Cashew Pasta Chicken Salad
A creamy, crunchy chicken pasta salad with cashews, peas, and mushrooms, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or quick weeknight dinners, offering a flavorful blend of textures and tastes.
Ingredients
- 16 oz. uncooked bow tie or large shell macaroni ⓘ
- 9 cups cubed cooked chicken
- 2 cups sliced celery ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped pimento, drained
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 16 oz. frozen sweet peas, thawed and drained ⓘ
- 2 (4.5 oz.) jars sliced mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 2 cups prepared Ranch dressing ⓘ
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups whole cashews ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the pasta until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water.
- Place the cooked pasta in a 7-quart container.
- Add the cooked chicken, sliced celery, chopped pimento, salt, thawed and drained peas, and drained sliced mushrooms to the container.
- Refrigerate the mixture until ready to serve.
- Add the whole cashews and toss gently to combine before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra crunch, lightly toast the cashews before adding them to the salad. You can substitute the Ranch dressing with a yogurt-based dressing for a lighter version. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works great. Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for added color and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cashew Pasta Chicken Salad chilled, garnished with fresh herbs for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a light green salad. Consider serving it alongside Madeline'S Broccoli Casserole for a balanced meal that complements each dish well.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will meld beautifully over time. If needed, you can add a bit more dressing when serving leftovers to refresh the dish. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the pasta and dressing may change.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cashew Pasta Chicken Salad contains roughly 73 calories, with 3g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C.
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 make this salad in advance?
Yes, this chicken salad can be made a day ahead. Just prepare everything except for the cashews, which should be added right before serving to keep them crunchy. Store in the refrigerator covered tightly to maintain freshness.
What can I substitute for the pasta?
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, consider using quinoa or chickpea pasta. Both alternatives will provide a similar texture and hold up well with the dressing and ingredients.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with cooked chickpeas or diced tofu. You can also add more vegetables like cucumbers and bell peppers to enhance the texture and flavor while keeping it filling and nutritious.
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).