Sesame Pasta Chicken Salad

Source: Allrecipes, posted by ohines

adapted by http://theresalwaysthyme.blogspot.com/

1/4 cup sesame seeds

1 (16 ounce) package bow tie pasta

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1/3 cup light soy sauce

1/3 cup rice vinegar

1 teaspoon sesame oil

3 tablespoons white sugar (I used less)

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

3 cups shredded, cooked chicken breast meat

1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1/3 cup chopped green onion

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add sesame seeds, and cook stirring frequently until lightly toasted. Remove from heat, and set aside.

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.

In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine vegetable oil, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, sesame seeds, ginger, and pepper. Shake well.

Pour sesame dressing over pasta, and toss to coat evenly. Gently mix in chicken, cilantro, and green onions.

My notes: I added sauteed sugar snap peas and when it was done, I put in a package of baby spinach and heated it until it was just beginning to wilt. I did not rinse the pasta, just drained in a colander. Mixed the vegetables in the bowl with the chicken and pasta, then mixed in the dressing. i served it hot but it was also good cold, next day!