Cold Asian Noodle Salad with Roasted Chicken: A Refreshing, Flavor-Packed Meal

When you need something light, vibrant, and satisfying, this Cold Asian Noodle Salad with Roasted Chicken hits all the right notes. It combines crisp veggies, hearty shredded chicken, and tender noodles tossed in a creamy, spicy peanut-soy dressing. It’s perfect for easy, healthy weeknight meals and just as great for make-ahead lunches.


Why You’ll Love This Salad

  • Balanced & Nourishing – Packed with lean protein, fiber, and healthy fats
  • Prep-Friendly – Keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days
  • Full of Flavor – Creamy, spicy, tangy dressing with a satisfying crunch
  • Fast & Flexible – Easily adaptable with different proteins or noodles

Ingredients

For the Roasted Chicken:

  • 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • Salt, pepper, garlic powder (to taste)

For the Salad:

  • 8 oz spaghetti (or soba/rice noodles)
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 large carrot, thinly sliced or julienned
  • 2 mini cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 2 tsp sesame seeds
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for topping)

For the Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp peanut butter
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 tsp Sriracha (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 tsp grated ginger

Instructions

Step 1: Roast & Shred the Chicken

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  • Place on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes, until golden and fully cooked.
  • Let rest for 5–10 minutes, then shred with two forks and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

  • Boil noodles according to package instructions until al dente.
  • Drain and rinse with cold water to cool. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a bowl or blender, whisk or blend together:

  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp peanut butter
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 tsp Sriracha
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 tsp grated ginger

Mix until smooth and creamy. Thin with a splash of water if desired.


Step 4: Assemble the Salad

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine noodles, carrots, bell pepper, cucumbers, and green onions.
  • Pour the sauce over the salad and toss until well coated.
  • Add the shredded chicken and gently toss again.
  • Top with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro to finish.

Tips for Success

  • Let the noodles cool completely before tossing to keep veggies crisp
  • Want it spicier? Add more Sriracha or a pinch of crushed red pepper
  • Vegetarian? Swap chicken for tofu, tempeh, or edamame

Why This Recipe Works

This is not your average salad. The shredded roasted chicken adds a hearty texture and protein punch, while the creamy peanut-soy dressing brings richness and zing. Tossed with crunchy vegetables and chilled noodles, it’s a cool, complete meal—perfect for hot days or low-effort dinners.


Serving Suggestions

  • Enjoy straight from the fridge
  • Add chopped peanuts or cashews for crunch
  • Serve with iced tea or sparkling water and lime

Final Thoughts

This Cold Asian Noodle Salad with Roasted Chicken is quick to prepare, deeply satisfying, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need a last-minute dinner, this is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Healthy, easy, and seriously delicious—what more could you want?

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