Summer Cashew Chicken Grape Pasta Salad
Try this Summer Cashew Chicken Grape Pasta Salad recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Summer Cashew Chicken Grape Pasta Salad recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 lb cooked chicken (poached grilled, rotisserie, doesn't matter, just cooked)
- 1 lb pasta (macaroni rigatoni, use your favorite, just not spaghett)
- 1/2 lb green seedless grape washed and cut in half
- 1/2 lb red seedless grapes washed and cut in half
- 1/2 teaspoon lawry's seasoned salt
- 2 cups mayonnaise (i use hellman's light mayonnaise)
- 1 (9 1/4 ounce) can cashew halves and pieces (i buy planter's salted)
- 2 tablespoons milk (optional also may want to add more depending on how long the salad has been in the refrigerator)
- Carbohydrate 0.129133203125 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.001354609375 g
- Fiber 0.0174585930779576 g
- Protein 0.0296371875 g
- Saturated Fat 0.0002405390625 g
- Serving Size 1 1 1 Cup serving (170g)
- Sodium 0.046765625 mg
- Sugar 0.111674610047042 g
- Trans Fat 0.000408828125 g
- Calories 1 calories
Step-by-step
- Cook 1 lb of pasta (macaroni, rigatoni, or your favorite).
- Cook or use 1 lb of cooked chicken (poached, grilled, or rotisserie).
- Wash and cut in half 1/2 lb green seedless grapes and 1/2 lb red seedless grapes.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, grapes, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon Lawry's seasoned salt, and 2 cups mayonnaise.
- Add 1 (9 1/4 ounce) can of cashew halves and pieces.
- Mix well. Add 2 tablespoons of milk (optional) if needed to adjust consistency, especially after refrigeration.
Summer Cashew Chicken Grape Pasta Salad: A Busy Mom's Delight
Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and keeping the house somewhat tidy, finding time to prepare a delicious and satisfying meal often feels like a Herculean task. That's why I've become a huge fan of quick, easy recipes that don't compromise on flavor. This Summer Cashew Chicken Grape Pasta Salad is one of those gems – a vibrant, refreshing dish that's ready in a flash and packed with wholesome goodness.
The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity and flexibility. You can use any type of cooked chicken – leftover rotisserie chicken is perfect for a time-saver! The same goes for the pasta; feel free to experiment with your favorite shape. I personally love the way macaroni or rigatoni holds the creamy dressing and juicy grapes. And the star of the show, the cashews, add a delightful crunch and a touch of nutty sweetness that perfectly balances the savory chicken and tangy grapes.
The secret weapon? The creamy mayonnaise-based dressing is incredibly easy to make, yet it ties all the ingredients together beautifully. I often use light mayonnaise to keep things a bit lighter, but feel free to use your favorite brand. A splash of milk can help to thin the dressing if it's too thick, especially if you're making the salad ahead of time. It’s the perfect make-ahead dish for potlucks or busy weeknights; the flavors meld beautifully as it sits in the refrigerator, becoming even more delicious as time passes.
Beyond the ease of preparation, this salad is incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for a light lunch, a satisfying side dish at a barbecue, or even a complete meal on its own. It’s packed with protein from the chicken, fiber from the pasta and grapes, and healthy fats from the cashews – making it a nutritious and well-rounded choice for the whole family. The vibrant colors alone make it a feast for the eyes, and it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, no matter the occasion.
This recipe isn't just a salad; it's a testament to the power of simple ingredients combined with a little creativity. It's a reminder that even amidst the chaos of daily life, we can still enjoy delicious, healthy, and satisfying meals that don't require hours of preparation. So, next time you're short on time but craving a flavorful and refreshing meal, give this Summer Cashew Chicken Grape Pasta Salad a try. You won't be disappointed!
Tips and Variations:
- Add some crunch: Toasted slivered almonds or sunflower seeds would make a wonderful addition to this salad.
- Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a touch of heat to the dressing.
- Make it a meal prep staple: This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for several days, making it perfect for meal prepping.
- Get creative with the grapes: Try using other types of grapes, such as green or red seedless grapes, or a mix of both.
- Add some greens: A handful of baby spinach or spring mix can add extra nutrients and vibrancy to the salad.
This Summer Cashew Chicken Grape Pasta Salad isn’t just a recipe; it’s a shortcut to a delicious and stress-free meal. It perfectly embodies my philosophy of effortless elegance—achieving deliciousness without sacrificing precious time. Try it out, and let me know what you think!
