Pasta Salad with Cashew Chicken

This refreshing pasta salad combines tender chicken with crunchy cashews for a delightful mix of textures and flavors. It's perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner that feels both satisfying and wholesome.

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TIME30 min

SERVINGS4

RATING4.8 / 5

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

3 cups uncooked tri-color rotini pasta 4 cups cubed cooked chicken breast ½ cup diced green bell pepper ¼ cup diced green onions 1 ½ cups mayonnaise (such as Hellman's®) ¾ cup packed brown sugar 1 tablespoon cider vinegar 1 ½ teaspoons lemon juice 1 ½ teaspoons salt 2 cups salted cashew halves

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

Step 1

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini until it’s just tender but still has a bit of bite, about 8 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. In a big bowl, combine the pasta with the chicken, chopped green pepper, and sliced green onions. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, brown sugar, vinegar, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Pour this dressing over the pasta mixture and give everything a good stir to make sure it’s all coated. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 8 hours or overnight so the flavors can really meld and the dressing thickens up. Just before you’re ready to serve, toss in the cashews for a nice crunch—try to add them no more than a couple of hours in advance so they stay fresh.

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Cook the pasta just until al dente to avoid it becoming mushy in the salad.
- Toast the cashews lightly to enhance their flavor and crunch.
- Use a sharp knife to dice the chicken evenly for consistent cooking.

Why you’ll love it

This dish brings together creamy cashew chicken and fresh pasta in a light, flavorful salad. It’s a great balance of protein, crunch, and bright vegetables. Perfect for a quick lunch or a casual dinner with friends.

Serving ideas

Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best taste. Pair it with a crisp green side salad or some crusty bread to make a complete meal. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice on top adds a nice brightness.

Storage & leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep any dressing separate if possible to prevent the pasta from soaking up too much and becoming soggy. Reheat gently or enjoy cold.