Orange Chicken Pasta Salad

This unique Orange Chicken Pasta Salad combines the flavors of Chinese takeout with a refreshing pasta salad! The result is a super easy side dish with a blend of delicious and exciting savory flavors.

Why you’ll love this chicken pasta salad recipe

• Easy to make: Using frozen orange chicken and a simple dressing makes prep for this pasta salad beyond easy!
• Bursting with flavor: This Asian pasta salad combines the concept of the classic American side dish with Asian-inspired flavors like sesame and cilantro and fresh herbs.
• Great for crowds: You can easily double or even triple this recipe so there’s plenty of pasta salad to go around.
• Versatile: Great as a hearty side, this easy pasta salad can also be served as a main dish.

A big bowl of pasta salad is one of my favorite summer side dishes! Whether I’m looking for a companion to a Saturday night meal or something crowd-pleasing for a barbecue or picnic on a hot summer day, a nice chicken pasta salad always does the trick.

This recipe takes the classic chicken pasta salad concept and turns it into a refreshing Asian pasta salad! It’s beyond easy to make and it’s sure to impress your friends and family.

Packed with flavor, this recipe rivals my Dill Pickle Pasta Salad or this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad when it comes to unique spins on the traditional side dish!

Ingredients you will need

• Pasta: My go-to pasta shape for this dish is fusili corti bucati because the tight curls are perfect for holding lots of the yummy dressing, but any short cut pasta shape (like rotini pasta or bowtie pasta) works fine.
• Frozen Orange Chicken: Most grocery stores will have frozen orange chicken with the frozen meals, but if you can’t find any, you could also order from your favorite takeout place as a little cheat!
• Veggies: For balanced nutrition and extra flavor, I add a broccoli slaw mix, red bell pepper, and thinly sliced green onions. Cherry tomatoes, red pepper or diced red onion would be delicious in here too!
• Cilantro: Chopped fresh cilantro is the perfect garnish, but it can also be served on the side or omitted and swapped for parsley if cilantro isn’t your thing.

Tip: make this a healthy chicken pasta salad by grilling chicken breast instead of using the frozen orange chicken!

No mayonnaise dressing!

This perfect pasta salad features a homemade dressing without mayonnaise! Here’s everything you’ll need:

• Oil: A combination of olive oil and sesame oil ensures a hearty and delicious dressing with lots of flavor.
• Soy Sauce: For a boost of savory umami flavor.
• Rice Wine Vinegar: Cuts through some of the heavier savory flavors with some acidity. White wine vinegar can also be used instead.
• Honey: Adds a nice sweetness that compliments the tangy orange chicken.
• Garlic and Ginger: Provide some additional savory and refreshing flavor.
• Tahini: This optional ingredient can be used to thicken the dressing if you’re looking for a creamy dressing if creamy pasta salad is more your thing.

How to make chicken pasta salad

1. Cook pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water, then cook the pasta to al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the orange chicken: While the pasta cooks, prepare the chicken according to the directions on the package. Once it’s crispy, chop into bite sized pieces and toss in the sauce.
3. Make the dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together all ingredients for the dressing until well combined.
4. Toss it all together: Add the al dente pasta, chicken, and dressing to a large bowl and toss until everything is coated in the dressing.

*For a detailed list of ingredients and instructions, please reference the recipe card down below.

How to serve this pasta salad

I recommend serving this pasta salad at room temperature, or while still warm. It’s possible to serve it as a cold chicken pasta salad as well, but the flavors develop better when they’re at room temp or warmer. To be honest, I’m not crazy about cold pasta salad!

How to store pasta salad

Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days.

This dish can also be made ahead of time and then left at room temperature for 30 minutes or so before serving. If you are making it ahead of time, save a bit of the pasta salad dressing to add right beforehand.

Because this dressing doesn’t have any dairy-based ingredients, you can also freeze the pasta salad for several months. Allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

More side dish recipes you will love

If you’re a big fan of pasta salads, try this flavorful and exciting Taco Pasta Salad, a Grilled Chicken Pasta Salad, or this Gluten Free Mediterranean Pasta Salad!

Some other fantastic side dish options for the summer are these Air Fryer Potato Wedges, a batch of bold Buffalo Cauliflower, or this healthy and delicious Green Beans Almondine. Round it out with a Cookie Cake for dessert!

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