Sesame Pasta Chicken Salad

This refreshing sesame pasta chicken salad is a delicious blend of tender chicken, bow tie pasta, and a tangy sesame-soy dressing, making it the perfect light dish for summer cookouts, potlucks, or weekday lunches. Easy to prepare and incredibly versatile, it’s just as satisfying straight after assembly as it is after a night of marinating in the fridge.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: Ready in about 30 minutes

• Great for meal prep: Tastes even better the next day

• Versatile: Serve warm, chilled, or at room temperature

• Customizable with vegetables or protein alternatives

• Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for picnics, potlucks, and gatherings

• Balanced flavors: Sweet, tangy, nutty, and savory in every bite

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

¼ cup sesame seeds
1 (16-ounce) package bow tie pasta
½ cup vegetable oil
⅓ cup light soy sauce
⅓ cup rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
3 tablespoons white sugar
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
3 cups shredded, cooked chicken breast
⅓ cup chopped fresh cilantro
⅓ cup chopped green onion

Directions

1. In a dry skillet over medium-high heat, toast sesame seeds until lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, 8–10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water until cooled. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.

3. In a jar or bowl with a tight-fitting lid, combine vegetable oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, toasted sesame seeds, ginger, and black pepper. Shake or whisk until fully emulsified.

4. Pour the sesame dressing over the cooled pasta and toss until well-coated.

5. Gently fold in the shredded chicken, cilantro, and green onions.

6. Serve immediately or refrigerate for several hours to allow flavors to deepen.

Servings and timing

Servings: 10
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and add shelled edamame, tofu cubes, or chickpeas

• Vegan: Use a plant-based protein and swap honey (if used in dressing tweaks) with maple syrup

• Add crunch: Include shredded carrots, bell peppers, water chestnuts, or snap peas

• Extra nutty: Sprinkle chopped peanuts or cashews before serving

• Zingy twist: Add a splash of lime juice or a pinch of chili flakes for a flavor kick

Storage/Reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Serve cold or at room temperature—no reheating necessary.
If the pasta absorbs too much dressing while sitting, refresh with a drizzle of soy sauce or sesame oil before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes! It actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld.

What type of chicken works best?

Cooked, shredded chicken breast is ideal. Rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken also works well for extra flavor.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely. Farfalle, rotini, or linguine all work nicely. Choose a pasta that holds sauce well.

Is this dish good served warm?

Yes, it’s versatile enough to be enjoyed warm, cold, or at room temperature.

How can I reduce the oil content?

Many reviewers successfully cut the vegetable oil down to 1/3 or even 1/4 cup without sacrificing flavor.

Can I make it vegetarian or vegan?

Yes—just leave out the chicken or use a plant-based substitute. The dressing is already vegan-friendly.

What vegetables can I add?

Great additions include julienned carrots, bell peppers, snap peas, cucumbers, or shredded cabbage for added crunch.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge. Give it a stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, but you can use gluten-free pasta and tamari instead of soy sauce to make it gluten-free.

Can I use dark soy sauce instead of light?

Light soy sauce is preferred for its saltiness without overpowering the dish. If using dark, use sparingly and adjust to taste.

Conclusion

Sesame pasta chicken salad is a flavorful and refreshing dish that brings together the richness of sesame, the tang of vinegar, and the heartiness of pasta and chicken in one easy bowl. Whether served at a summer barbecue or packed for lunch, it’s a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress. Make it your own with added vegetables or swap the protein to suit your tastes—this versatile recipe is a keeper.

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