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Homemade Cashew Chicken Rotini Salad photo

Cashew Chicken Rotini Salad

A creamy, crunchy rotini salad with chicken, grapes, dried cranberries, and cashews tossed in ranch-mayo dressing.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 16 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz rotini pasta
  • 4 cup cooked chicken, cubed
  • 1 cup seedless green grapes, halved
  • 1 cup seedless red grapes, halved
  • 5 oz dried cranberries
  • 1 cup ranch salad dressing
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 cup salted cashews

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Large Bowl
  • Small Bowl
  • Whisk or fork
  • Measuring Cups

Method
 

  1. Cook the rotini according to package directions until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to cool and stop cooking.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cubed cooked chicken, halved green grapes, halved red grapes, and dried cranberries.
  3. Add the cooled rotini to the bowl with the chicken and fruit, and gently toss to combine.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing and mayonnaise until smooth.
  5. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to chill and allow flavors to meld.
  7. Just before serving, stir in the salted cashews to preserve their crunch.

Notes

  • Rinsing the pasta cools it and keeps the salad from getting mushy.
  • Tossing pasta with a little olive oil after rinsing helps prevent sticking.
  • If made the night before, the pasta may absorb some dressing; add more dressing if needed.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  • Properly stored, the salad will keep 3–5 days in the fridge.