Name: Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast; 4 cups cooked rotini (about 3 cups dry); 1 cup fresh snow peas; ½ cup diced red bell pepper; ½ cup shredded carrot; 2 cups chopped napa cabbage; ¼ cup sliced green onions; 8 ounce can sliced water chestnuts, drained; 2 tablespoons sesame seeds; 1 cup chow mein noodles; ⅔ cup plain yogurt; ¼ cup soy sauce; ¼ cup mayonnaise; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon ground ginger; Honey, to taste; Salt, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 46 reviews

Nothing beats the perfect balance of flavors and textures in a refreshing yet hearty dish like this Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe. Imagine tender shredded chicken mingling with crisp snow peas, crunchy water chestnuts, and vibrant napa cabbage, all tossed with nutty toasted sesame seeds and a creamy, tangy dressing with just the right hint of ginger and honey. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a crowd-pleasing potluck contribution, or a light dinner, this salad delights every taste bud and satisfies with its colorful presentation and crave-worthy crunch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear bowl filled with seven distinct layers of ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface: shredded chicken in light beige, round slices of water chestnuts in off-white, thin orange matchstick carrots, bright green sliced scallions piled in the center, whole green snap peas, light yellow rotini pasta, and crispy brown chow mein noodles, plus a section of light green leafy lettuce. Surrounding the bowl, there is a small wooden bowl of white sesame seeds, a white bowl with creamy beige dressing and a green spatula, with some scattered snap peas and chow mein noodles nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a vital role in creating a symphony of taste, texture, and color. From the tender chicken and pasta that add substance, to the fresh veggies and crunchy seeds that give it life, every component is easy to find and essential to the final dish.

2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast: The star protein providing savory richness and satisfying bite.
4 cups cooked rotini (about 3 cups dry): Spiral pasta that holds the dressing beautifully while adding a chewy base.
1 cup fresh snow peas: Crisp and slightly sweet veggies that pop with freshness.
½ cup diced red bell pepper: Adds vibrant color and a mild, juicy crunch.
½ cup shredded carrot: Offers subtle sweetness and a bright orange hue for visual appeal.
2 cups chopped napa cabbage: Mildly crunchy and tender greens that bring depth and leafy texture.
¼ cup sliced green onions: Sharp, fresh flavor that lifts the entire salad.
8-ounce can sliced water chestnuts (drained): The secret to magical crunch with a clean, refreshing taste.
2 tablespoons sesame seeds: Toasted to perfection for a nutty aroma and subtle crunch.
1 cup chow mein noodles: Classic crispy noodles that add an addictive crunch and Asian flair.
⅔ cup plain yogurt: Creamy base for the dressing that balances all the sharpened flavors.
¼ cup soy sauce: Salty umami depth that brings the salad to life.
¼ cup mayonnaise: Adds silkiness and binds the dressing to the ingredients.
½ teaspoon black pepper: A subtle kick that enhances without overpowering.
¼ teaspoon ground ginger: Warm and zesty spice that ties the Asian flavors together.
Honey (to taste): Natural sweetness to balance soy’s saltiness and the zing of ginger.
Salt (to taste): Enhances all the other flavors, used sparingly.

How to Make Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Sesame Seeds

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees. Spread your sesame seeds evenly on a baking sheet and toast them for about 5 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning. This simple step is a game changer because those warm, fragrant seeds bring a deeper, nutty flavor that elevates the entire salad.

Step 2: Combine the Main Ingredients

In a large bowl, gently toss together the shredded chicken, cooked rotini pasta, fresh snow peas, diced red bell pepper, shredded carrot, chopped napa cabbage, green onions, drained water chestnuts, and crunchy chow mein noodles. This mixture packs a punch of texture and freshness that makes every bite exciting.

Step 3: Whip Up the Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together plain yogurt, soy sauce, mayonnaise, black pepper, and ground ginger until smooth. Give it a taste and add honey little by little to reach your preferred level of sweetness. Season with a pinch of salt if needed. This dressing is creamy, tangy, lightly sweet, and perfectly seasoned to complement the salad ingredients.

Step 4: Toss and Finish

Pour the dressing over the chicken and pasta mixture, then gently toss everything together to coat evenly. Finally, sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds on top for a visual pop and added crunch. Now your Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe is ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

A wooden bowl filled with a creamy pasta salad, showing a mix of spiral rotini pasta in beige and light brown shades, thin carrot strips in orange, light green lettuce pieces, and round slices of pale green cucumber. Small white sesame seeds are sprinkled on top. A pair of dark brown chopsticks rests on the edge of the bowl. The bowl sits on a textured red and white cloth placed on a white marbled surface. Another glass bowl with the same salad is partially visible in the top right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra touch of wow, consider garnishing with additional sliced green onions, a few extra toasted sesame seeds, or even a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or basil. These fresh herbs add brightness and aromatic notes that contrast beautifully with the creamy dressing.

Side Dishes

This salad shines as a standalone meal, but it’s also fantastic alongside grilled dumplings, vegetable spring rolls, or a simple miso soup for a full Asian-inspired feast. Light sides with complementary flavors enhance the experience without overshadowing the star salad.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, try serving this Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe in individual glass jars or on crisp lettuce cups for a fun appetizer twist. Layering the salad ingredients for a colorful display or adding edible flowers can also turn your dish into a conversation piece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the chow mein noodles may soften over time, so to retain maximum crunch, you might want to add them fresh when serving again.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated because freezing tends to alter the texture of pasta and crisp vegetables. If you must freeze, separate the dressing from the salad and freeze the drained cooked chicken and pasta separately; however, it’s not ideal for maintaining the fresh crunch.

Reheating

Generally, this salad is served cold or at room temperature and doesn’t require reheating. If you prefer it slightly warm, gently heat the chicken and pasta separately, then combine with fresh veggies and dressing right before serving to keep textures intact.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta in this salad?

Absolutely! While rotini is perfect for its shape and texture, penne or bowtie pasta also work well. Just cook them al dente so they hold their structure in the salad.

Is it possible to make this salad vegetarian?

Yes, simply swap the shredded chicken for firm tofu or chickpeas, and adjust seasonings to your taste. The hearty veggies and dressing still deliver plenty of flavor and texture.

How can I make the dressing less creamy?

If you prefer a lighter dressing, reduce the mayonnaise and increase the yogurt slightly, or swap some yogurt for a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice for a tangier finish.

What are some good substitutes for water chestnuts?

If you can’t find water chestnuts, thinly sliced jicama or celery provide a similar crisp texture without altering the flavor too much.

Can I prepare this salad in advance for a party?

You can certainly prep most ingredients a day ahead and store them separately. Toss everything together with the dressing just before serving to keep the salad fresh and crunchy.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—a delicious, easy, and vibrant Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe that feels both comforting and exciting. It’s a wonderful way to bring together familiar flavors in a fresh new way that’s perfect for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and share it with your friends and family because once you do, it’s sure to become a cherished favorite just like mine.

Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need