Asian Pasta Salad features bow tie pasta, tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful sesame-soy dressing. This easy pasta salad recipe combines shredded carrots, red bell peppers, green onions, cilantro, and toasted almonds for a crunchy, colorful dish. Perfect for lunch, potlucks, or weeknight dinners, it can be prepared ahead of time and served chilled or at room temperature for a light and refreshing meal.

Ingredients

Sesame-Soy 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

Pasta Salad:

12 ounces bow tie pasta (about 4 cups)
2 cups chopped cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken
1 cup shredded carrot
¾ cup roughly chopped cilantro
½ cup thinly sliced green onion
½ cup diced red bell pepper
½ cup slivered almonds or peanut pieces

Instructions

In a jar or small bowl with a tight-fitting lid, combine all dressing ingredients. Shake well until fully blended and set aside.
Cook the bow tie pasta according to package directions, about 10 minutes or 1 minute shy of the recommended time. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain well and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
Add the chopped chicken, shredded carrot, cilantro, green onion, red bell pepper, and slivered almonds to the pasta.
Shake the dressing again and pour over the salad. Toss everything together until well coated. Chill for 15–30 minutes before serving, if desired.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Asian Pasta Salad combines tender pasta, fresh vegetables, and protein-rich chicken with a flavorful sesame-soy dressing. It’s a refreshing, light, and colorful dish perfect for lunches, potlucks, or weeknight dinners. The crunchy vegetables and toasted almonds add texture, while the dressing gives a balanced mix of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.

Tips

Rinse pasta with cold water to prevent it from sticking and to cool it for the salad.
Toast the almonds lightly in a dry pan for extra flavor.
Shake the dressing well before pouring to ensure all ingredients are combined.
Prepare the salad ahead of time for the flavors to meld together.

Variations and Substitutions

Swap chicken for cooked shrimp, tofu, or edamame for a vegetarian option.
Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit dietary needs.
Add other vegetables like cucumbers, snap peas, or shredded cabbage.
Substitute peanuts with cashews or sunflower seeds for different textures.

FAQs

Can this salad be made ahead of time?
Yes, it can be prepared a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Toss before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free soy sauce to make it safe for gluten-free diets.

How long will it keep?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Serving

Serve chilled or at room temperature as a main dish or a side. Garnish with extra cilantro or sesame seeds for added presentation.

Suggestions

Pair with spring rolls or dumplings for a complete Asian-inspired meal.
Add a drizzle of sriracha or chili oil for a spicy kick.
Great for picnics, potlucks, or meal prep for the week.