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Crunchy Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad

Crunchy Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad - featured image
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A quick and easy Asian-inspired pasta salad combining tender chicken, crunchy chow mein noodles, and fresh veggies tossed in a zingy dressing. Perfect for a healthy lunch or light dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces cooked pasta (rotini or bowtie), cooled
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 3 stalks green onions, chopped
  • 1 cup shredded cabbage (green or purple)
  • 1 cup chow mein noodles (crunchy fried noodles)
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Let drain for about 5 minutes.
  2. If using fresh chicken, poach or bake a chicken breast seasoned lightly with salt and pepper at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes until cooked through. Let cool and shred or dice. If using leftover chicken, shred or dice about 2 cups.
  3. Shred 1 cup of carrots, thinly slice 1 medium red bell pepper, chop 3 green onions, and shred 1 cup of cabbage. Keep pieces bite-sized for crunch.
  4. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, 1 minced garlic clove, and ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes if using.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chicken, and chopped vegetables. Pour the dressing over and toss gently but thoroughly to coat evenly.
  6. Just before serving, sprinkle 1 cup of crunchy chow mein noodles and ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro on top to keep noodles crisp and cilantro fresh.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding extra soy sauce or a squeeze of lime juice. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Keep chow mein noodles separate until serving to maintain crunch. Rinse pasta in cold water immediately after cooking to prevent sogginess. Use leftover or rotisserie chicken for convenience. Fresh ginger and garlic provide best flavor. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and tamari instead of soy sauce. Variations include swapping chicken for shrimp or tofu, adding seasonal veggies, or adding spicy elements like Sriracha.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chinese chicken pasta salad, crunchy pasta salad, healthy lunch, Asian pasta salad, chow mein noodles, easy pasta salad

Find it online: https://emacrave.com/crunchy-chinese-chicken-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-healthy-lunch-idea/