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Easy Zesty Teriyaki Chicken Pasta Salad

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A quick and refreshing pasta salad combining savory teriyaki chicken with crisp veggies and a zesty lime-ginger dressing, perfect for summer BBQs and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken recommended)
  • 1 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 1 cup snap peas, trimmed and halved
  • ½ cup shredded carrots (optional)
  • ¼ cup chopped green onions
  • ½ cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside to drain completely.
  2. While pasta cooks, shred or dice 2 cups cooked chicken. Dice 1 cup red bell pepper, trim and halve 1 cup snap peas, shred ½ cup carrots if using, and chop ¼ cup green onions.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup teriyaki sauce, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger, 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, chicken, and chopped vegetables. Pour dressing over and toss gently to coat evenly without mashing the pasta.
  5. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds and chopped fresh cilantro or parsley over the salad. Toss lightly to distribute garnishes.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. Toss gently before serving.

Notes

Rinse pasta after boiling to prevent sticking and stop cooking. Use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience. Adjust dressing sweetness and saltiness to taste. Keep veggies crisp by adding them just before serving or storing separately if prepping ahead. Add extra teriyaki sauce or olive oil if salad feels dry after chilling.

Nutrition

Keywords: teriyaki chicken pasta salad, summer salad, BBQ salad, easy pasta salad, zesty dressing, quick dinner, healthy pasta salad

Find it online: https://chloeplate.com/easy-zesty-teriyaki-chicken-pasta-salad-recipe-perfect-for-summer-bbqs/