Are you ready to transform an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary adventure? This Orange Ginger Chicken Pasta Salad is not just another recipe—it's a vibrant, zesty journey that combines the bright citrusy punch of orange, the warming kick of fresh ginger, and tender chicken in a dish that will revolutionize your lunch or dinner routine. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or impressing guests, this Asian-inspired creation promises to tantalize your palate and leave you craving more with every refreshing bite.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 orange, juiced and zested
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Zest and juice the orange into a large mixing bowl.
- Grate the fresh ginger using a microplane or fine grater directly into the bowl with the orange juice and zest.
- Add soy sauce and sesame oil to the orange-ginger mixture, whisking together to create a cohesive dressing.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta down.
- In the large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, shredded chicken, and sliced green onions with the orange-ginger dressing.
- Gently toss all ingredients together, ensuring the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Taste the salad and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Before serving, give the pasta salad a quick stir and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with additional green onions if desired.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use freshly grated ginger instead of pre-ground—the difference is remarkable!
- Let the pasta salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to fully develop and meld together.
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken for an even quicker preparation.
- For added texture, consider toasting some sesame seeds as a garnish.
- If you prefer a cold pasta salad, rinse the pasta thoroughly with cold water to stop cooking and chill quickly.
- Experiment with adding crunchy vegetables like julienned carrots or bell peppers for extra nutrition and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 346kcal
Carbohydrates: 47g
Protein: 23g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 45mg
