Spinach-Chicken Pasta Salad

Name: Spinach-Chicken Pasta Salad
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 10-12 serving(s)
Ingredients: 2 (16 ounce) packages radiatore (or any other 'fun' shape) or 2 (16 ounce) packages rotelle pasta (or any other 'fun' shape); 3 1/2 cups cubed cooked chicken; 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1/2 cup coarsely chopped green onion; 4 cups torn fresh spinach leaves (I prefer baby spinach); 2 cups matchstick carrots (I purchase pre-cut in bags at grocery, or you can julienne regular carrots yourself); 2 cups diced red bell peppers; 1/2 cup sesame seeds; 1 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1 cup apple cider vinegar; 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar; 4 tablespoons sugar; 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh ground ginger; 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh ground black pepper

Submitted by KenyonJen

"This is a variation of a Sesame Chicken Pasta Salad sent to me by a friend (which, having looked at the recipe by the same name here, I'm pretty certain she got from AllRecipes.com). I changed the recipe quite a bit to fit my own tastes, and everyone in my office LOVES it! It's light and hearty at the same time--perfect for a potluck or as a one-dish meal."

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Ready In:: 45mins
Ingredients:: 14
Serves:: 10-12

ingredients

SALAD INGREDIENTS
2 (16 ounce) packages radiatore (or any other 'fun' shape) or (16 ounce) packages rotelle pasta (or any other 'fun' shape)
3 ¹⁄₂ cups cubed cooked chicken
¹⁄₂ cup chopped fresh parsley
¹⁄₂ cup coarsely chopped green onion
4 cups torn fresh spinach leaves (I prefer baby spinach)
2 cups matchstick carrots (I purchase pre-cut in bags at grocery, or you can julienne regular carrots yourself)
2 cups diced red bell peppers
DRESSING INGREDIENTS
¹⁄₂ cup sesame seeds
1 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 cup apple cider vinegar
¹⁄₃ cup balsamic vinegar
4 tablespoons sugar
1 ¹⁄₂ teaspoons fresh ground ginger
1 ¹⁄₂ teaspoons fresh ground black pepper

directions

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.
Heat oil in a small skillet over medium-low heat. Stir in sesame seeds and cook until golden brown. Remove from heat.
Stir in vinegars, ginger, black pepper, and sugar.*
Pour dressing into a sealable container, and set aside.
In a large bowl, mix together pasta, cooked chicken, carrots, pepper, and 3/4 of the dressing (reserve remaining dressing).
Cover salad, and refrigerate at least 6 hours.
Directly before serving, stir in parsley, green onions, and spinach.
Toss with remaining dressing, if desired.
* Make sure you taste the dressing as you're adding ingredients; you may find that you need more or less of each, depending on your taste.