Name: Creamy Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked rotini pasta; 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced; 3/4 cup roasted cashews; 1 cup frozen peas, thawed; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro or parsley; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably stood in front of the fridge on a warm day, craving something satisfying but not too heavy—something with texture, flavor, and a little twist. That’s how I came up with this Creamy Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad. It’s a dish that brings together the best of both worlds: the hearty comfort of pasta and chicken, and the crisp freshness of veggies, all wrapped up in a luscious, creamy dressing with just the right crunch from toasted cashews.

I love how this salad works for any meal: lazy Sunday lunches, quick weeknight dinners, or packed picnics in the sun. It’s loaded with flavor thanks to tender chunks of chicken, sweet peas, vibrant bell peppers, and a touch of red onion, all tossed with rotini pasta that holds onto every bit of creamy dressing. And those cashews? They’re the crown jewel—nutty, buttery, and unexpectedly perfect.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad

Deliciously balanced: Creamy, crunchy, savory, and just a hint of sweetness.
Hearty but refreshing: The chicken and pasta satisfy, while the fresh veggies and light dressing keep it bright.
Quick to prepare: Perfect for make-ahead meals or last-minute potlucks.
Customizable: Easily adapt the ingredients to your tastes or dietary needs.
Meal-prep friendly: Stores well for days and gets even better as flavors meld.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Creamy Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad?

When making a salad like this, pasta shape actually makes a big difference. I always reach for rotini or fusilli—they’re spiral-shaped and have plenty of crevices to catch the creamy dressing and bits of chicken or veggie in every bite. If you don’t have rotini, farfalle (bow-tie), penne, or even macaroni work well too. Just aim for something that’s short and sturdy, so it holds up well when tossed with the other ingredients and doesn’t get soggy.

It’s also important to cook the pasta just to al dente, then rinse it briefly with cold water to stop the cooking. That keeps it firm and perfect for salads like this, where texture is everything.

Options for Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how forgiving it is. You can tweak it based on what you have on hand or what you’re in the mood for. Here are some of my favorite swaps:

Chicken: Swap with rotisserie chicken, grilled tofu, or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
Cashews: Try toasted almonds, sunflower seeds, or even pumpkin seeds if you need a nut-free option.
Peas: Frozen corn or diced cucumbers make a great fresh swap.
Red bell pepper: Any sweet bell pepper will do—or try shredded carrots for color and crunch.
Red onion: Use green onions or shallots for a milder flavor.
Dressing base: Mix Greek yogurt with mayo or sour cream, or go fully dairy-free with a creamy avocado dressing.

This recipe is super flexible and still tastes amazing no matter how you mix it up.

Ingredients for Creamy Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad

Let’s talk about the stars of this dish and why each one is essential for flavor, texture, and that crave-worthy balance in every bite.

Rotini Pasta: Its spiral shape traps the dressing and bits of chicken, giving you full flavor in every forkful.
Cooked Chicken Breast: Lean and tender protein that makes this salad hearty enough for a full meal.
Roasted Cashews: Adds that nutty crunch and richness that sets this pasta salad apart.
Frozen Peas: A burst of sweetness and color that pairs beautifully with the savory elements.
Red Bell Pepper: Crisp and sweet, it brings brightness and a fresh crunch.
Red Onion: Adds a sharp contrast to the creamy dressing—just a little goes a long way.
Fresh Cilantro or Parsley: An herby finish that lifts everything with a touch of green.
Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the dressing—rich and smooth.
Plain Greek Yogurt: Lightens the dressing while adding tang and creaminess.
Dijon Mustard: Brings a subtle kick that balances the richness.
Lemon Juice: Brightens the entire dish and keeps the flavors fresh.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning everything just right.

Every ingredient has a job, whether it’s boosting flavor, adding crunch, or pulling the whole thing together with creamy goodness.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside to cool completely—this step is key to keeping the salad crisp and refreshing.

Step 2: Prep the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, dice your cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken, just make sure it’s chilled and evenly chopped for the best texture and distribution in the salad.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste—don’t be afraid to add an extra splash of lemon or pinch of salt if it needs a little extra zing.

Step 4: Toss the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, peas, red bell pepper, and red onion. Pour the creamy dressing over everything and toss gently until well coated. Stir in the roasted cashews and chopped fresh herbs just before serving to keep the nuts crunchy and the herbs vibrant.

Step 5: Chill Before Serving

Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This lets all the flavors meld and makes the dish even more satisfying. Give it a quick toss before serving, and you’re good to go!

How Long to Cook the Creamy Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad

This dish isn’t cooked in the traditional sense once everything is prepped, but here’s a quick time breakdown:

Pasta Cooking Time: About 8–10 minutes until al dente.
Prep Time (chopping, dressing, mixing): Around 15–20 minutes.
Chill Time: Minimum of 30 minutes before serving, but you can make it up to a day ahead.

So from start to finish, you’re looking at about 45 minutes total, including chill time. Perfect for a make-ahead meal or quick meal-prep for the week!

Tips for Perfect Creamy Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Slightly undercooked (al dente) is best. It’ll soften a bit more after being tossed in dressing and stored in the fridge.
Cool the Pasta Before Mixing: Warm pasta will absorb too much dressing and turn mushy.
Toast the Cashews (if they’re raw): A quick toast in a dry pan will enhance their flavor and add an irresistible crunch.
Use Fresh Lemon Juice: It brightens the entire dish and makes the dressing sing.
Adjust Dressing Consistency: If it feels too thick, add a splash of milk or even a bit more lemon juice to thin it slightly.
Let It Rest: Don’t skip the chilling step—this salad tastes even better once it’s had time to sit.
Save Some Cashews for Garnish: Sprinkle them on top just before serving to keep them crunchy.
Taste Before Serving: Cold foods sometimes need a final seasoning touch—check salt and pepper after chilling.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even a simple salad like this can be thrown off with a few common missteps. Here’s what to avoid:

Overcooking the Pasta: Soft pasta will fall apart once mixed with the dressing—stick to al dente for the best texture.
Mixing While Hot: Warm pasta can turn your creamy dressing oily and heavy. Always cool it first.
Skipping the Chill Time: The flavors really come alive after some time in the fridge. Don’t rush this part!
Not Seasoning the Dressing Enough: Cold dishes dull flavors, so taste the dressing and adjust before tossing.
Adding Cashews Too Early: If they sit too long in the dressing, they’ll lose their crunch.
Using Dry Chicken: Juicy, properly cooked chicken makes a huge difference. Avoid overcooked or dry meat.
Overloading with Add-ins: It’s tempting to add everything in the fridge, but too many extras can overwhelm the balance.
Under-dressing the Salad: Pasta absorbs sauce as it sits—make sure there’s enough to keep it creamy, even after chilling.

What to Serve With Creamy Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad?

This dish can absolutely shine on its own, but if you’re building a full spread or picnic basket, here are some fantastic pairings:

Crusty Artisan Bread

Perfect for scooping or soaking up the extra creamy dressing.

Pickled Vegetables

Tangy pickles or quick-pickled onions add a zippy contrast to the rich salad.

Fresh Fruit Platter

Juicy grapes, pineapple, or melon slices offer a sweet and refreshing side.

Green Garden Salad

A light leafy salad with vinaigrette balances out the creaminess of the pasta dish.

Cheese and Crackers

A small cheese board can elevate lunch to picnic-luxury status.

Lemon Iced Tea

A cool, citrusy drink to complement the brightness of the salad.

Deviled Eggs

Creamy and savory, they echo the richness without overpowering.

Soft-Baked Cookies

Something sweet to finish it all off—classic and always welcome.

Storage Instructions

Creamy Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad is fantastic for make-ahead meals, and it stores beautifully with just a few smart steps:

Refrigeration: Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, making it even tastier the next day.
Keep Cashews Crunchy: If you’re prepping ahead, reserve the cashews and stir them in just before serving to maintain that perfect crunch.
Revive Before Serving: Pasta tends to absorb dressing over time. If the salad seems dry after storing, stir in a tablespoon or two of Greek yogurt or a splash of milk to freshen it up.
Do Not Freeze: This salad isn’t freezer-friendly—creamy dressings and pasta both suffer in texture after thawing.

Estimated Nutrition (per serving – based on 6 servings total)

Please note these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands and portions used.

Calories: ~450
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 470mg

It’s a well-rounded, protein-rich dish with a good balance of carbs and healthy fats, especially from those creamy cashews and Greek yogurt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Creamy Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, it tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge. Just hold off on adding the cashews until right before serving so they stay crunchy.

What’s the best pasta shape for this salad?

Rotini is my go-to because the twists hold onto the creamy dressing so well, but penne, farfalle, or macaroni are also great alternatives.

Is there a way to make it dairy-free?

Absolutely. Use a dairy-free yogurt alternative or avocado-based dressing, and replace mayo with a vegan version to keep it creamy without the dairy.

Can I use canned chicken?

You can! Just drain it well and break it into bite-sized pieces. It’s not quite as tender as fresh or rotisserie chicken, but it works in a pinch.

How long will leftovers last?

Up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Keep it in an airtight container and stir before serving. Add extra dressing if needed.

Can I make it vegetarian or vegan?

For vegetarian, just skip the chicken or sub in chickpeas or tofu. To make it fully vegan, use plant-based alternatives for the yogurt and mayo.

What if I don’t like peas?

No problem—try corn, chopped cucumber, shredded carrots, or even edamame as a colorful substitute.

How do I keep the pasta salad from drying out in the fridge?

Pasta can soak up dressing over time. To keep it creamy, stir in a little extra yogurt, mayo, or milk just before serving.

Conclusion

Creamy Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad is everything I love in a meal: bold, fresh, creamy, and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a simple lunch, an easy dinner idea, or something unique for your next potluck, this dish checks all the boxes. With its juicy chicken, crunchy cashews, crisp veggies, and dreamy dressing, it brings the perfect mix of textures and flavors to the table.

It’s also endlessly customizable, so you can make it your own and enjoy it again and again. Just remember the golden rules: chill it, don’t skimp on seasoning, and save the cashews for the end. Trust me—once you try it, you’ll be adding this to your go-to food ideas for every season.