Description
Asian Pasta Salad packs crisp veggies, juicy mandarins, tender chicken, and a flavorful sesame-soy dressing for a refreshing and 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 if desired)
- 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 pepper
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
1. Add all dressing ingredients to a jar. Secure the lid and shake well until fully combined.
2. Bring 12 cups of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon salt, then add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
3. Drain the pasta, rinse under cold water for about 20 seconds, and shake off any excess water. Transfer to a large bowl.
4. Shake the dressing again and pour about one-third of it over the pasta. Toss to coat and refrigerate until the pasta is fully cooled.
5. Add spinach, chicken, red bell pepper, mandarin oranges, carrots, green onions, and cilantro to the cooled pasta. Gently toss everything together.
6. Add additional dressing as needed (the pasta absorbs dressing as it sits, so add gradually). Top with toasted almonds if using.
7. 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: Add sliced almonds to a dry pan over medium heat. Stir frequently until fragrant and lightly golden. Watch carefully because almonds burn quickly. Transfer to a plate to cool.
This salad is best the day it is made. For longer storage, keep the salad and dressing separate and toss together right before serving. Leave out spinach until serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 452
- Sugar: 9.4 g
- Sodium: 500.8 mg
- Fat: 29.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 20.2 g
- Fiber: 1.3 g
- Protein: 26.4 g