Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 1 lb bow tie pasta
cooked al dente
- 3 cups sliced purple grapes
- 1 bunch sliced green onions
- 2 1/2 cups lightly salted cashews
- 3 cups chopped rotisserie chicken
cooked
- 3/4 cup loosely packed brown sugar
- 1 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
Directions
- 1
1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
- 2
2. Add cooked pasta, sliced grapes, chopped green onions, cashews and chicken to a large bowl. Toss to combine.
- 3
3. In a separate small bowl combine dressing ingredients and whisk together until smooth.
- 4
4. Pour dressing over pasta and stir it in until everything is fully coated.
- 5
5. Serve immediately or store in the fridge until ready to serve.
Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad
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About this Recipe
Craving a pasta salad that truly stands out from the crowd? This Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad, famously dubbed "the world's best" by a morning news host, is bursting with flavor and perfect for any gathering. It's a definite crowd pleaser that promises to disappear fast!
What makes this dish so special is its irresistible blend of textures and tastes. You'll find tender pasta, juicy grapes, crunchy cashews, and savory chicken, all coated in a sweet and creamy dressing that is incredibly satisfying. This unique combination sets it apart from typical pasta salads, creating a memorable experience for everyone.
Prepare for a delightful symphony of flavors with every spoonful. The al dente bow tie pasta provides a satisfying base, beautifully complemented by the natural sweetness of purple grapes and the savory richness of rotisserie chicken. Each bite delivers a fantastic crunch from the lightly salted cashews, all enveloped in a bright, sweet, and tangy mayonnaise-based dressing. This salad offers a creamy texture that balances perfectly with the varied inclusions, creating an experience that's both refreshing and deeply satisfying. It's an easy-to-love dish that brings smiles to every table.
Customization & Variations
- For the chicken, feel free to swap rotisserie chicken with any cooked, chopped chicken or even turkey.
- If you're not a fan of purple grapes, green grapes would work beautifully as well, offering a similar burst of sweetness.
- Want to adjust the crunch? While cashews truly shine here, you could experiment with other nuts like pecans or almonds for a different flavor profile.
- You can also play with the sweetness or tanginess of the dressing by slightly increasing or decreasing the brown sugar, lemon juice, or apple cider vinegar to suit your personal preference.
This Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad is an ideal choice for potlucks, barbecues, picnics, or as a light and satisfying lunch. Serve it chilled as a vibrant side dish or a hearty main course.