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To create the perfect Chilled Sesame Delight, it's essential to start with quality ingredients. This section will dive into the key components of the salad, examining how each element contributes to the final dish.

Cold Sesame Chicken Pasta Salad

Beat the heat with Chilled Sesame Delight—an irresistible Cold Sesame Chicken Pasta Salad perfect for summer gatherings or meal prep. This vibrant salad combines tender pasta, succulent chicken, and a colorful medley of fresh vegetables, all tossed in a creamy, flavorful sesame dressing. Easy to make and packed with nutrition, every bite offers a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor. Ideal for impressing guests or enjoying as a refreshing lunch option, this dish is sure to become a favorite.
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Ingredients
  

8 oz pasta (your choice of spaghetti or fusilli)

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

1 cup assorted bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), thinly sliced

1 cup carrots, julienned

½ cup cucumbers, diced

½ cup scallions, chopped

¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

¼ cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped (optional)

¼ cup sesame seeds, toasted

For the Dressing:

¼ cup soy sauce

2 tbsp sesame oil

1 tbsp rice vinegar

1 tbsp honey or maple syrup

1 tsp garlic, finely minced

1 tsp ginger, freshly minced

½ tsp chili flakes (optional, for added spice)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside.

    Prepare the Chicken: If you're using pre-cooked chicken, shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces. For fresh chicken, poach or grill it until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Allow the chicken to cool before shredding.

      Chop the Vegetables: While the pasta and chicken cool, thinly slice the bell peppers, julienne the carrots into thin strips, and dice the cucumbers. Chop the scallions and cilantro, ensuring that they are at a size you enjoy.

        Make the Dressing: In a small mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, minced ginger, and chili flakes if using. Whisk the dressing until well combined, and taste to adjust any seasoning as desired.

          Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, shredded or diced chicken, sliced bell peppers, julienned carrots, diced cucumbers, chopped scallions, and cilantro. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the top. Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is well combined and beautifully coated with the dressing.

            Add Textures: To finish, sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds and optional chopped roasted peanuts on top of the salad. You can either toss them in for an even distribution or leave them on top for a beautiful crunch contrast.

              Chill & Serve: Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend harmoniously and gives the salad a refreshing chill.

                Enjoy: Serve the salad cold as a delightful main dish or side. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; just give it a gentle toss before serving.

                  Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4-6

                    Presentation Tips: Serve in a large, vibrant bowl with additional cilantro and sesame seeds sprinkled on top for an inviting appearance. Consider using chopsticks for a fun, thematic touch!