• Jul 30, 2025
• by Abbigail Schaden
• Comments

5 Delightful Chicken Pasta Salad Recipes to Tempt Your Taste Buds

Craving a delicious and versatile chicken pasta salad? Explore 5 unique recipes – from creamy cashew to zesty Asian flavors – perfect for lunch, dinner, or your next potluck! Easy to make & packed with flavor.

1. Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad

Description: A delightful pasta salad where the creamy, tangy dressing and crunchy cashews perfectly complement tender chicken and al dente pasta. Ideal for potlucks or make-ahead meals, this salad is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and textures.

Why You Should Try This: This recipe is popular for its satisfying blend of creamy, crunchy, and savory elements. The cashews add a unique textural contrast, making it a memorable dish.

Tip or Fun Fact:

• 1. For best results, use high-quality mayonnaise to enhance the creaminess of the dressing.
• 2. To prevent the cashews from becoming soggy, add them no more than 2 hours before serving.
• 3. Feel free to customize the vegetables according to your preference; red bell peppers or celery would also work well.
• 4. If you want a bit of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.

2. Curry Chicken Pasta Salad

Description: Elevate your midday meal with this vibrant Curry Chicken Pasta Salad. A delightful fusion of creamy, tangy, and subtly spiced flavors, it's a refreshing and satisfying dish perfect for a light lunch or a flavorful dinner.

Why You Should Try This: Its unique curry flavor profile sets it apart from traditional chicken pasta salads, offering a sophisticated yet easy-to-make option.

Tip or Fun Fact:

• 1. For an extra layer of flavor, try grilling the chicken breasts instead of poaching.
• 2. If you're short on time, pre-cooked chicken can be used, just ensure it's chilled before adding to the salad.
• 3. Feel free to add other vegetables like chopped celery, red bell pepper, or even some dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness.
• 4. Taste and adjust seasoning before chilling; a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavors.

3. Tasty Cabbage Salad (Note: This seems miscategorized as it's a cabbage salad, not strictly a pasta salad)

Description: Elevate your next barbecue with this vibrant and flavorful cabbage salad. Crisp coleslaw mix, tender chicken, and crunchy ramen noodles are tossed in a tangy vinaigrette for a crowd-pleasing dish that's easy to make and even easier to love.

Why You Should Try This: Its unique combination of textures and flavors makes it a standout side dish, perfect for summer gatherings.

Tip or Fun Fact:

• 1. For a richer flavor, try using sesame oil instead of vegetable oil.
• 2. Add some toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions for extra crunch and flavor.
• 3. Feel free to substitute grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken for the canned chicken chunks.
• 4. If you don't have MSG, you can omit it or substitute a pinch of onion powder for umami flavor.
• 5. Adjust the amount of sugar to your liking, depending on how sweet you prefer your dressing.

4. Lemon Poppy Seed Chicken Pasta Salad

Description: A delightful symphony of flavors and textures! This Lemon Poppy Seed Chicken Pasta Salad balances creamy, tangy dressing with sweet cranberries and savory chicken, creating a refreshing and satisfying dish perfect for any occasion.

Why You Should Try This: The bright, citrusy lemon poppy seed dressing is a unique and appealing twist on a classic pasta salad.

Tip or Fun Fact:

• 1. For an extra burst of flavor, try toasting the poppy seeds lightly before adding them to the dressing.
• 2. Grilled chicken can be substituted for the cubed cooked chicken. It will add a smoky dimension to the salad.
• 3. If you don't have penne pasta, rotini or farfalle are also great choices.

5. Asian Chicken Pasta Salad

Description: A vibrant and flavorful pasta salad featuring tender chicken, crisp-tender vegetables, and a delightful Asian-inspired dressing. Perfect for a light lunch, satisfying dinner, or potluck contribution, this dish is delicious served warm or chilled.

Why You Should Try This: The Asian-inspired dressing provides a bold and exciting flavor profile, making it a refreshing alternative to traditional pasta salads.

Tip or Fun Fact:

• 1. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the dressing.
• 2. Feel free to substitute other vegetables, such as bell peppers, snow peas, or bean sprouts, based on your preference and what's available.
• 3. Toasted sesame seeds make a lovely garnish and add a nutty flavor.
• 4. The pasta salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld together even more as it sits.