Healthy Recipe of the Week ~ Sesame Pasta Chicken Salad

Sesame Pasta Chicken Salad

A refreshing light pasta salad with a delicious Asian flair. Great for a summer cookout or picnic. Tastes great right away, and even better if you can allow it to marinate for a while.

Ingredients

1/4 cup sesame seeds
1/2 (16 ounce) package rotini or bow tie pasta
1/2 cup Kraft Light Asian Toasted Sesame Reduced Fat Dressing
1/3 cup light soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
3 cups shredded, cooked chicken breast meat
2 cups lightly steamed veggies (just a few possibilities are broccoli, red peper, snow peas, carrots)
1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/3 cup chopped green onion

Directions

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add sesame seeds, and cook stirring frequently until lightly toasted. Remove from heat; set aside.
2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain pasta, and rinse under cold water until cool. Transfer to a large bowl.
3. Combine dressing, soy sauce, ginger, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Pour sesame dressing over pasta and toss to coat evenly. Gently mix in chicken, veggies, cilantro, and green onions.
5. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and garnish with a sprig of fresh cilantro just before serving.  

*Makes 4 servings.  Best if chilled for 1 hour before serving.

Nutritional Information: Amount Per Serving
Calories: 350 | Total Fat: 8g | Protein: 24g
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