This refreshing Sesame Chicken Salad is a delightful twist on traditional American pasta salads, blending the crunch of fresh bok choy and carrots with the comforting chew of bow-tie pasta. The star of the dish is the homemade ginger dressing, which offers a perfect balance of zesty lime, sweet honey, and warm spices. It&# 226;ÂÂs a meal that feels light yet satisfying, making it an excellent choice for a quick lunch, a picnic centerpiece, or a healthy side dish for summer gatherings. The combination of texturesâÂÂfrom the crisp vegetables to the tender chickenâÂÂcreates a dynamic eating experience, while the sesame notes add a subtle, nutty depth. Simple to prepare with pantry staples, this salad tastes even better after chilling, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Sesame Chicken Salad
Description
This refreshing Sesame Chicken Salad is a delightful twist on traditional American pasta salads, blending the crunch of fresh bok choy and carrots with the comforting chew of bow-tie pasta. The star of the dish is the homemade ginger dressing, which offers a perfect balance of zesty lime, sweet honey, and warm spices. It's a meal that feels light yet satisfying, making it an excellent choice for a quick lunch, a picnic centerpiece, or a healthy side dish for summer gatherings. The combination of textures from the crisp vegetables to the tender chicken creates a dynamic eating experience, while the sesame notes add a subtle, nutty depth. Simple to prepare with pantry staples, this salad tastes even better after chilling, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.Ingredients
Directions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bow-shaped pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, honey, vegetable oil, toasted sesame seeds, soy sauce, sesame oil, and ground ginger (or chopped gingerroot) to create the ginger dressing. Set aside.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, thinly sliced carrots, sliced bok choy stems, sliced green onions, cut-up cooked chicken, shredded bok choy leaves, and chopped red chili.
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Pour the ginger dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
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Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 720.6kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 32.7g51%
- Saturated Fat 6.5g33%
- Cholesterol 80.6mg27%
- Sodium 528.4mg23%
- Total Carbohydrate 71.9g24%
- Dietary Fiber 8.1g33%
- Sugars 25.1g
- Protein 36.3g73%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
For best results, ensure the chicken is fully cooked and cooled before adding it to the salad. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or poach chicken breasts specifically for this recipe.
If you prefer a spicier salad, increase the amount of red chili or add a dash of red pepper flakes.
This salad keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often improve after a day as the vegetables absorb the dressing.
Toasting the sesame seeds enhances their nutty flavor. You can do this in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
