Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad a Taste of the Orient

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a taste of the Orient with a summer twist? Ever wondered what Cashew Chicken would be like in a pasta salad? This Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad is your answer! It's a flavour bomb of savory, sweet, and nutty goodness.

Brief Overview

This delightful salad takes its cues from classic Chinese American cuisine. It's an easy recipe that takes about an hour, including chilling time.

This recipe yields about 6 servings, perfect for a summer Potluck Pasta Salad Recipes .

Main Benefits

It's packed with protein and veggies a pretty Healthy Pasta Salad , honestly! Perfect for a picnic or Healthy Cold Pasta Salad Lunch Ideas .

What makes it special? The creamy dressing and crunchy cashews, of course.

Craving Something Different?

This ain't your average pasta salad, you know? I've always loved the flavours of cashew chicken, that sticky sweet sauce and those crunchy nuts.

One day, I thought, "Why not turn this into a Pasta Chicken Salad ?" And lo and behold, this masterpiece was born.

Ingredients You'll Need

• 1. 5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 lb (454g) rotini pasta
• Veggies: broccoli, bell peppers, snow peas, green onions
• 1 cup (150g) roasted cashews
• For the yummy Creamy Dressing : mayonnaise, rice vinegar, honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic powder, red pepper flakes (optional)

This is a perfect Asian Pasta Salad Recipes , and your loved ones will ask you to make this Chinese Chicken Pasta Salad over and over again.

Prep Like a Pro

First, marinate your cubed chicken. Then cook your pasta. While those are happening, chop your veggies. It's all about multi tasking, innit? Once everything is cooked and cooled, mix it all together with the dressing.

Add your cashews right before serving.

My Personal Touch

Honestly, the secret is in the dressing. Taste and adjust it to your liking. More honey for sweetness, more rice vinegar for tang.

And don't skimp on the sesame oil! It adds that authentic Asian flavour. Toasting the cashews beforehand will give you an excellent Chicken Salad with Cashews .

This Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad is a proper crowd pleaser. Trust me, give it a go, and you'll be hooked!. This is a perfect and easy to make Summer Pasta Salad Recipes .

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Killer Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad

Right then, let's get down to brass tacks and sort out what you'll need for this amazing Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad .

Honestly, it’s easier than you think. This isn't some Michelin star faff; it's proper tasty grub! It’s a wonderful Pasta Chicken Salad

Main Ingredients - Spot On!

For the Chicken: This is where the magic starts.

• 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Get decent quality stuff; it makes a difference, you know?
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) soy sauce. A good splash, nothing fancy.
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) dry sherry or rice wine vinegar. I use sherry; it adds a bit of oomph.
• 1 tsp (5 ml) cornstarch (cornflour). This helps the chicken get nice and brown.
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil. For frying, obvs.

For the Pasta Salad: We're adding the colour now!

• 1 lb (454g) rotini pasta. But penne or farfalle works just fine too. Don’t overcook it!
• 1 cup (113g) broccoli florets, smallish.
• 1 red bell pepper , diced. Adds a sweetness.
• 1 yellow bell pepper , diced. More colour!
• 1 cup (113g) snow peas.
• ½ cup (75g) green onions, sliced.
• 1 cup (150g) roasted cashews, chopped. The star of the show. A bit of crunch goes a long way. For a Chicken Salad with Cashews , these are not optional.

For the Creamy Dressing: The sauce that ties it all together for a tasty Healthy Pasta Salad

• ½ cup (120ml) mayonnaise. Full fat is best, alright?
• ¼ cup (60ml) rice vinegar.
• 2 tbsp (30ml) honey. For a touch of sweetness.
• 2 tbsp (30ml) soy sauce.
• 1 tbsp (15ml) sesame oil. Don’t skip this; it’s essential!
• 1 tsp (5ml) grated fresh ginger.
• ½ tsp (2.5ml) garlic powder.
• ¼ tsp (1.25ml) red pepper flakes. Optional, if you want a bit of kick.
• Salt and pepper. To taste, innit? I remember one time I didn't have ginger and used ginger paste...it was not the same! Fresh is definitely better.

Seasoning Notes - Get Your Spice On!

Soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil? Bang on! Red pepper flakes for a tiny kick. If you fancy a change, a dash of sriracha works wonders.

If you're thinking Asian Pasta Salad Recipes , it is definitely the flavor enhancers and aromatics that will lead you there.

Equipment Needed - Keep It Simple

• A big pot for the pasta. Obvious, really.
• A colander. For draining the pasta.
• A frying pan (or wok, if you're feeling fancy).
• A big bowl. For mixing everything together.
• A whisk. For the dressing.

That’s all you need. You probably have most of it already! This recipe makes a great Potluck Pasta Salad Recipes , you know, quick and easy.

Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad: A Taste of the Orient

Fancy a bit of east meets west? I'm absolutely buzzing to share this Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad . It’s an absolute stunner for those summer days when you can't be arsed to cook.

I came up with this after a dodgy Chinese takeaway! I thought, "I can do better!" And honestly, I did.

Think of it as a healthy pasta salad , packed with flavour and goodness.

Prep Steps: Operation Mise en Place!

First things first, let's get organised! This is called Essential mise en place. Chop your veggies like a proper chef.

Get your chicken marinating. This is such a time saving organization tip !. Honestly, having everything prepped makes life SO much easier.

Don't forget, wash your hands, like your mum always told you. We're talking chicken, yeah?

step-by-step to Pasta Perfection

Here's how to nail this pasta chicken salad :

1. Marinate your chicken for at least 15 minutes . It should be up to 1 hour. I'm using soy sauce, sherry, and a bit of cornstarch.
2. Cook your pasta until al dente. About 8- 10 minutes should do it. Drain and rinse – crucial for a non-sticky salad!
3. Cook the chicken in a skillet until it hits 165° F ( 74° C) . Make sure it’s cooked through.
4. Whisk together your dressing. This is a creamy dressing . Mayonnaise, rice vinegar, honey, soy sauce. All the good stuff!
5. Chuck everything in a bowl: cooked pasta, chicken, veggies.
6. Pour on that glorious dressing and toss to combine.
7. Stir in those roasted cashews . Don't forget them!
8. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavours to meld.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Salad Game

Want to really knock their socks off? Toast your cashews beforehand for a deeper flavour. My mate once used the wrong rice vinegar.

Major mistake! . The dressing was rank, so make sure you measure correctly. Wanna prepare it in advance? The Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad can be made a day ahead.

Just add the cashews right before serving to keep them crunchy.

Asian pasta salad recipes are a godsend for potlucks. This potluck pasta salad recipe is always a crowd pleaser and honestly, folks won't know what hit them when they taste it.

Give this recipe a whirl and you'll soon be saying, "It's absolutely the dog's bollocks!"

Recipe Notes for the Best Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad

Right then, let's chat about getting this Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad absolutely perfect . Honestly, it's pretty straightforward, but a few little tweaks can make all the difference. Let's dive in.

Serving it Up Plating and Perfect Pairings

This Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad looks amazing when it is served nice, in a bright dish. Garnish with extra cashews and green onions.

It instantly elevates the dish, you know? It’s visually appealing and tastes incredible.

For sides, think light and fresh. A simple cucumber salad would be spot-on. An Asian coleslaw is a banger too, with a crisp glass of Pinot Grigio or a chilled lager.

It’s like having a proper picnic, innit?

Storage Sorted Keeping Your Salad Fresh

Right, got leftovers? Of course you do! Pop the Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad in an airtight container. It'll happily sit in the fridge for up to three days .

Freezing isn’t really recommended, you know. The mayo in the dressing can get a bit weird when it defrosts. But, if you must, portion it out first.

Reheating is best done cold. Give it a good stir to re-incorporate the dressing.

Mixing it Up Variations for Everyone

Fancy a bit of a change? Here’s how.

Going veggie? Swap the chicken for extra firm tofu, pressed and cubed. Job done! For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and tamari instead of soy sauce. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy.

And for a summer pasta salad recipes tweak, throw in some seasonal veggies like grilled corn or chopped tomatoes. Trust me, it's delicious.

Nutrition Basics - Keeping Things Healthy

This healthy pasta salad is a good source of protein and carbohydrates. With an estimated 550 calories per serving, 35g of protein , and 40g of carbs , it keeps you satisfied.

It's also got a decent amount of fiber, about 4g , which is good for your gut.

Keep in mind, that this is an estimate of the healthy pasta salad , and it is always wise to consult an actual nutritionist.

This pasta chicken salad is more than just delicious. It's versatile, easy to make, and packed with flavour. So, go on, give it a go! You won't regret it!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, this Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad is even better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to meld together. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Give it a good stir before serving, and you might want to add a touch more dressing if the pasta has absorbed too much.

How long does Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad last in the fridge?

Properly stored in an airtight container in the fridge, this Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad should last for 3-4 days. After that, the quality starts to decline and the pasta may become a bit soggy. Always give it a sniff and a good look before digging in to ensure it's still fresh.

Can I use a different type of pasta for this Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad?

Definitely! While rotini is a great choice because the spirals catch the dressing, you can easily substitute it with other short pasta shapes like penne, farfalle (bow ties), or even elbow macaroni. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente so it doesn't get mushy in the salad. It's all about what you fancy, innit?

I'm not a fan of mayonnaise. Is there a substitute I can use in the dressing for the Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad?

Good shout! If you're not keen on mayo, you can try substituting it with Greek yogurt for a tangier and lighter dressing. You could also use a blend of half mayonnaise and half Greek yogurt.

Alternatively, you can create a vinaigrette style dressing using a mixture of rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, and a touch of honey. Experiment to find the flavour that floats your boat.

I'm trying to watch my calorie intake. Are there any ways to make this Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad healthier?

Spot on! You can lighten up the Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad by using light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt in the dressing. Also, load up on the veggies! Adding more broccoli, peppers, and snow peas will increase the fiber content and make it more filling. Consider using whole wheat pasta for even more fiber.

And go easy on the cashews; while they're delicious, they are calorie dense.

Can I add more vegetables to this Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad?

You bet your sweet bippy! Feel free to toss in any other veggies you enjoy. Sliced carrots, shredded cabbage, or even some bean sprouts would work wonders. Just be mindful of the overall balance of flavors and textures you want everything to complement each other, not compete. It's your salad, so get creative!