Chicken Noodle Salad: A Flavorful and Refreshing Dish

Chicken Noodle Salad is the perfect summer dish, combining tender chicken, spaghetti, fresh vegetables, and a spicy, tangy dressing that will make it your new favorite cookout dish. This Asian-inspired salad is vibrant, refreshing, and packed with flavor. It’s the ideal way to use up leftover chicken and incorporate more vegetables into your diet. Whether served at a cookout, picnic, or as a light dinner, this salad will surely impress your guests.

Quick Benefits

Packed with Protein: The chicken and peanuts provide a good amount of protein, which helps support muscle health and keeps you feeling full longer.
High in Fiber: Carrots and vegetables like bell peppers and green onions contribute fiber, aiding digestion and promoting gut health.
Rich in Fresh Herbs: The fresh basil, mint, and cilantro in the salad add not only flavor but also antioxidants and nutrients.
Customizable: You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less Sriracha and change the vegetables to suit your preferences.

Essential Ingredients

For the Dressing:

Garlic (3 cloves, crushed): Adds an aromatic depth to the dressing.
Seasoned Rice Vinegar (½ cup): Provides a tangy, slightly sweet flavor.
Soy Sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds saltiness and umami.
Fish Sauce (1 tablespoon): Enhances the savory depth of the dressing.
Brown Sugar (1 tablespoon): Balances the vinegar’s acidity with sweetness.
Sriracha Chile Sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds spice and heat.
Hoisin Sauce (1 tablespoon): Gives the dressing a rich, slightly sweet flavor with a hint of saltiness.
Sesame Oil (1 teaspoon): Adds nuttiness and richness to the dressing.

For the Salad:

Cooked Chicken Breast (1): Shredded into strips for a protein-packed base.
Spaghetti (1 package, 8 ounces): The base of the salad, replacing traditional pasta with a slightly firmer texture.
Grated Carrots (1 cup): Adds sweetness and crunch to the salad.
Red Bell Pepper (1, thinly sliced): Adds a pop of color and a slightly sweet flavor.
Green Onions (4, thinly sliced): Adds a mild onion flavor and crunch.
Roasted, Salted Peanuts (½ cup, chopped): Provides a crunchy, salty topping.
Fresh Basil (⅓ cup, chopped): Adds freshness and a fragrant flavor.
Fresh Mint (⅓ cup, chopped): Gives the salad a refreshing and aromatic touch.
Fresh Cilantro (⅓ cup, chopped): Adds a burst of citrusy flavor and complements the other herbs.

Preparation Steps

Make the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together garlic, rice vinegar, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, Sriracha, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil until well combined.
Prepare the Chicken: Tear the cooked chicken breast into thin strips that are similar in width to the spaghetti. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until tender but firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool the pasta down.
Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, grated carrots, bell pepper, and green onions.
Toss with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss by hand until everything is well coated.
Refrigerate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but for best flavor, allow it to marinate for up to 12 hours.
Finish the Salad: Just before serving, stir in the peanuts, basil, mint, and cilantro. Toss well and taste for seasoning. Adjust as needed.

Health Benefits

High in Protein: This salad provides a healthy dose of protein, thanks to the chicken and peanuts, which helps with muscle repair and immune function.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Vegetables like bell pepper, carrots, and fresh herbs offer a variety of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and antioxidants.
Good for Digestion: The fiber from the vegetables and the pasta supports digestive health and regularity.
Healthy Fats: Sesame oil and peanuts provide healthy fats, essential for brain health and overall well-being.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect for Potlucks or Cookouts: This Chicken Noodle Salad is an ideal dish to bring to a potluck or cookout, as it’s easy to make in large quantities and doesn’t require reheating.
Serve as a Light Meal: This salad can easily serve as a refreshing and satisfying light meal, especially on warm days.
Pair with Grilled Protein: For a more substantial meal, pair this salad with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for added protein.
Garnish with Extra Herbs: For added flavor, top the salad with additional fresh herbs just before serving.

Creative Variations

Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other fresh vegetables like cucumbers, snap peas, or cherry tomatoes for more color and crunch.
Make It Vegan: Skip the chicken and substitute with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based protein. You can also use a vegan hoisin sauce for a completely vegan version.
Make It Spicier: Increase the amount of Sriracha or add some chili flakes to the dressing to give the salad an extra kick.
Noodles: If you prefer a different noodle, try rice noodles or soba noodles for a unique twist on the salad.

Storage Tips

Refrigerate Leftovers: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld as it sits.
Make Ahead: This salad can be made ahead of time and kept refrigerated. The longer it sits, the more flavorful it becomes as the dressing soaks into the noodles and vegetables.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for this salad, as the texture of the noodles and vegetables may change upon thawing.

Pro Tips

Chill for Maximum Flavor: Allow the salad to chill for at least 2 hours before serving to let the flavors fully develop.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil, cilantro, and mint are key ingredients that bring out the best in this salad, so use fresh herbs for optimal flavor.
Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of Sriracha or omit it entirely. You can also balance the heat with a little more sugar in the dressing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta you like, but spaghetti or another long pasta works best to balance with the shredded chicken and vegetables.

Can I make this salad gluten-free?
To make this salad gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and check that the soy sauce and hoisin sauce are gluten-free.

Can I use other protein sources?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with grilled shrimp, tofu, or even leftover beef for a different protein.

How do I store the dressing separately?
If you want to store the dressing separately, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, and add it to the salad just before serving.

Chicken Noodle Salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a flavorful side dish or a satisfying main course. Its versatility, bold flavors, and healthy ingredients make it a go-to recipe for summer meals!