Chinese Chicken-Noodle Salad
A vibrant, refreshing Chinese chicken-noodle salad combining tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and flavorful sesame teriyaki dressing, perfect for light lunches or casual dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 oz. angel hair pasta
- 1 c. diagonally sliced fresh snow peas ⓘ
- 2 c. shredded cooked chicken breast ⓘ
- 1/2 c. diced red bell pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 c. sliced green onion ⓘ
- 1 medium cucumber peeled and sliced
- 3 Tbsp. teriyaki sauce ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. rice vinegar
- 2 tsp. sesame seed
- 1 tsp. dark sesame oil ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Break the pasta in half and cook in boiling water for 2 minutes.
- Add snow peas and cook an additional minute.
- Drain and rinse under cold, running water.
- Drain well.
- Combine the cooked pasta mixture, shredded chicken, red bell pepper, green onion, and cucumber.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles for the angel hair. If snow peas are unavailable, sugar snap peas or thinly sliced bell peppers work well. Adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper can give it a nice kick, similar to some Chinese recipes. Feel free to experiment with additional vegetables like carrots or red cabbage for more color.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chinese Chicken-Noodle Salad as a light main dish or as a side alongside grilled meats. Pair it with a refreshing cucumber salad or some spring rolls for a complete meal. This salad also pairs beautifully with Spicy Chicken With Broccoli for a delicious, balanced dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the salad in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra teriyaki sauce to maintain moisture. This dish can also be enjoyed cold, making it perfect for meal prep.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Chicken-Noodle Salad contains roughly 431 calories, with 15g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (129% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), and protein (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1172mg per serving (51% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds extra flavor to the salad. Just shred the chicken and mix it with the other ingredients as directed. It’s a perfect way to incorporate leftover chicken recipes into new meals.
What can I substitute for teriyaki sauce?
If you don’t have teriyaki sauce, a mixture of soy sauce, honey, and a splash of rice vinegar can be a great alternative. You can also use hoisin sauce for a different flavor profile. Adjust the sweetness to your taste to maintain the balance of flavors in the dish.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this salad is excellent for meal prep! Preparing it in advance allows the flavors to meld together. Just keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to ensure the noodles don’t become soggy. It’s a convenient option for lunches throughout the week.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).