to 2 lbs of boneless skinless chicken breasts.
Can I use white sugar instead of dark brown sugar?
You can, but dark brown sugar adds a deeper molasses-like flavor that complements the soy sauce better.
Is the dish served hot or cold?
As the name suggests, this dish is intended to be served chilled.
Can I add other vegetables like snap peas?
Yes, snap peas or edamame would make excellent additions to this colorful salad.
Is this a healthy recipe choice?
Yes, it contains lean protein, various vegetables, and healthy fats from sesame and canola oils.