Cashew-Chicken Rotini Salad

Total Time

Prep: 30 min. + chilling

Makes

12 servings

Updated: Oct. 13, 2022
I’ve tried many chicken salad recipes over the years, but this is my very favorite. It’s fresh, fruity and refreshing, and the cashews add wonderful crunch. Every time I serve it at a potluck or picnic, I get rave reviews—and ( always come home with an empty bowl! —Kara Cook, Elk Ridge, Utah
Cashew-Chicken Rotini Salad Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1 package (16 ounces) spiral or rotini pasta
  • 4 cups cubed cooked chicken
  • 1 can (20 ounces) pineapple tidbits, drained
  • 1-1/2 cups sliced celery
  • 3/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
  • 1 cup seedless red grapes
  • 1 cup seedless green grapes
  • 1 package (5 ounces) dried cranberries
  • 1 cup ranch salad dressing
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 cups salted cashews

Directions

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the chicken, pineapple, celery, onions, grapes and cranberries. Drain pasta and rinse in cold water; stir into chicken mixture.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk the ranch dressing and mayonnaise. Pour over salad and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Just before serving, stir in cashews.

Nutrition Facts

1-1/3 cups: 661 calories, 37g fat (6g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 451mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 4g fiber), 23g protein.