Szechwan Pasta Salad
A vibrant, spicy pasta salad featuring tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a tangy, sesame-infused dressing, perfect for casual gatherings or quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. bow tie pasta or small shells ⓘ
- 1/4 cup peanut or vegetable oil ⓘ
- 4 to 5 Tbsp. red wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1 to 2 Tbsp. honey ⓘ
- 2 tsp. sesame seed ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. grated ginger ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets and thinly sliced stems, blanched ⓘ
- 2 cups cooked chicken, cut in strips
- 1 red pepper, cut into strips ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) pkg. frozen snow peas, thawed or 1/4 lb. fresh snow peas, washed and trimmed ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 2 green onions, washed and cut into 1-inch pieces ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and cool.
- In a large bowl, combine oil, vinegar, honey, sesame seed, garlic, hot pepper sauce, ginger, and salt.
- Mix well until the dressing is well blended.
- Add the cooked pasta, broccoli florets and stems, chicken strips, red pepper strips, thawed snow peas, sliced mushrooms, and green onions to the bowl.
- Toss everything together until evenly coated with the dressing.
- Cover and chill until ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute the pasta with zucchini noodles or quinoa. You can also swap the chicken for tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. If you prefer more heat, add additional hot pepper sauce or Szechwan peppercorns. For added crunch, consider incorporating chopped peanuts or cashews, which would complement the flavors well.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Szechwan Pasta Salad as a main dish or alongside grilled meats, such as flank steak, or as part of a larger spread with other Chinese recipes. It pairs beautifully with dishes like Glazed Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry or as a refreshing side to spicy entrées. Garnish with additional sesame seeds for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Szechwan Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave, adding a splash of water or extra oil to prevent drying out. This dish can also be enjoyed cold, making it a great option for meal prep.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Szechwan Pasta Salad contains roughly 647 calories, with 17g protein, 103g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (116% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (60% of the Daily Value), and protein (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1021mg per serving (44% 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 make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Szechwan Pasta Salad a day in advance. This allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the taste. Just be sure to keep it covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve. If it thickens, add a little extra dressing before serving.
What can I substitute for chicken in this recipe?
You can easily substitute chicken with grilled shrimp, tofu, or even quinoa for a vegetarian option. This salad is versatile, so feel free to use any protein you prefer, such as beef or pork, or explore plant-based proteins for a healthier twist.
How can I adjust the spice level of the salad?
To adjust the spice level, start with a small amount of hot pepper sauce and gradually increase to your taste. You can also add fresh chilies or a pinch of chili flakes for more heat. If you prefer milder flavors, consider omitting the hot pepper sauce altogether.
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).