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Teriyaki Pasta Salad

Teriyaki Pasta Salad
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Teriyaki Pasta Salad is a quick and easy Asian-inspired dish combining tender pasta with a savory-sweet teriyaki dressing, fresh crunchy vegetables, optional proteins, and toasted sesame seeds for a colorful, flavorful, and satisfying meal perfect for lunches, dinners, or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz rotini, fusilli, or penne pasta

Dressing

  • 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Vegetables

  • 1 cup bell peppers, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup snap peas, trimmed and chopped
  • 2 green onions, chopped

Proteins (optional)

  • 1 cup grilled chicken, diced or tofu or edamame

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
  • Fresh coriander leaves (optional)
  • Thin slices of red chili (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to cool completely.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and chop all vegetables; slice bell peppers thinly, shred carrots, chop green onions, and trim snap peas. Set aside.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce and sesame oil until well blended. Adjust sweetness or saltiness to taste.
  4. Combine All Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the cooled pasta with the chopped vegetables and teriyaki dressing until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Add Protein and Sesame Seeds: If using, gently fold in diced grilled chicken, tofu, or edamame. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top and gently toss again.

Notes

  • Drain pasta thoroughly to avoid sogginess and help dressing adhere better.
  • Cool pasta completely before mixing to keep veggies fresh and crisp.
  • Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan for 1 minute until fragrant for enhanced flavor.
  • Make dressing in advance to allow flavors to meld and save time.
  • Use fresh crunchy vegetables for best texture and taste.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; keep fresh veggies separate if possible to maintain crunch.
  • Freezing is not recommended as fresh vegetables lose texture and flavor.
  • Serve chilled or at room temperature; if warming, remove fresh veggies and heat pasta and dressing separately.

Nutrition

Keywords: Teriyaki Pasta Salad, Asian Pasta Salad, Quick Pasta Salad, Meal Prep Salad, Gluten Free Pasta Salad, Vegetarian Pasta Salad, Easy Lunch Recipe

Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/teriyaki-pasta-salad/