Are you looking for a refreshing meal that’s packed with flavor? This chicken noodle salad is my go-to recipe when I want something light yet satisfying.
I first found this dish on a hot summer day. I needed to use some leftover rotisserie chicken. It has been a family favorite ever since!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Chinese Chicken Noodle Salad
This isn’t just a regular cold pasta salad. It’s a great mix of tender chicken, firm noodles, and crunchy vegetables. All of these are tossed in a tasty Asian-inspired dressing.
What makes it special? You can enjoy it right away or let it chill in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep or picnics.
Quick Facts:
– Prep Time: 20 minutes
– Cook Time: 10 minutes
– Total Time: 30 minutes
– Serves: 6 people
The Secret to Perfect Chicken Sesame Noodle Salad
The key to making this salad amazing is getting the noodles just right. Cook them until they’re al dente, then rinse them in cold water and drain well. This stops the cooking process and keeps your noodles from getting mushy. Trust me – this simple step makes a huge difference!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
– 1 pound thin egg noodles
– 2 cups cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
– 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
– 1 red onion, finely chopped
– 4 green onions, chopped
– 1 cup shredded carrots
– 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
For the Dressing:
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 3 tablespoons sesame oil
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
– 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
Let’s Make Your Chicken Noodle Salad!
1. Prepare the Noodles:
First, bring a large pot of water to boil. Add your noodles and cook until they’re al dente – usually about 4-5 minutes. Once done, rinse them in cold water and drain well. This keeps them from sticking together.
2. Prep Your Vegetables:
While your noodles are cooking, get chopping! Thinly slice your red bell pepper, chop your red onion, and cut your green onions. The key is to cut everything into bite-sized pieces so it’s easy to eat.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a bowl, mix your soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and honey. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Give it a good whisk until everything’s well combined. This dressing is what makes our Asian chicken noodle salad so special!
4. Put It All Together:
In a large bowl, add your cooled noodles, vegetables, and shredded chicken. Pour the dressing over everything and toss well. Make sure all the noodles get coated with the dressing. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for that perfect finishing touch. Check out our essential guide to Asian pantry staples.
Tips for the Best Results:
– Use rotisserie chicken to save time
– Make extra dressing to refresh leftovers
– Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving
– Add the green onions just before serving to keep them crisp
Make It Your Own:
Want to switch things up? Here are some easy changes you can make:
– Add some crunchy peanuts
– Throw in some edamame
– Use different colored bell peppers
– Try it with rice noodles instead of egg noodles
Storage Tips:
This chicken noodle salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container, and give it a quick toss before serving. If it seems a bit dry after being in the fridge, add a splash of sesame oil to freshen it up. Read more about Safe Food Storage.
Perfect for Any Occasion:
This cold chicken noodle salad is great for:
– Weekday lunches
– Potlucks
– Picnics
– Summer dinners
– Meal prep
The best part? This salad tastes even better the next day, after all the flavors have had time to mix together. One of those recipes keeps on giving!
Whether you’re making this for a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this Chinese chicken noodle salad is sure to be a hit. The perfect mix of fresh, flavorful, and filling makes everything you want in a meal!
Have you tried making chicken noodle salad before? Give this recipe a try and let me know what you think in the comments below!
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