Sesame Chicken Pasta Salad

We loved this pasta salad!  It was a fun spin on an asian salad and was great as a main dish, just serve with some french bread.  I think it was the dressing that made this taste so yummy!  It may seem like a lot of dressing, but pour it all on because the pasta will soak up a lot of it.  I added a few extra things to the recipe just to add some crunch.  Next time you head out for a picnic or a potluck, make this!

SESAME CHICKEN PASTA SALAD { recipe adapted from HERE}


INGREDIENTS:

• 1 {16 oz} package bow-tie pasta
• 1/2 cup canola or olive oil
• 1/3 cup seasoned rice vinegar
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1 tsp. sesame oil
• 3 Tbsp. sugar
• 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper
• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cut up into chunks
• 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced {I added some of the green parts as well}
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted lightly in a dry pan
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds, toasted lightly in a dry pan
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced

DIRECTIONS:

  Heat a medium skillet over medium-low heat; add sesame seeds and sliced almonds.  Toast until golden brown and set aside.  Cook pasta according to package directions, drain and rinse with cold water.  Add pasta to large bowl.

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and next 6 ingredients.  

Add sliced green onions, cooked chicken, sliced bell pepper, sesame seeds and almonds to the bowl with the cooled pasta.  Stir to combine.  Pour in the dressing and mix well.  You can serve immediately or refrigerate for later.