Description
Asian Pasta Salad packs crisp veggies, juicy mandarins, tender chicken, and a flavorful sesame-soy dressing for a refreshing, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 (16-ounce) package rotini pasta or Fusilli Bucati pasta
- 4–1/2 cups coarsely chopped baby spinach (optional)
- 1–1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1 (15-ounce) can mandarin oranges, well drained
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/3 cup thinly sliced green onions
- 1/3 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds (optional, toasted)
- Dressing:
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
1. Add all dressing ingredients to a jar with a lid. Seal and shake well until fully combined.
2. Bring about 12 cups of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon salt and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.
3. Drain the pasta, rinse under cold water for about 20 seconds, and shake off excess water. Transfer to a large bowl.
4. Shake the dressing again and pour about one-third of it over the pasta. Toss well to coat, then refrigerate until the pasta is fully cooled.
5. Add spinach, shredded chicken, red bell pepper, mandarin oranges, shredded carrots, green onions, and cilantro to the cooled pasta. Toss gently to combine.
6. Add additional dressing as needed, a little at a time, since the pasta will absorb it as it sits.
7. Top with toasted sliced almonds if desired. Serve and enjoy.
Notes
Spinach wilts quickly once dressed. If meal prepping, leave it out and add it to individual servings just before eating.
To toast almonds, place sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently until fragrant and lightly golden, then transfer to a plate to cool.
This salad is best enjoyed the day it is made. For meal prep, store the salad and dressing separately and toss together just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 452
- Sugar: 9.4g
- Sodium: 500.8mg
- Fat: 29.3g
- Carbohydrates: 20.2g
- Fiber: 1.3g
- Protein: 26.4g