Asian Pasta Salad

 So, I don't make pasta salads a lot...I just don't..I don't know why...I guess I don't really like how some are super oily and lack flavor.  I wanted to bring one to a family get together, but I wanted it to be different. Not the typical pasta salad from the grocery store. I love Asian food....LOVE IT....and this recipe brings all the delicious flavors I love together.

Here's my Pasta Salad Recipe.....

 Asian Pasta Salad

16oz Bowtie Pasta (I used penne once, too...but prefer the bowtie)
1/3 cup sesame seeds
1/3 cup lite soy sauce(you can use regular, but it is a little salty..)
1/3 cup rice vinegar
2 tsp sesame oil
3 tbsp sugar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 tsp grated fresh ginger
1/4 tsp black pepper
3 cups shredded, cooked chicken breast (I pressure cook the chicken, but you can boil it or even take the chicken off a store bought rotisserie chicken)
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup shredded carrots (optional)
2 Roma tomatoes, diced (optional)

Roast sesame seeds and set aside.
Cook pasta al dente (about 9 minutes)...rinse with cold water until it's completely cooled and drained.
In a container with a lid (I used a mason jar), mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, vegetable oil, ginger, pepper and sesame seeds. Shake until blended thoroughly.
Pour over pasta. Add chicken, cilantro and green onion.
Stir until equally distributed.



*I did add a couple more splashes of soy sauce and a little splash more sesame oil...I love that flavor.
* I also thought about adding some crushed red pepper for a little spice.
*You can add roma tomatoes if you'd like or any other vegetable you think would be good.