Almond Chicken Pasta Salad
A vibrant, tropical-inspired pasta salad combining tender chicken, crisp apples, juicy pineapple, and crunchy almonds with a tangy lime dressing, perfect for light lunches or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked, cubed chicken ⓘ
- 2 medium apples, cored and chopped ⓘ
- 8 oz. corkscrew pasta, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 1 (8 1/2 oz.) can pineapple chunks, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 cup seedless grapes, halved ⓘ
- 1/3 cup celery, sliced ⓘ
- 1/4 cup green onion, sliced ⓘ
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1/3 cup plain yogurt ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon sesame seed ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon shredded lime (lime zest) ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons lime juice ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon honey ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons grated ginger ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 cup toasted almonds ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine cooked, cubed chicken, chopped apples, cooked pasta, drained pineapple chunks, halved grapes, sliced celery, and sliced green onions.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, plain yogurt, lime juice, honey, grated ginger, shredded lime, and salt until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle toasted almonds and sesame seed on top before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider substituting the apples with pears or using Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt for a creamier texture. You can also swap the toasted almonds for walnuts if preferred. Make sure to let the salad chill for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. This salad is a great way to use leftover chicken from dishes like Ranch Chicken Breasts With Salsa.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Almond Chicken Pasta Salad chilled as a light main dish or as a side for a summer picnic. It pairs well with grilled vegetables or a light vinaigrette salad. For a more filling meal, consider serving it alongside Easy Chicken Stew. Garnish with additional toasted almonds for added crunch and visual appeal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, but the salad may become slightly soggy over time. To refresh it, stir in a little extra mayonnaise or yogurt before serving. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the ingredients may change.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Almond Chicken Pasta Salad contains roughly 1371 calories, with 38g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 118g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (76% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (75% of the Daily Value), and iron (67% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1671mg per serving (73% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a day ahead of time. However, it's best to add the toasted almonds just before serving to maintain their crunch. Store in the fridge in an airtight container for optimal freshness.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute the mayonnaise with additional plain yogurt or a vegan mayo. This will change the flavor slightly but will keep the salad creamy and delicious.
Can I add more vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, carrots, or even spinach to enhance the nutrition and flavor of your salad. Just ensure that the vegetables are chopped into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).