Chicken Salad with Pasta

Name: Chicken Salad with Pasta
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 3-4 cups chicken (cooked, shredded or diced); 2 1/2 cups medium shell pasta (uncooked); 2 cups red grapes (cut in half); 1/4 cup green onions (diced); 2 cups celery (diced); 2 cups red delicious apple (diced); 1 cup crushed pineapple (drained); 1 1/2 cups cashews (salted); 1 cup mayonnaise; 1 cup coleslaw dressing

By: Leigh Anne WilkesPosted: 7/12/22Updated: 7/09/22

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Covered with a sweat creamy dressing this chicken salad with pasta has amazing flavor and texture thanks to the crunch of apples and cashews.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe!

This recipe is from friend at church. It is the recipe that everyone asks for after trying it. It has been a favorite at our church parties and gatherings for years and now that the friend has moved away I have to make it myself!

This salad has so much flavor and texture thanks to the addition of pineapple, grapes, apple and cashews! The pasta is a nice complement to the crunch of the other ingredients.

Ingredients Needed

Chicken. Shredded or diced. See below for ways to prepare chicken.
Pasta. I used a medium shell pasta but you could also use a macaroni pasta.
Red Grapes. Green will work too but I like the color of the red.
Green Onions.
Celery
Apple. I used a red delicious apple but. you could also use a Honey Crisp or your favorite red apple.
Pineapple. Use a can of crushed, drained pineapple.
Cashews
Mayonnaise
Coleslaw Dressing. I used the Litehouse brand which is found in the refrigerated produce section of the grocery store.

chicken salad with pasta ingredients in a bowl

How to Make Chicken Salad with Pasta

Cook pasta until al dente. Drain.
Cut grapes in half.
Dice up apple. This can be done ahead by using the tip below for keeping apples from turning brown.
Combine pasta, chicken grapes, green onion, celery and apple in a large bowl.
Drain crushed pineapple and into bowl.

pouring salad dressing on chiciken salad

Mix together mayonnaise and coleslaw dressing and pour over salad.
Toss to coat and add in cashews.
Refrigerate until ready to serve.

How To Make Shredded Chicken

You can also make your own shredded chicken instead of using a rotisserie chicken.

Microwave. This method is quick and easy and takes about 10 minutes depending on the size of your chicken breasts. Depending on the size of your microwave you can do 2-3 chicken breasts at a time. Find all the details here.
Slow Cooker. If you have time, the slow cooker makes a moist and tender shredded chicken. It takes about four hours on low. If I have to make a large batch of shredded chicken this is the perfect way. Find all the details here.
Instant Pot. This is another great method and I usually do about 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts at a time. It will take about a total of 45 minutes. Find all the details here.

How to Prevent Apples from Turning Brown

Fill a bowl with cool water.
Add in 1/2 tsp per cup of water.
Dice apples and add into water.
Soak for 10 minutes and then drain and rinse apples.

Tips from Leigh Anne

I think this salad tastes better when served at room temperature. Let it sit out for 30 minutes prior to serving.

This salad can sit out unrefrigerated for up to 2 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will chicken salad with pasta last?

Kept in an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator, this salad will last for 3-4 days.

How do I prevent the pasta from absorbing all the dressing?

Cold pasta will not absorb the dressing. So chill in the refrigerator before adding it to the salad. If you don’t have time to chill the pasta, run cold over it for a few minutes and then drain.

Try these other delicious salad recipes:

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