Asian Pasta Salad with Sesame Dressing for Summer

Asian pasta salad is a vibrant, flavorful dish that brings together the best of both worlds: the satisfying texture of pasta and the bold flavors of Asian-inspired ingredients. This dish combines crunchy vegetables, juicy rotisserie chicken, and a sesame-soy dressing that makes it irresistibly good. Perfect for a summer picnic, a potluck, or as a side dish at a barbecue, this recipe is simple to make and sure to impress.

Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or enjoying it on its own for a light lunch, this Asian pasta salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The dressing has an addictive balance of sesame oil, soy sauce, and sweetness, while the crunchy vegetables and pasta make it hearty yet refreshing. Let’s dive into how to make this delightful salad that will soon become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: You can prepare this dish in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy days or last-minute gatherings.
• Packed with Flavor: The combination of sesame oil, soy sauce, and brown sugar gives the salad a rich, savory dressing that balances out the crunchy veggies.
• Versatile: This pasta salad is perfect as a side dish or a light meal on its own. You can add protein like rotisserie chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make it more filling.
• Healthy and Fresh: With ingredients like shredded carrots, red bell pepper, and green onions, this salad is a fresh, healthy option that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

Ingredients for Asian Pasta Salad

This salad is made with simple, fresh ingredients that deliver a satisfying crunch and rich flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Dressing:

• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons low sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

For the Salad:

• 12 ounces bow tie pasta (about 4 cups)
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or rotisserie chicken
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• ¾ cup chopped cilantro
• ½ cup thinly sliced green onions
• ½ cup diced red bell pepper
• ½ cup slivered almonds or peanut pieces (optional for extra crunch)

How to Make Asian Pasta Salad

Making this Asian pasta salad is incredibly simple and takes just a few easy steps. Follow along to create a dish that is both vibrant and flavorful.

1. Prepare the Dressing

Start by making the dressing. In a small jar or bowl with a lid, combine the vegetable oil, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, soy sauce, and toasted sesame seeds. Close the lid tightly and shake well until the ingredients are fully mixed and the sugar is dissolved. This dressing has a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors that will coat the salad beautifully.

2. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook it according to the package instructions, usually about 10 minutes, until it is al dente. Drain the pasta and immediately rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This step helps cool the pasta quickly and prevents it from becoming too soft when mixed with the dressing. Drain well and transfer the pasta to a large bowl.

3. Prepare the Vegetables and Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, shred the carrots, chop the cilantro, and thinly slice the green onions. Dice the red bell pepper into small pieces. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, shred the meat or cut it into bite-sized pieces. These fresh ingredients will add color, crunch, and flavor to your salad.

4. Assemble the Salad

Once the pasta has cooled and the vegetables are ready, add them to the large bowl with the pasta. Toss in the shredded chicken as well. Shake the dressing one more time to ensure it’s well-mixed, and pour it over the salad. Toss everything together gently to ensure the pasta and veggies are evenly coated with the dressing. Finally, sprinkle slivered almonds or peanut pieces on top for extra crunch, if desired.

5. Serve

For the best flavor, let the salad sit in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together, and the salad becomes even more delicious. Serve it as a side dish with grilled meats or enjoy it on its own as a light lunch. Garnish with additional cilantro or green onions if desired.

Tips for Making the Best Asian Pasta Salad

To ensure your Asian pasta salad is as flavorful and satisfying as possible, here are a few tips to help you achieve the best result:

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: It’s important to cook the pasta to an al dente texture so it doesn’t become mushy when mixed with the dressing. Be sure to follow the package instructions and check the pasta a minute or two before the suggested time to ensure it’s perfectly cooked.

Use Fresh Ingredients: The freshness of the vegetables is key in this salad. Crisp, fresh carrots, bell peppers, and green onions will add texture and a burst of flavor to each bite. If possible, choose organic vegetables for a healthier dish.

Toast the Sesame Seeds: Toasting the sesame seeds brings out their natural nutty flavor and adds depth to the dressing. Don’t skip this step! You can toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat or bake them in the oven for a few minutes until golden brown.

Make Ahead for Best Flavor: While you can enjoy this salad right after making it, letting it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavor as the dressing soaks into the pasta and vegetables. You can also prepare the salad a day in advance—just add the nuts right before serving to maintain their crunch.

Customize the Protein: If you want to make this salad more filling, add your choice of protein. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu are great options. You can even substitute the chicken with leftover pork or beef if you prefer.

What to Serve with Asian Pasta Salad

Asian pasta salad is a versatile dish that pairs perfectly with a wide variety of main courses. Here are some ideas for what to serve alongside it:

Grilled Meats: This salad complements grilled meats like chicken, pork, or beef, adding a fresh and crunchy contrast to the rich flavors of the meat.

Vegetarian Options: For a vegetarian meal, serve this pasta salad with grilled vegetables or tofu. You could also add some edamame or chickpeas to the salad itself for added protein.

Asian-Inspired Dishes: For a complete Asian-inspired meal, serve this salad alongside dishes like teriyaki chicken, sushi, or dumplings. The lightness of the pasta salad balances the richness of these dishes.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

This Asian pasta salad makes great leftovers, but there are a few things to keep in mind when storing it:

Refrigeration: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to add any nuts or seeds just before serving to maintain their crunch.

Freezing: While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the pasta and vegetables separately from the dressing. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the pasta and vegetables, then toss them with freshly made dressing.

Final Thoughts

Asian pasta salad is a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or a light lunch. With its bold sesame-soy dressing, crunchy vegetables, and satisfying pasta, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your collection. Whether served on its own or as a side dish, this salad will bring both flavor and freshness to your table.

FAQs On Asian Pasta Salad

1. Can I use a different type of pasta for this salad?

Yes, you can substitute bow tie pasta with other types of pasta like rotini, fusilli, or penne. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose.

2. How long can I store Asian pasta salad?

Asian pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. However, for the best texture, it’s recommended to add any crunchy ingredients like nuts just before serving.

3. Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the salad up to 2 hours in advance. However, for optimal flavor, it’s best to mix the dressing into the salad right before serving. You can also prepare the pasta and vegetables ahead of time and store them separately.

4. Can I make this salad vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, to make the salad vegetarian or vegan, simply omit the chicken and use a plant-based protein, like tofu or tempeh. You can also use a vegan-friendly soy sauce and sesame oil for the dressing.

5. How can I make the dressing spicier?

If you enjoy a bit of heat, you can add a teaspoon of sriracha or red chili flakes to the dressing. Adjust the amount based on your preferred spice level.

Asian Pasta Salad Recipe Card

Ingredients:

For the Dressing:

• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons low sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

For the Salad:

• 12 ounces bow tie pasta (about 4 cups)
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or rotisserie chicken
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• ¾ cup chopped cilantro
• ½ cup thinly sliced green onions
• ½ cup diced red bell pepper
• ½ cup slivered almonds or peanut pieces (optional for extra crunch)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dressing:
   In a small jar or bowl with a tight-fitting lid, combine vegetable oil, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, soy sauce, and toasted sesame seeds. Shake or stir well to mix the ingredients until the sugar dissolves. Set aside.

2. Cook the Pasta:
   Boil the bow tie pasta in salted water according to package instructions (about 10 minutes). Drain and rinse with cold water to cool the pasta down. Drain well and transfer to a large mixing bowl.

3. Prepare the Vegetables and Chicken:
   Shred the carrots, chop the cilantro, slice the green onions, and dice the red bell pepper. If using rotisserie chicken, shred it or cut it into bite-sized pieces.

4. Assemble the Salad:
   Add the shredded carrots, cilantro, green onions, red bell pepper, and chicken to the bowl with the pasta. Shake the dressing again and pour over the salad. Toss everything together until evenly coated.

5. Add Crunch:
   Just before serving, sprinkle slivered almonds or peanuts on top for an extra crunchy texture.

Notes:

• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the pasta ahead of time. Store the cooked pasta in a plastic bag with a little vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Assemble the salad up to 2 hours before serving.
• Add Protein: You can add grilled shrimp or tofu for a more filling salad.
• Flavor Adjustments: If you prefer a spicier salad, add a little sriracha or red chili flakes to the dressing for heat.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Method: Tossed Salad

Cuisine: Asian-American