This salad has drastically improved the quality of my life. It's that good.
I just love a great summer salad, especially ones that can be used as a main dish.
A couple of huge dollar store serving bowls, toss with the greens, throw in a little Naked and Afraid (not me, the show) and its a guaranteed smile.
Or, you can have a yitta bit for breakfast.
This salad is nothing short of delightful. It has a bounty of great flavors, plus a smidgen of 'WOWZA'! I can't wait to get sick of this salad - I keep making it (and eating it!).
Asian Chicken Pasta Salad
Serve with some grilled fresh pineapple on the side and you've got a lovely main dish salad!
1 lb. bowtie pasta - I use the veggie kind (Sometimes I just use the 12 oz box for a better pasta to veggie ratio)
DRESSING:
1/3 cup vegetable oil (I use canola)
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup sesame oil (the money right here)
1/3 cup honey
1/3 cup packed fresh basil leaves (Or cilantro. I've used them both many times and they are both amazing! If I use cilantro, I use a whole bunch)
1/2 t. red pepper flakes (optional)
4 chicken breasts, thinly sliced or diced
2 bunches green onions, thinly sliced
2-3 peppers (yellow, red, or orange), thinly sliced
1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
Salt and pepper, to taste
Greens (I love the spinach, kale, chard, carrot combination best, but I've used just about every green and it's win win!)
Boil pasta in salted water until just barely tender. Drain and rinse under cool water just to bring to room temperature.
Meanwhile, combine dressing ingredients in the blender until basil is in smaller bits, set aside. (Sometimes I just finely shred it and whisk all the dressing ingredients together) In a large bowl, add sliced chicken, green onions, peppers, and sesame seeds. Stir gently to combine. Top with a few more toasted sesame seeds, and you're done.
My favorite way to serve this is to toss with a mountain of greens just before serving. You might want to make additional dressing if you serve it this way - I usually don't. It's great at room temperature or chilled.
Happy Day!
