Best 5 Grape Pasta Salad Recipes

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Grape pasta salad is a refreshing and colorful dish that is perfect for summer gatherings. It is made with cooked pasta, grapes, vegetables, and a variety of other ingredients, such as cheese, nuts, and dressing. The combination of sweet grapes and tangy dressing makes this salad a delightful treat that is sure to please everyone at your next party or potluck.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

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

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!

GRAPE PASTA SALAD



Grape Pasta Salad image

"This recipe has been very popular in my family!" says Tia Crosson of Las Vegas, Nevada. "It's super-easy and inexpensive to make. Everyone is always impressed." The grapes and broccoli give a delightful twist to plain pasta salad.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 25m

Yield 14 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 package (16 ounces) spiral pasta
1-1/2 cups seedless red grapes, halved
1-1/2 cups fresh broccoli florets
1-1/3 cups diced fully cooked ham (1/2 pound)
1 can (8 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained
1 medium red onion, diced
1 jar (16 ounces) coleslaw dressing

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the grapes, broccoli, ham, olives and onion. , Drain pasta and rinse in cold water; stir into grape mixture. Add dressing and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 284 calories, Fat 10g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 15mg cholesterol, Sodium 835mg sodium, Carbohydrate 43g carbohydrate (18g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 7g protein.

CHICKEN, PASTA AND GRAPE SALAD



Chicken, Pasta and Grape Salad image

A recipe I found in a Pillsbury cookbook. Very nice for a small gathering or for making a big batch for a luncheon. I am always asked for the recipe. I have never added the snow pea pods, can't find them in my grocery store, but I am sure they would be great. Serve on a bed of lettuce for a pretty presentation.

Provided by Jenny Frenny

Categories     Chicken Breast

Time 30m

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

16 ounces uncooked rotini pasta
4 cups cooked chicken breasts, cut in cubes
1 cup celery, sliced thinly
1/2 cup green onion, sliced thinly
12 ounces fresh snow pea pods, trimmed and cut in half
8 ounces unsweetened pineapple chunks in juice, drained, and liquid reserved
2 cups seedless grapes, mix of red and green
1 cup toasted slivered almonds
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
2 tablespoons reserved pineapple juice
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey

Steps:

  • Cook the rotini pasta as directed on the box and drain. Rinse well with cold water and drain again.
  • In a large bowl, add cooked pasta, cooked chicken, celery, green onions, pea pods, grapes, half of almonds and pineapple tidbits.
  • Mix dressing ingredients in another bowl. Pour over pasta salad ingredients and toss gently to mix well and coat all ingredients. Sprinkle the remaining toasted almonds on top of salad as garnish.

ROAST CHICKEN, PASTA, AND GRAPE SALAD



Roast Chicken, Pasta, and Grape Salad image

This recipe is a family favorite. It is based on one from my grandparents and was introduced to me by my dad, who really enjoyed it growing up. Originally a tradition to use the leftover turkey from Thanksgiving, I've always had it with chicken and can't get enough. This is one recipe that can be easily adjusted, so don't worry if you don't have the exact amounts called for!

Provided by armack

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 30m

Yield 1 large bowl, 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 1/2 cups chopped roast chicken
16 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni
1/2 lb red seedless grapes
2 cups mayonnaise
2/3 cup dried sweetened cranberries
2 stalks celery
2 scallions
2 teaspoons curry powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • Fill a large 4 to 6 quart pot with water and bring to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente (about 8 minutes), stirring occasionally.
  • Drain pasta and add about two tablespoons of the mayonnaise and allow to cool. Mixing well coats the pasta and helps prevent sticking.
  • Chop the roast chicken into bite-size pieces. Use both white and dark meat for best results.
  • Chop the celery into quarter-inch pieces, the grapes in half (or quarters if large), and the scallions into thin slices.
  • Mix all ingredients, adjusting mayonnaise and spices according to your personal preferences and dietary concerns.

CHICKEN, PASTA, GRAPE SALAD



Chicken, Pasta, Grape Salad image

Best if refrigerated over night and additional dressing added before serving. To dress it up sprinkle with sliced almonds. Yummy! I saw this recipe in the Spokesman review a few years ago.

Provided by Chris L.

Categories     Chicken Salads

Time 1h5m

Number Of Ingredients 10

3 c small shell pasta, cooked, rinsed & drained
2 1/2 c cooked, diced chicken breasts
1/2 c celery, diced fine
1 c seedless red grapes, halved
1/2 c mayonnaise
1/2 tsp curry powder
1/4 tsp cumin
2 Tbsp sweet rice wine (i use aji-mirin, japanese sweet cooking rice wine - found in asian section)
3 Tbsp sugar
salt & pepper to taste

Steps:

  • 1. Blend mayo, sugar, rice wine, and spices in small bowl with whisk. NOTE: It is very important to use the right rice wine. You need sweet rice wine, not vinegar!
  • 2. Cook, cool and dice chicken. Cook pasta per package directions, drain and run under cool water, drain again. In separate bowl combine diced chicken, pasta, grapes and celery. Add dressing and mix gently. Chill 2 hours. (I cook my chicken breasts in broth to boost the flavor.)
  • 3. Note: If you make this and let it sit for a few hours, (or over night) it tends to soak up all the dressing. I usually double the dressing and add as needed.
  • 4. Note II: If I intend this to be a main dish meal in the summer time I will add more chicken. Served with crusty bread it is a perfect, ready "when you are" meal.

Tips:

  • Use fresh, ripe grapes. This will ensure that your pasta salad is packed with flavor.
  • Choose a pasta that will hold up well in a salad. Some good options include penne, rotini, and farfalle.
  • Don't overcook the pasta. It should be al dente, or slightly firm to the bite.
  • Let the pasta cool completely before adding the other ingredients. This will prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
  • Use a variety of colors and textures in your salad. This will make it more visually appealing.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients. You can add nuts, seeds, cheese, or grilled chicken to your grape pasta salad.

Conclusion:

Grape pasta salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that is perfect for summer gatherings. It is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. So next time you are looking for a light and healthy meal, give grape pasta salad a try.

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