Name: Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast; 4 cups cooked rotini pasta (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 14 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that is vibrant, crunchy, and packed with flavor, this Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful medley of tender chicken, perfectly cooked rotini pasta, crisp snow peas, napa cabbage, and a zingy, creamy dressing that brings everything to life. Every bite bursts with freshness and the toasted sesame seeds add that irresistible nutty aroma. Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch or a crowd-pleasing side dish, this salad hits all the right notes and comes together in just 10 minutes. Let’s dive into the magic of this Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl shows a salad with seven layers, each placed separately. Starting from the top left, there is shredded light beige chicken, thin round slices of light tan water chestnuts, and thin orange carrot sticks. Below these, bright green chopped scallions and whole snap peas sit next to crunchy light brown chow mein noodles. Fresh green lettuce leaves and curly yellow pasta spirals finish the bottom right side. Around the bowl on a white marbled surface, there is a small white bowl with creamy light brown dressing and a small wooden bowl with pale sesame seeds, along with a few snap peas and chow mein noodles scattered nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a unique role in balancing taste, texture, and color. From crunchy veggies to savory seasonings, every element enhances the overall experience, making your salad both exciting and satisfying.

2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast: Provides lean protein and a hearty base for the salad.

4 cups cooked rotini (about 3 cups dry): Adds a tender, chewy texture that holds the dressing beautifully.
1 cup fresh snow peas: Brings a crisp, sweet snap and lovely green color.
½ cup diced red bell pepper: Adds vibrant color and a touch of natural sweetness.

½ cup shredded carrot: Contributes subtle earthiness and a pop of orange brightness.
2 cups chopped napa cabbage: Delivers crunch and a mild, refreshing flavor.
¼ cup sliced green onions: Offers a gentle pungency and fresh bite.

8 ounce can sliced water chestnuts (drained): Infuses an irresistible crunch and mild sweetness.
2 tablespoons sesame seeds: Toasted to perfection for a nutty aroma and texture contrast.
1 cup chow mein noodles: Adds a crispy, savory element that makes this salad truly stand out.

⅔ cup plain yogurt: Creates a creamy base for the dressing while keeping it light.
¼ cup soy sauce: Delivers a rich umami depth that brings everything together.
¼ cup mayonnaise: Adds smoothness and a touch of richness to the dressing.

½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild warmth and spice.
¼ teaspoon ground ginger: Offers a subtle zing to elevate the flavor profile.
Honey (to taste): Balances the tangy and savory with gentle sweetness.
Salt (to taste): Enhances all the other flavors perfectly.

How to Make Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Sesame Seeds

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees and spread the sesame seeds evenly on a baking sheet. Toast them in the oven for about 5 minutes, keeping a close eye so they don’t burn. This step is crucial because it releases the sesame seeds’ rich, nutty oils and transforms their flavor, making the salad truly irresistible. Once toasted, set them aside to cool while you prepare the rest of the salad.

Step 2: Combine the Main Ingredients

In a large bowl, gently toss together the shredded chicken, cooked rotini, fresh snow peas, diced red bell pepper, shredded carrot, napa cabbage, sliced green onions, sliced water chestnuts, and chow mein noodles. This mixture forms the colorful and crunchy foundation of your salad, and combining them now ensures every forkful delivers a perfect blend of textures and tastes.

Step 3: Prepare the Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together the plain yogurt, soy sauce, mayonnaise, black pepper, and ground ginger. This creamy, slightly tangy dressing is the secret to the salad’s bold flavor. Taste it carefully and add honey little by little until you reach a sweetness that balances the savory notes just right. Add salt if you think it needs a little extra seasoning. This dressing will coat the salad beautifully without overpowering the freshness of the veggies.

Step 4: Toss and Finish

Pour the dressing over the chicken and pasta mixture, tossing gently to ensure every ingredient is lightly coated. This encourages the flavors to meld while preserving the crispness of your veggies and chow mein noodles. Finally, sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds on top for that perfect finishing touch. Your Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe is now ready to delight everyone at the table!

How to Serve Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

A wooden bowl filled with a pasta salad that has two types of pasta: rotini pasta with a light yellow color and thin noodles with a beige color. Mixed in are light green leafy vegetables, orange carrot strips, sliced round mushrooms with a pale brown shade, and small round green onion slices. The salad looks creamy with a light dressing and is sprinkled with white sesame seeds on top. Two wooden chopsticks rest on the edge of the bowl. The bowl sits on a red and white woven cloth, all placed on a white marbled surface. Part of a clear glass bowl with the same salad is seen on the top right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle extra sliced green onions or a handful of fresh cilantro leaves on top to add a burst of fresh herbaceous flavor. You can also add a squeeze of lime for a zesty twist. These simple garnishes elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise, making every bite even more enjoyable.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with light and complementary dishes. Serve alongside steamed dumplings, crispy spring rolls, or a bowl of miso soup for a complete Asian-inspired feast. The cool, creamy pasta salad balances gracefully against the warm, savory sides, creating a harmonious dining experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try assembling the salad in individual clear glass jars for a stylish packed lunch or picnic option. Layer the dressing at the bottom and the salad ingredients on top, then toss just before eating. For a party, serve it in a large, chilled bowl with edible flowers or toasted sesame sticks as a festive garnish that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad tastes best fresh, as the crunchy ingredients may soften over time, but the flavors remain delightful for a quick next-day meal.

Freezing

Because of the fresh vegetables and creamy dressing, freezing this salad is not recommended. The texture of the veggies will change, and the dressing might separate, which can affect the taste and overall enjoyment of the dish.

Reheating

This salad is served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary. If you prefer it to be less chilled, simply let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. This brings out the dressing’s flavors without sacrificing freshness or texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While rotini is perfect for holding the dressing and mixing well, you can substitute with fusilli, penne, or even bow tie pasta. Just make sure to cook it al dente so it doesn’t get mushy in the salad.

Is there a vegetarian version of this salad?

Yes, you can easily make it vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding extra crunchy veggies like cucumber, snap peas, or edamame for protein. The dressing remains delicious and creamy, providing great flavor.

How do I make sure the salad doesn’t get soggy?

To keep the salad crisp, toss the chow mein noodles and sesame seeds in right before serving. Also, avoid overmixing and store leftovers in a single layer with minimal dressing, if possible.

Can I prepare the salad dressing in advance?

Definitely! The dressing can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Just give it a good stir before tossing it with the salad ingredients to ensure it’s perfectly blended.

What can I use instead of plain yogurt?

If you want a dairy-free option, try using coconut yogurt or a plant-based yogurt alternative with an unsweetened flavor. Greek yogurt can also be a good substitute if you prefer a thicker dressing.

Final Thoughts

This Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe is one of those dishes you find yourself coming back to again and again because it’s fresh, flavorful, and super easy. It’s a lovely balance of creamy, crunchy, savory, and sweet that feels like a celebration in every bite. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and whip up this delightful salad that’s perfect for any occasion. I promise it will become a new favorite at your table!

Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need