Ingredients
– 8 ounces of rotini pasta
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
– 1 cup bell peppers, diced (any color)
– 1 cup carrots, shredded
– 1 cup snap peas, trimmed and halved
– ½ cup green onions, sliced
– ½ cup unsalted peanuts, chopped
– ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Creating Peanut Chicken Pasta Salad is easy when you follow these simple steps:
1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, chop the bell peppers, shred the carrots, and trim the snap peas. Set these aside in a large mixing bowl.
3. Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, combine the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Whisk until smooth. If the dressing is too thick, add water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
4. Combine Ingredients: In the bowl with the prepared vegetables, add the cooked pasta and shredded chicken. Pour the peanut dressing over the top.
5. Toss to Combine: Gently toss everything together until the pasta and veggies are well coated with the dressing.
6. Add Peanuts and Cilantro: Just before serving, fold in the chopped peanuts and cilantro for added texture and flavor.
7. Chill (Optional): If you have time, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
8. Serve: Transfer the salad to a large serving bowl or individual plates.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 25g