Description
Easy Teriyaki Pasta Salad is a quick, fresh, and flavorful dish combining sweet and savory teriyaki sauce with colorful vegetables, pasta, and optional protein. Perfect for a fast lunch, side dish, or light dinner, it offers balanced flavors and textures and can be prepared in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz rotini or penne pasta
Teriyaki Dressing
- 1/3 cup teriyaki sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Fresh Vegetables
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1/2 cup carrots, chopped
- 1/2 cup snap peas, chopped
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Optional Protein
- 1 cup cooked chicken, tofu, or shrimp (optional)
Garnishes
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling 8 oz of rotini or penne pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and keep the pasta firm but tender.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta cooks, chop 1/2 cup each of bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice 2 green onions and mince fresh ginger and garlic to prepare for the dressing.
- Make the Teriyaki Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup teriyaki sauce, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger, and 1 minced garlic clove to create a flavorful dressing that balances sweetness with a subtle kick.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss the drained pasta with the fresh vegetables and teriyaki dressing until everything is evenly coated and flavorful.
- Add Optional Protein and Garnishes: Mix in 1 cup cooked chicken, tofu, or shrimp if desired. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds and chopped fresh cilantro or parsley over the top, then gently stir to finish.
Notes
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Keeping it al dente ensures the salad won’t become mushy when mixed.
- Balance Flavors: Taste your dressing before combining; add a touch of honey or soy sauce to perfect sweetness and saltiness.
- Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad chill enhances the flavors and texture.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Crisp veggies and fresh aromatics make all the difference.
- Mix Gently: Toss carefully to avoid breaking the pasta or bruising the vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-Cook / Boiling
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: teriyaki pasta salad, quick pasta salad, Asian pasta salad, gluten-free pasta salad, easy lunch recipe, make-ahead salad