Description
This vibrant Asian Pasta Salad is a refreshing fusion dish that perfectly balances savory, sweet, and crisp textures. Featuring tender rotini pasta, succulent mandarin oranges, shredded chicken, and a zesty sesame-soy vinaigrette, it is a crowd-pleasing meal that is as quick to prepare as it is delicious. Perfect for summer picnics or a light weeknight dinner, the flavors deepen as it rests, making it an excellent choice for meal prep.
Ingredients
1 package (16-ounce) rotini or fusilli bucati pasta
4–1/2 cups coarsely chopped fresh baby spinach
1–1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1/2 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
1 can (15-ounce) mandarin oranges, well-drained
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/3 cup thinly sliced green onions
1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup rice vinegar
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package directions until al dente.
Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to cool, then drain well.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, spinach, shredded chicken, red bell pepper, mandarin oranges, carrots, green onions, and cilantro.
In a separate small bowl or jar, whisk together the vegetable oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, ground ginger, and black pepper until well combined.
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Just before serving, garnish with the toasted almonds and toasted sesame seeds.
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the salad seems dry after chilling, add a splash of rice vinegar or a drizzle of sesame oil before serving. You can substitute the chicken with chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg