Celebrate Summer Flavors with Tropical Chicken Pasta Salad
Welcome to a refreshing twist on summer salads! If you’re looking for a dish that perfectly balances savory and sweet, look no further than our Tropical Chicken Pasta Salad. This delightful recipe brings together tender chicken, juicy fruits, and a creamy dressing, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and bursting with vibrant flavors. It’s ideal for summer picnics, friendly gatherings, or a fulfilling family meal.
Ingredients
For the Dressing:
- 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Bon Appetit seasoning
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon celery salt
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Salad:
- 16 ounces rotini pasta
- 2 cups cooked and diced chicken
- 1 (15 oz.) can pineapple tidbits, drained
- 1 (15 oz.) can mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 cup grapes, halved
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
Directions
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Bon Appetit seasoning, sugar, celery salt, onion powder, cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Refrigerate this mixture until ready to use, allowing the flavors to blend.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil the rotini pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Once done, rinse under cool water and drain thoroughly. This ensures your pasta doesn’t overcook and stays perfect for the salad.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the cooked, diced chicken, pineapple, mandarin oranges, grapes, almonds, green onions, celery, and dried cranberries. Toss these ingredients lightly to mix.
- Add the Dressing:
- Pour the chilled dressing over the salad and mix gently to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated. The creamy dressing complements the tangy and sweet flavors of the fruit.
- Serving:
- Serve the salad immediately to enjoy its freshness and the crisp texture of the fruits and vegetables. It’s a perfect dish for a hot day!
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Calories: 350 per serving
- Servings: 8
This Tropical Chicken Pasta Salad is not only a feast for the tastebuds but also a visual delight. Its colorful appearance makes it a standout dish for any occasion this summer. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply need a quick and tasty dinner, this pasta salad is sure to impress. Enjoy the sweet and savory symphony of flavors that will transport your senses straight to a tropical paradise!
Tropical Chicken Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
The Tropical Chicken Pasta Salad is a delightful blend of savory and sweet flavors. The tender chicken pieces mixed with vibrant fruits like pineapple, mandarin oranges, and grapes create a refreshing and satisfying meal.
This salad is perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or a light family dinner. The crunchy almonds and celery add a lovely texture, while the creamy dressing ties everything together beautifully. Easy to prepare and full of flavors, this dish will surely become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients
For the dressing:
1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Bon Appetit seasoning
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon celery salt
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
For the salad:
16 ounces rotini pasta
2 cups chicken, cooked and diced
1 15 oz. can pineapple tidbits, drained
1 15 oz. can mandarin oranges, drained
1 cup grapes, halved
1/4 cup slivered almonds
1/4 cup green onions, sliced
1 cup celery, diced
1/2 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
For the dressing, combine the mayonnaise, Bon Appetit seasoning, sugar, celery salt, onion powder, cider vinegar, and salt and pepper in a small bowl. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions. Rinse with cool water and drain.
In a large bowl, toss together the pasta, chicken, pineapple tidbits, mandarin oranges, grapes, slivered almonds, green onions, celery, and dried cranberries.
Add the dressing and stir gently to combine.
Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal