Sweet Chicken Pasta Salad
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This Sweet Chicken Pasta Salad is a recipe I’ve been making for years, and it’s one that 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, the final touch is a generous sprinkle of cashews added 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
- MAYONNAISE
- RADIADORE SHAPED PASTA
- COOKED CHICKEN
- CELERY
- MANDARIN ORANGES
- PINEAPPLE TIDBITS
- RED GRAPES
- CRAISINS
- GREEN ONION
- CASHEW HALVES AND PIECES
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.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
- Strawberry Pasta Salad
- Savory Chicken Pasta Salad
- Broccoli Chicken Pasta Salad
- Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Sweet Chicken Pasta Salad
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 16 oz bottle cole slaw dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 16 oz pkg radiadore shaped pasta cooked according to pkg directions and cooled
- 3 cups chicken breasts cooked and diced
- 1 cup celery diced
- 15 oz can mandarin oranges drained
- 20 oz can pineapple tidbits drained
- 2 cups red grapes
- 6 oz pkg craisins
- 3 green onions diced
- 1 cup cashew halves and pieces
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk to coleslaw dressing and mayonnaise together.
- Add in the pasta, chicken, celery, mandarin oranges, pineapple, grapes, craisins, and green onion. Toss until everything is well coated with the dressing. Place in the refridgerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Top with cashews before serving. Serves 12.
