Cashew chicken pasta salad is a versatile and flavorful dish that combines the sweet and nutty flavor of cashews with the savory richness of chicken and the hearty texture of pasta. This salad is perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or as a quick and easy weeknight meal. With its vibrant colors and delicious flavors, cashew chicken pasta salad is a surefire crowd-pleaser.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
SUMMER CASHEW CHICKEN GRAPE PASTA SALAD
On many hot summer days, I can't face eating a hot meal. This salad makes a very satisfying meal without overheating the house or me! If I can't stomach the thought of cooking chicken myself for fear of heating up the house on a hot summer day, I just pick up a rotisserie chicken from my local grocer or I pick up grilled cooked chicken from Costco. With pre-cooked chicken, this recipe couldn't be easier to prepare! I've served this many times to rave reviews. I got this recipe from my mother-in-law. It's a dish she picks up from her local deli on a regular basis. If you make it at home, it's much cheaper than the deli!
Provided by Northern Cook
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 15m
Yield 8 1 Cup servings, 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Boil 1 lb. of pasta - al dente - according to package directions (I use rigatoni). Drain after cooking and let cool.
- While the pasta is boiling, wash and halve the grapes.
- Dice the cooked chicken into bite sized pieces.
- In a large bowl or serving platter, combine the cooled, drained pasta with the grapes and diced chicken. Stir in the mayonnaise. I start with one cup of mayo and add more as needed. Really, just add as much as you personally like - it may be more or less than 2 cups.
- Stir in the Lawry's seasoning salt, onion powder and garlic powder. Again, add to your liking. You may want more or less than 1/2 teaspoon of any of these - - it's your choice, go with what you like. Frequent sampling at this point will help you decide what your preference will be so grab a fork and start sampling!
- If the salad is too thick and rich for your liking, stir in a couple tablespoons milk to thin it out. This part is optional.
- This salad is always much better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to meld. This is when I usually add milk to loosen it up a bit.
- Before serving, plate or dish up the salad and sprinkle cashew pieces on top of individual servings. DO NOT put the cashew pieces on the entire salad and refrigerate - - this will cause the cashew pieces to become soft and rubbery and nobody wants that! I just set the can of cashews on the table and let guests help themselves.
- Sit back and enjoy your sweat free cold summer salad!
CASHEW CHICKEN PASTA SALAD
This dish is asked for everywhere I go, it is so good. Easily doubles for a large party or group. Please note that this recipe needs to be made the day before; it has to sit in the fridge overnight.
Provided by amcgilsky
Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes Chicken Pasta Salad Recipes
Time 8h30m
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; cook rotini at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Mix pasta with chicken, green pepper, and green onions in a large bowl.
- Mix mayonnaise, brown sugar, vinegar, lemon juice, and salt together in a small bowl until well blended. Pour dressing over the pasta mixture and stir well to coat.
- Cover and refrigerate until flavors are combined and dressing is thickened, 8 hours to overnight. Stir in cashews just before serving, or no more than 2 hours ahead.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 546.9 calories, Carbohydrate 38 g, Cholesterol 45.5 mg, Fat 36.2 g, Fiber 1.5 g, Protein 19.4 g, SaturatedFat 6.4 g, Sodium 627.7 mg, Sugar 15.6 g
CHICKEN AND CASHEW PASTA SALAD
Steps:
- Preparation Time: Approximately 20 minutes Cook Time: Approximately 15 minutes Preparation: Prepare pasta according to package directions, adding the pea pods during last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and cool pasta and pea pods. In a large bowl, combine the pasta and pea pods with chicken, water chestnuts, bell pepper, red onion and carrots. Combine the mayonnaise, brown sugar, vinegar and salt, and toss with the salad. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight. Just before serving, fold in cashews. Servings: 6 Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories 350; Total fat 12g; Saturated fat 2.5g; Cholesterol 30mg; Sodium 630mg; Carbohydrate 43g; Fiber 3g; Protein 19g; Vitamin A 30%DV*; Vitamin C 35%DV; Calcium 4%DV; Iron 10%DV * Daily Value
Tips for Making the Best Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad
- Use high-quality ingredients. Fresh, flavorful ingredients will make a big difference in the taste of your salad.
- Cook the chicken properly. Chicken that is overcooked will be tough and dry. Cook it until it is just cooked through, then let it cool slightly before adding it to the salad.
- Use a variety of vegetables. This will add color, texture, and flavor to your salad. Some good options include broccoli, carrots, celery, cucumbers, and tomatoes.
- Use a light dressing. A heavy dressing will weigh down the salad and make it less refreshing.
- Serve the salad chilled. This will help to keep it refreshing and flavorful.
Conclusion
Cashew chicken pasta salad is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a summer picnic or potluck. It is also a great way to use up leftover chicken. With its combination of sweet, savory, and crunchy flavors, this salad is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. So next time you are looking for a light and refreshing salad, give cashew chicken pasta salad a try. You won't be disappointed!
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