Creamy Chicken and Grape Pasta Salad
This delightful Creamy Chicken and Grape Pasta Salad is an exquisite blend of flavors and textures, perfect for gatherings and potlucks. Inspired by a cherished recipe from 'Taste of Home', this salad is not only easy to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for more. It combines tender chicken, sweet grapes, crunchy celery, and creamy dressing with a surprising hint of Cool Whip to create a unique and memorable dish. Ideal for summer picnics or church dinners, this salad can be made ahead of time and chilled until you're ready to serve.
10-12
Servings
291
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Diced cooked chicken
2 1/2 cups (Cooked and diced into bite-sized pieces)
Cooked small shell pasta
1/2 package (Cooked according to package instructions)
Diced celery
2 cups (Washed and finely diced)
Seedless grapes
2 cups (Red or green, halved)
Hard-boiled eggs
5 (Diced)
Pineapple tidbits
1 (20 ounce) can (Drained)
Sliced water chestnuts (optional)
1 can (Drained and diced)
Mayonnaise
2 cups (Regular or light)
Sour cream
1/2 cup (Regular or light)
Cool Whip
1/2 cup (Thawed)
Sugar
1 tablespoon (Granulated)
Lemon juice
1 tablespoon (Freshly squeezed)
Salt
3/4 teaspoon (To taste)
Cashew pieces
1 cup (Chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken, cooked pasta, diced celery, halved grapes, diced hard-boiled eggs, pineapple tidbits, and optional water chestnuts.
2
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Cool Whip, sugar, lemon juice, and salt until smooth and well combined.
3
Pour the dressing over the chicken and pasta mixture, and gently toss to ensure all ingredients are coated with the dressing.
4
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld.
5
Just before serving, fold in the cashew pieces to maintain their crunchiness. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
18g
Fat
19g
Carbs
11g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Chicken and Grape Pasta Salad?
It is a refreshing and flavorful salad featuring tender chicken, sweet grapes, pasta shells, and a unique creamy dressing.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to provide between 10 and 12 servings.
What type of pasta should I use for this salad?
The recipe calls for half a package of small shell pasta, cooked according to package instructions.
How much chicken is required?
You will need 2 1/2 cups of diced cooked chicken.
What kind of grapes are recommended?
The recipe suggests using 2 cups of seedless grapes, either red or green, cut into halves.
What ingredients are in the creamy dressing?
The dressing consists of mayonnaise, sour cream, Cool Whip, sugar, lemon juice, and salt.
Why is Cool Whip used in a pasta salad?
Cool Whip adds a unique, light creaminess and a subtle sweetness that complements the grapes and pineapple.
When should I add the cashews?
Fold in the cashew pieces just before serving to ensure they remain crunchy.
How long does the salad need to chill?
The salad should be refrigerated for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld properly.
Are the water chestnuts mandatory?
No, the sliced water chestnuts are optional, but they add a nice extra crunch to the dish.
Can I use light mayonnaise and sour cream?
Yes, you can use either regular or light versions of mayonnaise and sour cream.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 291 calories.
What is the protein content of this salad?
Each serving provides about 11 grams of protein.
How many hard-boiled eggs are needed?
The recipe requires 5 hard-boiled eggs, which should be diced.
What size can of pineapple should I use?
You will need one 20-ounce can of pineapple tidbits, drained.
How much fat is in a serving of this salad?
There are 18 grams of fat per serving.
How much celery do I need to dice?
You will need 2 cups of finely diced celery.
What type of lemon juice is best?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor.
Is this salad suitable for potlucks?
Yes, it is specifically described as an ideal dish for gatherings, potlucks, and church dinners.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, it can be made ahead and chilled; just remember to wait until serving to add the nuts.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 19 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Should the Cool Whip be thawed?
Yes, make sure the Cool Whip is thawed before whisking it into the dressing.
How much sugar is added to the dressing?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar.
How much salt is recommended?
The recipe calls for 3/4 teaspoon of salt, or you can adjust to taste.
What is the first step in preparing the salad?
The first step is to combine the chicken, pasta, celery, grapes, eggs, pineapple, and optional water chestnuts in a large bowl.
How do I prepare the dressing?
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Cool Whip, sugar, lemon juice, and salt until smooth.
What is the texture of the finished salad?
It is a creamy salad with crunchy elements from the celery, water chestnuts, and cashews.
Is this a 'Taste of Home' inspired recipe?
Yes, the description notes that this recipe was inspired by a cherished dish from 'Taste of Home'.
Can I use different nuts instead of cashews?
While the recipe specifies cashews, you could try pecans or walnuts, though the flavor will vary.
Should the salad be served warm or cold?
This salad should always be served chilled.