Description
You’ll want to bring this Cherry Chicken Pasta Salad to all of your get-togethers, it’s a crowd-pleaser! Cherry Chicken Pasta Salad is a delicious mix of pasta, chicken, dried cherries, and a poppyseed dressing. It’s a perfect side dish, easy lunch, or summer dinner.
Ingredients
- 16 oz. gemelli pasta (or fusilli)
- 1 1/2 cups chopped celery (about 6 stalks)
- 1/2 cup chopped white onion (about 1/2 onion)
- 2 cups chopped leftover chicken (about 4 thighs)
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 3/4 cup poppyseed dressing
- 8 oz. dried cherries (about 1 1/2 cups)
- salt and pepper to taste
- 5 oz. salad greens
Instructions
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Cook pasta according to package directions. Rinse with cold water and set aside.
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Chop celery, onion (try to get it small — without stressing), and chicken into small, bite-sized pieces.
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Mix together mayonnaise and poppyseed dressing.
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Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and toss together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. Serve over salad greens.
Notes
Storage: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. If it seems dry after sitting, stir in a splash more poppyseed dressing before serving.
Ingredients: Gemelli is the classic shape here — the corkscrew holds onto the dressing and cherries nicely. Fusilli works just as well. For the poppyseed dressing, store-bought is completely intentional (Brianna’s is the one).
Prep ahead: This is an ideal make-ahead recipe. Make it the morning of or the night before — the flavor only improves with time. Hold the salad greens separately and add them right before serving.