Pasta Salad With Raisins
A vibrant pasta salad featuring tender shells, diced chicken, cheddar, raisins, pineapple, and fresh fruits, making it a colorful, sweet-savory dish perfect for picnics or light meals.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. pasta shells
- 2 c. diced cooked chicken ⓘ
- 4 oz. Cheddar cheese, diced ⓘ
- 1 c. seedless raisins ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can pineapple chunks, drained ⓘ
- 1 banana, sliced
- 1 c. frozen green peas, thawed ⓘ
- 1 green onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 avocado, diced ⓘ
- 1 medium orange, peeled and sectioned ⓘ
- 2/3 to 1 c. creamy cucumber dressing ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook pasta shells; drain and cool.
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, diced chicken, cheddar cheese, raisins, drained pineapple chunks, thawed green peas, chopped green onion, diced avocado, and orange sections.
- Add creamy cucumber dressing to taste and toss to combine.
- Chill before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of this pasta salad, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a handful of chopped nuts for extra crunch. If you want to switch up the ingredients, you can substitute the chicken with canned tuna or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Using different cheese varieties like feta or mozzarella can also give a unique twist to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this refreshing pasta salad as a main dish for lunch or as a side at your next barbecue or picnic. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can be enjoyed alongside a light soup, such as Michael'S Chicken Noodle Soup. Garnish with fresh herbs for added color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the salad seems dry after chilling, add a little more creamy cucumber dressing before serving. For best results, avoid freezing as the texture of the pasta and vegetables may change.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta Salad With Raisins contains roughly 535 calories, with 24g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (49% of the Daily Value), protein (47% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 645mg per serving (28% 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 use a different type of pasta for this salad?
Absolutely! While pasta shells work well for holding the dressing and ingredients, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as rotini or penne. Just ensure to cook it al dente for the best texture in the salad.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this pasta salad gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa. Just check that all other ingredients, such as the creamy cucumber dressing, are also gluten-free to ensure the entire dish meets your dietary needs.
How can I make this pasta salad more filling?
To make the salad more filling, consider adding more protein such as beans, tofu, or additional chicken. You could also increase the amount of avocado or add other veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers to boost the nutritional value and satiety.
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).