My Asian Pasta Salad in a Jar is a nostalgic (and healthier) nod to the McDonald’s Asian Salad that I loved as a kid. I would be surprised honestly if anyone else knew what I’m talking about, because the salad wasn’t on their menu for long.
But this salad was ahead of its time—juicy grilled chicken, sweet mandarin oranges, and a flavorful sesame-ginger dressing. Even at eight years old, I would pick it over chicken nuggets, which says a lot! But, like many great things, it was discontinued far too soon.
I’ve always wanted to recreate it, and now I’ve turned it into a healthy pasta salad that’s perfect for meal prep.
This salad-in-a-jar concept makes it incredibly easy to prepare ahead of time and ensures that each bite tastes fresh. The trick is layering—starting with the sesame-ginger dressing at the bottom to prevent the other ingredients from getting soggy. Then, I add everything else (but make sure to follow my specific order down below!).
When you’re ready to eat, just shake up the jar or simply just release the jar’s contents into a bowl, and you have a balanced meal with the perfect mix of sweet and savory flavors. It’s fresh, satisfying, and a fun way to bring back a long-lost favorite in an even better, meal-prep-friendly way!
How Long Is It Good For?
A properly stored Asian Pasta Salad in a Jar can last 3 to 5 days in the fridge. The key to keeping it fresh is layering it correctly:
- Dressing at the bottom prevents the other ingredients from getting soggy.
- Hearty ingredients like bell peppers, edamame, and noodles go in next, as they hold up well.
- More delicate ingredients like lettuce and almonds should be on top to stay crisp.
For the best texture and flavor, I recommend eating it within 3 days, especially if you’re using grilled chicken and lettuce. If you want it to last closer to 5 days, consider keeping the lettuce separate and adding it fresh before serving.
Pasta Salad Elements:
Every component of this pasta salad is delicious, but you can easily swap ingredients based on your preferences! Here’s a breakdown of each element:
- Sesame-Ginger Dressing: Layered at the bottom of the jar to keep the salad from getting soggy while adding a savory, nutty flavor.
- Bell Peppers: Provide a fresh crunch and natural sweetness.
- Edamame: Adds a boost of plant-based protein and fiber.
- Mandarin Oranges: Bring a juicy burst of sweetness and slight tartness that balances the savory ingredients.
- Noodles: Serve as the hearty base of the salad, soaking up the flavors while adding a satisfying chew.
- Grilled Shoyu Chicken: Marinated in soy sauce for umami richness, this juicy protein makes the salad feel more substantial.
- Lettuce: Adds freshness and lightness.
- Almonds: Offer a crunchy finish with a mild nuttiness that complements the dressing.
Asian Pasta Salad with Sesame-Ginger Dressing
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Description
This Asian Pasta Salad in a Jar is a fresh, flavorful meal prep dish featuring shoyu chicken, mandarin oranges, crunchy veggies, and a sesame-ginger dressing.
Ingredients
Shoyu Chicken:
- 2 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Sesame-Ginger Dressing:
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp tahini
- 1 tsp grated ginger
Salad Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), thinly sliced
- 3/4 cup edamame, shelled
- 1/2 cup mandarin orange segments
- 3 cups pasta, cooked (any pasta that holds its shape well and allows the dressing to cling to it, e.g., rotini, penne, elbow macaroni)
- 1 1/2 cups chopped romaine lettuce (substitute for cabbage)
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
Instructions
- In a pan over high heat, cook the chicken thighs until slightly charred on both sides.
- Turn the heat down to medium and top the chicken with soy sauce and black pepper until fully cooked (about 4–5 minutes per side).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces. Place it into a bowl and cover, refrigerating for at least 15 minutes to allow it to cool down.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients (soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, olive oil, honey, tahini, and grated ginger) until smooth. Divide evenly among three mason jars, pouring the dressing into the bottom of each.
- Layer the ingredients in each jar above the dressing in the following order to keep all the ingredients fresh: Sliced bell peppers, shelled edamame, mandarin oranges, cooked pasta, shoyu chicken, chopped lettuce, sliced almonds.
- Seal the jars and refrigerate for up to 3 – 5 days. When ready to eat, shake the jar to mix the dressing, or pour everything into a bowl and toss before enjoying!
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
Kyrié is a half-Japanese food content creator and avid home cook who specializes in Asian cuisine, with a focus on Japanese. She loves developing recipes and sharing approachable yet authentic meals. When she’s not in the kitchen, she’s helping her husband Jeff tend to their garden, or on some artistic venture.
Leave a Reply