Cherry Chicken Pasta Salad
A vibrant and flavorful pasta salad featuring tender chicken, sweet dried cherries, crunchy celery, and red onions, perfect for light lunches, picnics, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the spiral pasta according to package instructions and drain.
- Rinse the cooked pasta with cold water to cool.
- Combine the cooked chicken, cooled pasta, sliced celery, chopped red onion, and dried cherries in a large bowl.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in your favorite dressing before cooking. You can substitute the dried cherries with cranberries or raisins if needed. Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or peas for more color and nutrition. To save time, use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own, as it works well in this dish.
Serving Suggestions
This Cherry Chicken Pasta Salad is perfect for picnics and potlucks. Serve it alongside a light green salad or fresh fruit to balance the flavors. It pairs beautifully with Chicken Surprise Casserole for a hearty meal. For an added crunch, consider topping it with toasted nuts or seeds just before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. Alternatively, serve it cold as a refreshing salad. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of olive oil or dressing before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Chicken Pasta Salad contains roughly 157 calories, with 16g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (33% of the Daily Value). At about 157 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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 use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute spiral pasta with fusilli, penne, or any other pasta shape you prefer. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you choose, and remember to rinse it with cold water to cool.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This salad is great for meal prep. Just make sure to store the dressing separately to keep the pasta and veggies fresh. It can last in the fridge for 3 days, making it an easy grab-and-go lunch option.
Can I add more protein to this recipe?
Definitely! You can add cooked bacon, shredded cheese, or even chickpeas for extra protein. If you want to keep it chicken-focused, consider using grilled chicken thighs for a richer flavor, or explore other chicken recipes for variety.
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).