Sesame Pasta Salad

Sesame Pasta Salad is a quick and easy side dish to serve with just about any meal. It comes together in less than 30 minutes and is sure to be a crowd favorite.

Pasta Salad is one of my go- to sides especially when the weather starts to warm up. The Best Macaroni Salad is a family favorite with a sweet creamy dressing and crunchy vegetables. All of my kids go crazy for this Sesame Pasta Salad.

 

Sesame Pasta Salad ~ Quick and Easy Side Dish

Your choice of cooked pasta is mixed with a quick sesame dressing, crunchy toasted almonds and green onions and garnished with chow mein noodles. We love serving this simple side with anything from the grill like bbq chicken, burgers or pork chops.

Ingredients Needed:

• Pasta ~ We used rigatoni, small shells, elbows or spaghetti will work. Just use what you have on hand.
• Olive Oil ~ The base of the sauce, canola oil can be substituted.
• Soy Sauce ~ We used less sodium soy sauce, use your favorite. It adds classic savory Asian flavor.
• Maple Syrup ~ Sweetens the sauce, honey works great too.
• Rice Wine Vinegar ~ Adds tangy flavor. Substitute white vinegar if you don't have rice wine vinegar.
• Toasted Sesame Oil ~ The signature flavor for the Asian dressing. 
• Granulated Garlic, Ground Ginger, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper ~ Seasoning for the dressing.
• Toasted Sliced Almonds ~ Great crunchy texture and flavor. 
• Green Onions ~ Delicious fresh flavor that brightens the pasta.
• Chow Mein Noodles ~ Optional garnish for added crunchy texture.

How to Make Sesame Pasta Salad:

• Cook pasta according to package directions.
• Drain and rinse under cold water until cooled. 
• Drain well.

• Meanwhile, mix up the sesame dressing:
• In a serving bowl, add olive oil, soy sauce, maple syrup, rice wine vinegar, toasted sesame oil and seasonings to a boil.

• Whisk to combine. 
• Mix in green onions. 

• Stir in drained pasta. 

• Top with sliced almonds and mix well. 

• Garnish with chow mein noodles if desired. 

How to Store:

Store in an airtight container in refrigerator up to 2 days. Chow mein noodles do not refrigerate well, it's best to add just before serving.

More Easy Side Salads:

Creamy Coleslaw is another favorite that goes so well with everything on the grill or your favorite fish dinner. 

Greek Salad with Roasted Garlic Salad Dressing has so much flavor and it's so simple to make ahead.

Cucumber Onion Salad is one of those dishes that we make at least once a week during the summer. It's so fresh and delicious with tons of flavor.

If you are looking for a flavorful new side dish to break up the dinner routine, add this quick and easy Sesame Pasta Salad to your list to try!

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