This Sriracha Chicken Pasta Salad combines the rich creaminess of a tangy sauce with the spicy kick of sriracha, creating a flavorful and satisfying dish. It’s the perfect balance of heat and coolness from the veggies and creamy dressing.
Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a dish to impress at your next gathering, this salad is versatile and delicious. Serve it as a side dish or as a main course. It’s also a great make-ahead meal for meal prepping, ensuring you’ll have a spicy, creamy lunch or dinner ready when you need it. Plus, the vibrant mix of colors from the vegetables makes it as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb rotini pasta
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2 chicken breasts, cooked and diced
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1 cup red bell pepper, diced
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1/2 cup green onions, chopped
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1/2 cup shredded carrots
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1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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1/4 cup sour cream
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2 tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
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1 tbsp honey
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1 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tsp garlic powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Cook the rotini pasta according to the package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
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In a large bowl, combine the cooked and diced chicken, bell pepper, green onions, shredded carrots, and cilantro.
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In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, sriracha sauce, honey, soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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Add the cooled pasta to the large bowl with the chicken and veggies. Pour the dressing over the top and toss everything together until well-coated.
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Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more sriracha for extra heat or honey for sweetness.
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Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 330 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings
The Sriracha Chicken Pasta Salad is a delightful and zesty dish that combines the bold flavors of spicy sriracha sauce, tender chicken, and creamy dressing, making it a perfect meal for a hot summer day, a picnic, or a quick weeknight dinner. This dish offers a satisfying balance between heat, creaminess, and freshness, making it a favorite among those who enjoy spicy food.
The Appeal of Sriracha in Pasta Salad
Sriracha, the iconic hot sauce that has gained global popularity, is known for its fiery heat and rich garlic flavor. Its inclusion in pasta salads adds an exciting twist to the classic, taking it from a simple dish to something with a serious punch. Whether you love spicy food or want to try something new, sriracha makes a fantastic addition to a pasta salad, balancing creaminess with heat and bringing the dish to life.
By adding chicken to the salad, you increase the protein content, making it more filling and turning it into a complete meal. The combination of pasta, chicken, and fresh vegetables also provides an array of textures and flavors, ensuring every bite is satisfying.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Gatherings
One of the best things about the Sriracha Chicken Pasta Salad is its versatility. It can be made in advance, making it an ideal option for meal prep. Whether you’re planning for a busy week or need a quick and easy lunch, you can prepare this salad ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week. It also makes a fantastic dish for parties, BBQs, or potlucks. The creamy and spicy elements are sure to impress your guests and leave them coming back for more.
In addition, this pasta salad can easily be customized to suit various tastes. For example, you can adjust the amount of sriracha based on how spicy you want the dish to be. If you’re looking for a milder version, reduce the sriracha or use a more subtle hot sauce. You can also incorporate different vegetables or herbs to make the salad your own, adding your personal touch to the recipe.
Nutritional Benefits of Sriracha Chicken Pasta Salad
Aside from being a flavorful meal, the Sriracha Chicken Pasta Salad offers a variety of nutritional benefits. Chicken provides a good source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function. The addition of vegetables, like red bell peppers, carrots, and cilantro, boosts the salad’s vitamin and mineral content. Bell peppers are rich in Vitamin C, an essential nutrient for immune health and skin maintenance, while carrots provide beta-carotene, which supports eye health.
The pasta, although high in carbohydrates, is a good energy source, making this salad a filling dish. While the salad contains some creamy ingredients, it’s still a light meal compared to many heavy pasta dishes, especially when made with a balance of mayonnaise and sour cream. You can also make it lighter by reducing the amount of mayo or opting for a lighter, healthier version of the dressing.
Customization and Variations of Sriracha Chicken Pasta Salad
The beauty of this Sriracha Chicken Pasta Salad lies in its adaptability. If you’re looking for a twist, here are a few ways to make the dish your own:
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for roasted chickpeas or grilled tofu for a satisfying vegetarian alternative. These options provide plenty of protein and texture while maintaining the creaminess and spice of the dish.
- Add More Veggies: Consider adding corn, cucumbers, or avocado for extra flavor and texture. The creaminess of avocado pairs wonderfully with the spicy sriracha sauce, creating an even more refreshing salad.
- Noodle Substitutes: If you’re looking for a healthier or gluten-free version, try substituting traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini, quinoa, or rice noodles. This will change the texture of the dish while keeping it just as delicious.
- Dressing Adjustments: You can adjust the balance of the dressing to your preference. If you like it creamier, add a little more mayo or sour cream. For those who want less creaminess, substitute some of the mayo with Greek yogurt for a tangy, lower-fat version.
Why You Should Make Sriracha Chicken Pasta Salad
There are many reasons to love this dish. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. The addition of sriracha makes it stand out from other pasta salads, adding a level of excitement that will make your taste buds tingle. It’s also a great way to get your protein and vegetables in a single dish, making it an ideal option for lunch, dinner, or a side dish at gatherings.
What makes this recipe even more appealing is its flexibility. You can make it ahead of time, so it’s perfect for busy people who want a meal ready to go. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or preparing for a social gathering, Sriracha Chicken Pasta Salad is a crowd-pleaser that’s as convenient as it is delicious.
Conclusion: A Flavorful, Versatile Dish
In conclusion, the Sriracha Chicken Pasta Salad is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves spicy, creamy dishes. Its combination of heat, creaminess, and freshness is perfectly balanced, making it a delightful meal any time of the year. Whether you’re preparing it for a casual dinner, a party, or for meal prep, this pasta salad is sure to impress with its bold flavors and satisfying ingredients.
The ability to customize it to suit your preferences, along with its versatility, makes this dish an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy a spicy, creamy pasta salad. So, why not give it a try and enjoy the flavorful explosion of sriracha in every bite?