Chicken Salad with Bow Ties & Mustard-Sesame Dressing

Preparation

1. Thinly slice chicken and chill.
2. Finely grate ginger into a fine sieve placed over a small bowl. Firmly press out all the liquid with the back of a spoon. (You should have about 1 1/2 tablespoons liquid.) Add mustard, vinegar, sesame oil, sugar and soy sauce to the ginger juice and whisk until creamy; set aside.
3. Bring 4 quarts salted water to a boil. Blanch snow peas in boiling water for 1 minute. Remove them with a slotted spoon and transfer to a colander. Rinse under cold running water and set aside. Return the water to a boil, add pasta and cook until just tender, about 8 to 10 minutes or according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water; set aside.
4. Combine celery, bell pepper, scallions and the reserved chicken, snow peas and pasta in a large bowl. Add dressing and toss to coat. Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Tips & Notes

• Tips: To poach chicken breasts: Place boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a medium skillet or saucepan and add lightly salted water to cover; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low and simmer gently until chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the middle, 10 to 12 minutes.
• To toast sesame seeds: Place in a small dry skillet and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly browned, 2 to 4 minutes.

Nutrition