Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad

Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad is a unique pasta salad bursting with bright summer flavor! Made with tons of fresh veggies, crunchy cashews, juicy chicken, and tender pasta, this dish is elevated even more with the use of a homemade savory sweet dressing. Great for crowds and get together, this pasta salad can’t be beat!

cashew chicken salad in a serving bowl
Table of Contents
Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad
Can this salad be made ahead of time?
How To Make Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad
View All
Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad

Cashew chicken pasta salad is one of those recipes that will have everyone begging you to share it with them. While most salads of this variety are swimming in a mayo based sauce, this recipe keeps things light with an oil and vinegar based dressing that packs a sweet and tart punch. The juicy rotisserie chicken along with all the colorful, fresh veggies like broccoli, peppers, carrots, and green onions pair well with the tender rotini pasta. And of course to add that extra bit of crunch and unique element, we don’t skimp on the cashews! I love to make a big batch of this throughout the summer to break up the classics like traditional macaroni or potato salads. But be careful, bring this to the potluck once, and you’ll be making it every time!

Looking for more bold pasta salad recipes to bring to the backyard soiree? I’ve got you covered! Try my creamy Shrimp Boil Pasta Salad or flavorful Italian Tortellini salad for a side dish, appetizer, or meal!

Can this salad be made ahead of time?
It sure can! In fact, I recommend making it at least a few hours prior to serving it, if not the night before. Allowing this pasta salad to sit in the dressing really melds all the flavors together. Although I suggest making it only a day in advance. If it sits more than three days the crunchy elements tend to get soggy.
How To Make Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad
Boil. Cook the rotini pasta according to the package directions. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to quickly cool the noodles down.
Combine. In a large bowl combine the rotini, shredded chicken, broccoli, bell pepper, snow peas, shredded carrots, orange slices, cashews, and green onions. Stir to combine.
Whisk. In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, and sriracha. Whisk until well combined.
Toss. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until everything is thoroughly coated.

four panel collage image showing how to make cashew chicken pasta salad

Ingredients Notes for Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad