Description
Chicken Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Grapes and Cashews is a creamy, crunchy, and slightly sweet pasta salad perfect for lunches, picnics, potlucks, and easy family meals. It features tender chicken, juicy grapes, crunchy cashews, and al dente bow tie pasta tossed together in a flavorful, creamy dressing.
Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad
- 12 ounces bow tie pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 1½ cups seedless red or green grapes, halved
- ¾ cup roasted cashews, roughly chopped
- ½ cup celery, finely diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- ¼ cup green onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bow tie pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- Cool the Pasta: Drain the pasta and rinse briefly under cold water. Allow it to cool completely.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, honey, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: Add the cooled pasta, cooked chicken, halved grapes, chopped cashews, diced celery, red onion, green onions, and chopped parsley to the bowl with the dressing.
- Toss the Salad: Gently toss all ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Give the salad a gentle stir before serving. Add a splash of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise if the dressing has thickened too much for desired consistency.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe especially quick and convenient.
- Add diced apples or dried cranberries for extra sweetness and texture.
- For the best crunch, reserve some cashews and sprinkle them over the salad just before serving.
- Keep refrigerated until ready to serve to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad, Pasta Salad, Lunch, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
