Sweet Chicken Pasta Salad

This Sweet Chicken Pasta Salad is a recipe I’ve been making for years, and it never goes out of style in my family. It’s the kind of dish that always disappears quickly at potlucks, picnics, or family gatherings, and it’s just as perfect for a simple weeknight dinner. Pair it with a basket of warm, fresh-baked rolls, and you’ve got a meal that feels both comforting and special without a lot of effort.

When it comes to pasta, I love using radiatore because its ridges hold onto the creamy dressing so well. If I can’t find radiatore at the store, bow tie pasta (farfalle) is my go-to backup. That said, you can really use any pasta shape you like—rotini, penne, or shells all work beautifully. The key is choosing a shape with some texture so every bite is coated with flavor.

The salad itself is a wonderful balance of savory and sweet. Along with the pasta and tender chicken, you’ll find crisp celery and fresh green onion for crunch. Then comes the sweetness: juicy grapes, pineapple tidbits, and mandarin oranges add bursts of bright, fruity flavor that make this salad so refreshing. The dressing couldn’t be easier—it’s simply a mix of creamy coleslaw dressing and a little mayo, which ties everything together with just the right amount of tang and sweetness.

To finish it off, add a generous sprinkle of cashews right before serving. They bring a salty, crunchy contrast that balances the sweetness of the fruit and makes every bite irresistible. If you’re serving a crowd, you can even set the cashews on the side so guests can add as much (or as little) as they like.

Ingredients for Sweet Chicken Pasta Salad

• COLESLAW DRESSING – Coleslaw dressing gives the pasta salad its sweet, tangy flavor. It creates a creamy base that pairs especially well with the fruit, chicken, and crunchy mix-ins.
• MAYONNAISE – Mayonnaise adds extra creaminess and helps balance the sweetness of the coleslaw dressing. It also helps the dressing coat the pasta and other ingredients evenly.
• RADIATORE SHAPED PASTA. – Radiatore pasta has ridges and folds that hold onto the creamy dressing. Its sturdy shape also stands up well to the chicken, fruit, celery, and cashews.
• COOKED CHICKEN – Cooked chicken adds protein and makes the pasta salad filling enough to serve as a main dish. Rotisserie chicken is a convenient option, but any chopped or shredded cooked chicken will work.
• CELERY – Celery adds fresh flavor and a crisp texture that balances the softer pasta and fruit. Dice it into small pieces so it is evenly distributed throughout the salad.
• MANDARIN ORANGES – Mandarin oranges add bright citrus flavor, sweetness, and color. Drain them well before adding them so the salad does not become watery.
• PINEAPPLE TIDBITS – Pineapple brings tropical sweetness and a little tanginess to the salad. Be sure to drain it thoroughly before mixing it in.
• RED GRAPES – Red grapes add juicy sweetness and a fresh pop of color. Halve them so they are easier to eat and spread more evenly through the salad.
• CRAISINS – Craisins add chewy texture and concentrated cranberry sweetness. Their slight tartness helps balance the creamy dressing and sweeter fruits.
• GREEN ONION – Green onion adds mild onion flavor and a fresh savory note. It helps keep the salad from tasting overly sweet.
• CASHEW HALVES AND PIECES – Cashews add buttery flavor and a satisfying crunch. For the best texture, stir them in shortly before serving so they stay crisp.

Instructions for Sweet Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

Make the dressing – In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the coleslaw dressing and mayonnaise until smooth and creamy. This will be the base that ties all the flavors together.

Combine the salad ingredients – Add the cooked pasta, diced chicken, celery, mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits, grapes, dried cranberries (craisins), and sliced green onion to the bowl. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

Chill -Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the salad to chill properly, making it even more refreshing.

Finish with crunch – Just before serving, sprinkle the cashews over the top of the salad. This keeps them crisp and gives the perfect salty, crunchy contrast to the sweet fruit and creamy dressing.

Serve – Spoon into bowls or onto plates and enjoy! This recipe makes about 12 servings, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or gatherings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pasta works best for this salad?
Radiatore is my favorite because its ridges hold onto the dressing so well, but bow tie, shells, fusilli, or rotini pasta are also great options. Any short pasta with texture will work beautifully.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut and adds extra flavor. You can also use leftover grilled or baked chicken.

Can I make this cold pasta salad ahead of time?
Absolutely. The salad can be made up to a day in advance. Just wait to add the cashews until right before serving so they stay crunchy.

How long does this pasta salad keep?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving, as the dressing may settle a bit.

Can I swap out the fruits?
Yes! While grapes, pineapple, and mandarin oranges give it that signature sweet flavor, you can try apples, strawberries, or even pomegranate arils as good substitutions for a fun twist.

What if I don’t like cashews?
No problem—leave them out or substitute with almonds, pecans, or sunflower seeds. Or serve the nuts on the side so everyone can customize their portion.

Can I lighten up the dressing?
You can use light coleslaw dressing and reduced-fat mayo if you’d like a lighter version. Greek yogurt can also replace some of the mayo for a tangy, healthier twist.

Tips and Tricks

• Drain the fruit very well. Thoroughly drain the mandarin oranges and pineapple before adding them to the salad. Extra liquid can thin the dressing and make the pasta salad watery.
• Cool the pasta completely. Let the cooked pasta cool before mixing it with the dressing and other ingredients. Warm pasta can cause the mayonnaise-based dressing to become thin and may soften the fruit.
• Cut everything into bite-size pieces. Chop the chicken and celery into small, even pieces, and halve the grapes. This makes the salad easier to serve and helps every scoop contain a good mix of ingredients.
• Add the cashews just before serving. Stir in the cashews shortly before serving so they stay crunchy. You can also reserve a few to sprinkle over the top for extra texture and a nicer presentation.
• Save a little dressing for later. The pasta will absorb some of the dressing as the salad chills. Reserve a small amount to stir in before serving if the salad needs extra creaminess.

FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:

• Strawberry Pasta Salad
• Savory Chicken Pasta Salad
• Broccoli Chicken Pasta Salad
• Dill Pickle Pasta Salad