Best 3 Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad Recipes

Craving a quick and easy lunch or dinner recipe that's bursting with flavor? Look no further than this Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad! This delectable dish combines tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and a creamy, tangy dressing, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this flavor-packed salad that's perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or a refreshing meal on a hot summer day. With step-by-step instructions and a printable recipe card, you'll be whipping up this crowd-pleasing salad in no time.

In addition to the main recipe, this article also features two irresistible variations to cater to different dietary preferences and cravings. For those who prefer a vegetarian option, the "Cashew Tofu Pasta Salad" offers a protein-packed alternative to chicken. Craving a creamy, cheesy twist? The "Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad with Ranch Dressing" incorporates a delectable ranch dressing that takes this salad to the next level.

Each recipe is accompanied by a detailed ingredient list, precise measurements, and clear instructions, ensuring that even novice cooks can create these culinary delights effortlessly. Whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting your culinary journey, this article has everything you need to prepare a mouthwatering Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad that will be the star of your next meal.

Here are our top 3 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

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 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 AND CASHEW PASTA SALAD

CHICKEN AND CASHEW PASTA SALAD image

Categories Pasta

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

2 cups enriched or whole wheat rotini (short spirals) pasta
1 cup pea pods, cut in 1-inch pieces
2 cans (10 ounces each) premium chunk breast of chicken in water, drained and flaked
1 can (5 ounces) water chestnuts, drained
1/2 small red bell pepper, cut in 1-inch pieces
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1/2 cup shredded carrots
2/3 cup light mayonnaise or salad dressing
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
½ teaspoon salt
1/2 cup roasted, unsalted cashews

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 a creamier sauce, use heavy cream instead of milk.
If you don't have any white wine, you can use chicken broth instead.
Feel free to add other vegetables to the salad, such as broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers.
If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken.
This salad is also a great make-ahead meal. Simply prepare the salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, just toss the salad with the dressing and enjoy.

Conclusion:

This cashew chicken pasta salad is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that is perfect for summer. It's also a great way to use up leftover chicken. The salad is packed with flavor and texture, and the creamy dressing is the perfect finishing touch. Whether you're serving it for lunch, dinner, or a potluck, this salad is sure to be a hit.