The Perfect Asian Chicken Noodle Salad: A Fresh & Easy Recipe

This Asian-inspired chicken noodle salad combines cooked chicken, egg noodles, crisp vegetables, and a sesame-soy dressing. Allow about 30 minutes to prepare it.

Cooked rotisserie chicken is a convenient option. Keep it refrigerated until you assemble the salad.

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

Cook the noodles according to the package until just tender, then rinse them under cold water and drain well before adding the dressing. Draining prevents excess water from diluting the salad.

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. For another sesame-ginger option, see our Asian salad dressing recipe; adjust the amount to taste.

4. Put It All Together:

In a large bowl, combine the cooled noodles, vegetables, and cooked chicken. Pour the dressing over everything and toss well. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top. This recipe contains wheat, egg, soy, and sesame unless you choose appropriate substitutes; check ingredient labels when cooking for someone with allergies.

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:

Keep this cooked-chicken salad at 40°F (4°C) or below; FoodSafety.gov lists 3–4 days for refrigerated chicken salads. For picnics or potlucks, pack it in a cooler and return leftovers promptly to the refrigerator. 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!

If you make this salad, share your adjustments or questions in the comments.