Best 6 Chicken And Cashew Pasta Salad Recipes

Craving a quick and delicious meal that combines the savory flavors of chicken, the crunch of cashews, and the bite of al dente pasta? Look no further than chicken and cashew pasta salad! This refreshing dish is not only easy to make but also a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you're hosting a summer potluck, packing lunch for a busy day, or simply seeking a healthy and satisfying meal, this chicken and cashew pasta salad has got you covered.

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

CASHEW-CHICKEN ROTINI SALAD

Cashew-Chicken Rotini Salad image

I've tried many chicken salad recipes over the years, but this is my very favorite. It's fresh, fruity and refreshing, and the cashews add wonderful crunch. Every time I serve it at a potluck or picnic, I get rave reviews-and ( always come home with an empty bowl! -Kara Cook, Elk Ridge, Utah

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 package (16 ounces) spiral or rotini pasta
4 cups cubed cooked chicken
1 can (20 ounces) pineapple tidbits, drained
1-1/2 cups sliced celery
3/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
1 cup seedless red grapes
1 cup seedless green grapes
1 package (5 ounces) dried cranberries
1 cup ranch salad dressing
3/4 cup mayonnaise
2 cups salted cashews

Steps:

Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the chicken, pineapple, celery, onions, grapes and cranberries. Drain pasta and rinse in cold water; stir into chicken mixture., In a small bowl, whisk the ranch dressing and mayonnaise. Pour over salad and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Just before serving, stir in cashews.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 661 calories, Fat 37g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 44mg cholesterol, Sodium 451mg sodium, Carbohydrate 59g carbohydrate (24g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 23g protein.

CASHEW CHICKEN PASTA SALAD

Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad image

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

Ingredients

3 cups uncooked tri-color rotini pasta
4 cups cubed cooked chicken breast
½ cup diced green bell pepper
¼ cup diced green onions
1 ½ cups mayonnaise (such as Hellman's®)
¾ cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1 ½ teaspoons lemon juice
1 ½ teaspoons salt
2 cups salted cashew halves

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 CASHEW SALAD

Chicken Cashew Salad image

This is a great summer pasta salad for barbeques and more. It has a slightly sweet, creamy dressing, and is loaded with chicken, cashews, and crunchy veggies.

Provided by Mary

Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes Chicken Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 25m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

2 cups seashell pasta
¼ cup brown sugar
1 cup creamy salad dressing (e.g. Miracle Whip)
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
1 pinch salt
2 cups chopped celery
½ cup chopped green bell pepper
1 onion, chopped
3 boneless chicken breast halves, cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup cashew halves

Steps:

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 and rinse with cold water.
In large bowl, combine brown sugar, salad dressing, lemon juice, vinegar and salt. Toss dressing mixture with cooked pasta, celery, green pepper, onion and chicken. Chill until ready to serve. Mix in cashews just before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 499 calories, Carbohydrate 53 g, Cholesterol 44.7 mg, Fat 23.6 g, Fiber 3 g, Protein 20.6 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, Sodium 545.1 mg, Sugar 18.5 g

CHICKEN CASHEW PASTA SALAD

Chicken Cashew Pasta Salad image

This is a yummy and addictive pasta salad. I tasted something similar in the past and this is my creation w/ modifications. I make a lot, and eat it for lunches at work, in the summer. Try it- you will like it. Sometimes I sprinkle chicken breast with cajun seasoning while cooking for an extra kick.

Provided by Camaro Chic

Categories Poultry

Time 23m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

Ingredients

8 ounces dry rotini pasta
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked
1/2 cup chopped green onion
1 1/2 cups halved green seedless grapes
1 1/2 cups salad dressing or 1 1/2 cups olive oil mayonnaise
1 cup cashew halves

Steps:

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and cool.
Mix green onions, chicken, grapes, salad dressing and cashews in large bowl. Add pasta and stir just to blend. Add more salad dressing if desired.
Chill and Enjoy.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 445.7, Fat 17.8, SaturatedFat 4.2, Cholesterol 59.1, Sodium 643.7, Carbohydrate 53.2, Fiber 2.5, Sugar 14, Protein 20.6

SUMMER CASHEW CHICKEN GRAPE PASTA SALAD

Summer Cashew Chicken Grape Pasta Salad image

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

Ingredients

1 lb cooked chicken (poached, grilled, rotisserie, doesn't matter, just cooked)
1 lb pasta (macaroni, rigatoni, use your favorite, just not spaghett)
1/2 lb green seedless grape, washed and cut in half
1/2 lb red seedless grapes, washed and cut in half
1/2 teaspoon Lawry's Seasoned Salt
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cups mayonnaise (I use Hellman's Light Mayonnaise)
1 (9 1/4 ounce) can cashew halves, and pieces (I buy Planter's salted)
2 tablespoons milk (optional, also may want to add more depending on how long the salad has been in the refrigerator)

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 AND CHICKEN SALAD SANDWICHES

Cashew And Chicken Salad Sandwiches image

Provided by Marian Burros

Categories easy, lunch, main course

Time 10m

Yield 2 sandwiches

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

2 cups ground roasted or poached chicken or cooked turkey (see note)
3 to 5 tablespoons light or regular mayonnaise
3 tablespoons chopped roasted unsalted cashews
1 stalk celery, finely chopped
2 tablespoons plain nonfat yogurt
1 1/2 tablespoons finely chopped chutney
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and ground black pepper to taste
4 slices good-quality white bread or whole-wheat bread

Steps:

Combine all ingredients except bread, and mix well. Refrigerate to blend flavors, if desired, for several hours or up to a day. Spread equally on 2 slices of bread; top with 2 remaining slices, and serve.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 236, UnsaturatedFat 9 grams, Carbohydrate 15 grams, Fat 12 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 17 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Sodium 232 milligrams, Sugar 5 grams, TransFat 0 grams

Tips:

Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
Cook the chicken until it is just cooked through to prevent it from becoming dry.
Use a variety of vegetables in the salad to add color, texture, and flavor.
Feel free to substitute different types of nuts or seeds in the salad, such as almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds.
Use a light and flavorful dressing to avoid overpowering the other ingredients.
Serve the salad immediately or chill it for later.

Conclusion:

Chicken and cashew pasta salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or a potluck. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With its combination of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables, this salad is a satisfying and nutritious meal. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy meal, give chicken and cashew pasta salad a try.