Description
This refreshing rotini pasta salad is loaded with chicken, pineapple, and a creamy dressing, making it a perfect side dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 box (16 oz) rotini pasta
- 3 cups cooked chopped chicken
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple tidbits (drained, reserve the juice from the can)
- 1 cup finely diced celery
- 1 cup halved red seedless grapes
- 1 cup halved green seedless grapes
- 1 cup thinly sliced green onions (about 2 bunches green onion)
- 2 cups lightly salted cashew halves & pieces
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup reserved pineapple juice
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (more or less to taste)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, to your desired texture; either al dente or softer (I prefer softer). When the pasta is done, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water. Set aside for later.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped chicken, drained pineapple tidbits (reserve the juice from the can), celery, grapes, green onions, and cashews. Stir together to combine.
- In a separate smaller mixing bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the creamy pineapple dressing.
- Add the dressing into the larger bowl along with the drained and slightly cooled cooked rotini pasta. Stir everything together until it’s well combined.
- The salad can be served right away, but for best results, cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 4-6 hours before serving. The salad is best served chilled once it has had time to chill and the flavors to blend together.
Notes
- For a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
- Feel free to add other veggies or fruits based on your preference.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixed
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg