Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad
This Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad is a creamy Asian-inspired pasta salad made with tender chicken, fresh crunchy veggies, pasta, and a sesame soy dressing. You can make it in no time!
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It’s a quick pasta salad that’s perfect for summer cookouts, potlucks, or even weekday lunches. It also works really well for meal prep, making it a great make-ahead dish for busy school days, work lunches, or casual family dinners.
If you want to make it a full meal, this pairs really well with a light soup or a simple fruit salad on the side for a fresh and balanced plate.
How to Make Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients you’ll need for this recipe
Step-by-Step Guide
1. To a large bowl add the cooked chicken, snow peas, carrots, bell peppers, cooked noodles, Napa cabbage, water chestnuts, chow mein noodles and scallions, toss gently until mixed together.
2. To a medium size bowl add the soy sauce, mayonnaise, yogurt, ground ginger and pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Add the dressing to the large bowl and toss again until everything is evenly coated. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
4. Place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to let the flavors mend together.
Serve & Enjoy!
Important Recipe Notes
- Cool the pasta completely before mixing in the dressing. Warm pasta can make the mayo and yogurt dressing thin and watery.
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience. It saves time and adds extra flavor, especially on busy days.
- Chill before serving. Letting the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors blend and taste even better.
- If you prefer a lighter salad, add a bit more yogurt. For a richer taste, add a little more mayo.
- Toss everything lightly so the noodles and veggies don’t break apart or get mushy.
- Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2–3 days. For best texture, store chow mein noodles separately and add them when serving.
- A squeeze of lime or a dash of toasted sesame oil can add a nice extra layer of flavor if you want it more vibrant.
Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup of fresh snow peas
- 1/2 cup of shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup of diced red bell pepper
- 4 cups of cooked rotini
- 1 1/2 cups of chopped napa cabbage
- 8 oz can of sliced water chestnuts drained
- 1 cup of chow mein noodles
- 1/4 cup of chopped scallions
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 1/4 cup of mayonnaise
- 2/3 cup of plain yogurt
- 1 tsp of ground ginger
- 1 tsp of pepper
- 2 tbsp of sesame seeds
Instructions
- To a large bowl add the cooked chicken, snow peas, carrots, bell peppers, cooked noodles, Napa cabbage, water chestnuts, chow mein noodles and scallions, toss gently until mixed together.
- To a medium size bowl add the soy sauce, mayonnaise, yogurt, ground ginger and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Add the dressing to the large bowl and toss again until everything is evenly coated. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to let the flavors mend together. Serve and enjoy.
