Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad A Taste of Asia with a Twist
Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad A Taste Of Asia With
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | N/A |
Recipe Introduction: Let's Get Salady!
Fancy a Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad ? I got you! Have you ever craved a takeaway but wanted something a bit lighter? This is it, mate. Honestly, it's banging.
Quick Hook: From Takeaway to Table
Ever wondered if you could bottle the joy of a Chinese takeaway? Well, almost. This Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad brings that sweet and savoury flavour bomb to a Healthy Pasta Salad .
Brief Overview: A Salad with Sass
This recipe's a cheeky nod to the classic Asian Cashew Chicken, but as a cracking pasta salad. It’s dead easy give yourself about 35 minutes plus chilling time.
This Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe yields 4-6 servings of pure deliciousness.
Main Benefits: Healthy and Happy
It's packed with protein from the chicken and a decent whack of nutrients from the veg. This Healthy Pasta Salad Lunch is spot-on for summer picnics.
This recipe's special because it marries comfort with a bit of healthy eating a win-win! Plus, you can adapt it to be a Cold Chicken Pasta Salad .
Right then, let's have a peek at what you'll need. Don't worry, it's all stuff you can grab from your local supermarket. We're making it a Summer Pasta Salad staple, trust me.
Ingredients & Equipment: Cracking on with the Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad
Right then, let's talk about what you'll need to knock up this amazing Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad . Don't worry, it's not rocket science.
Honestly, if I can do it, anyone can! This Healthy Pasta Salad is a real crowd pleaser, perfect for a Healthy Pasta Salad Lunch .
Main Ingredients: Sorted!
Here's the shopping list, all measured out for your convenience. This Pasta Chicken Salad is just the ticket for a light but filling meal.
- Pasta: 1 pound (450g) of your fave. Penne, rotini, or farfalle all work a treat. I usually grab whatever's on special offer.
- Chicken: 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless breasts, cubed. Try to get good quality chicken; it makes a difference. Think plump and pink, not pale and sad.
- Soy sauce: 1 tablespoon (15ml) each for chicken and dressing, so 2 tablespoons (30ml) in total. Go for a low-sodium one to control the saltiness.
- Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon (15ml) for the chicken. This helps it get nice and crispy.
- Oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml) vegetable oil for cooking the chicken.
- Mayo: 1/4 cup (60ml) for the dressing. Full fat is lush, but low-fat works too if you're watching your waistline. This is how we get that Creamy Dressing
- Rice vinegar: 2 tablespoons (30ml) for the dressing.
- Honey: 2 tablespoons (30ml) for the dressing. Maple syrup works too. Use it to get the real flavour for this Asian Pasta Salad .
- Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon (5ml) for the dressing. A little goes a long way with this stuff!
- Ginger: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) ground ginger for the dressing.
- Garlic powder: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) for the dressing.
- Red pepper flakes: Pinch, if you're feeling brave!
- Red & green bell peppers: 1 each, diced.
- Snow peas: 1 cup (150g), trimmed.
- Red onion: 1/2 cup (75g), thinly sliced.
- Cashews: 1 cup (120g) roasted and chopped. For a delicious Cashew Chicken Recipe , make sure your cashews are fresh and crunchy!
Seasoning: The Secret Sauce
This salad is all about balance. The soy sauce gives it a savory edge, the honey adds a touch of sweetness, and the sesame oil provides that classic Asian aroma.
The ginger and garlic powder add depth, while the red pepper flakes offer a subtle kick. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste.
Don't be shy! Remember that you can swap to the chicken. This Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe is all about making it your own.
Equipment: Keep it Simple
You really don't need much kit for this one.
- Large pot: For cooking the pasta.
- Colander: For draining the pasta.
- Large skillet or wok: For cooking the chicken. This is a great dish to make Cold Chicken Pasta Salad .
- Cutting board and sharp knife: For chopping veggies.
- Large mixing bowl: For tossing everything together.
- Whisk: For the dressing. A fork works fine too, don't stress.
Honestly, that's all there is to it. A good Summer Pasta Salad needs simple ingredients and basic tools. Get your stuff together and let's get cooking!
Cooking Method: Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad
Right then, let's chat about how to actually make this Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad , shall we? It's simpler than you think, honestly! Think of it as your new go-to for summer gatherings.
I promise, it's a crowd pleaser. It is so much better than your average Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe .
Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row
First things first: the mise en place . That basically means getting everything prepped before you start cooking. Chop your veggies red and green bell peppers, snow peas, red onion.
Cube your chicken. Get your dressing ingredients measured out. It makes life so much easier. Think of it as your personal kitchen assistant.
Time saving tip: I often chop the veggies the night before if I'm feeling organised. Seriously, it cuts down on time massively.
Always remember to wash your produce first. And if you're using a mandoline for the onion, watch your fingers! I've had a few near misses, let me tell you! Safety first, always.
This is going to become a Healthy Pasta Salad in no time!
Step-by-Step: From Prep to Plate
Alright, buckle up, here we go:
- Cook the pasta . Get a large pot of salted water boiling. Add your pasta and cook until al dente (firm to the bite). That usually takes around 8- 10 minutes . Drain it and rinse it with cold water. Nobody likes mushy pasta.
- Prep the chicken . Toss your cubed chicken with a tablespoon each of soy sauce and cornstarch. This helps it get nice and browned.
- Cook the chicken . Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it's cooked through. About 5- 7 minutes . Make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) . We don't want any salmonella surprises, do we?
- Make the dressing . In a bowl, whisk together your mayonnaise, rice vinegar, honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, ground ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if you fancy a little kick). Taste and adjust. Some like it sweeter, some like it saltier. I'm a salty kinda gal myself.
- Assemble the salad . In a big bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, bell peppers, snow peas, red onion, and cashews. Pour the dressing over and toss gently to coat.
- Chill Out . Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes . Letting it chill helps the flavours meld. It also makes it a proper Cold Chicken Pasta Salad !
- Serve . Serve chilled and enjoy!
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Salad
Want to take your Cashew Chicken Recipe to the next level? Toast those cashews! A quick toss in a dry pan for 3- 5 minutes brings out their nutty flavour.
Trust me on this. Don't dress the salad too far in advance. Otherwise, the pasta gets soggy. Nobody wants that! This Asian Pasta Salad is the real deal!
Another thing is, If you're making this for a potluck, keep the dressing separate until right before serving. Also, if you're short on time, you can use leftover rotisserie chicken.
Saves a whole heap of effort! Now you know how to make an awesome Healthy Pasta Salad Lunch . It makes it also a great Pasta Chicken Salad !
Recipe Notes for Your Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad
Right then, let's talk about getting this Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad just perfect. This isn't just any old Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe , you know. This is special .
Serving Suggestions That'll Wow!
Right, so you've made this amazing salad. Now what? Presentation is key. For plating, think about using a nice big bowl.
Scatter some extra cashews on top. A sprinkle of fresh coriander looks fab too.
As for sides, this Cold Chicken Pasta Salad goes great with something light. A simple cucumber salad or some crusty bread is spot on.
A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio makes it a real treat!
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Want to make this ahead? Smart move! Keep the dressing separate. It stops the pasta going soggy. Honestly, nobody wants soggy pasta!
In the fridge, this Healthy Pasta Salad keeps well for up to three days. Make sure it’s in an airtight container.
Fancy freezing it? I wouldn’t. The mayo in the dressing doesn’t freeze well. It gets a bit weird.
Reheating? Just give it a good mix and you're ready to rock. It’s best served cold anyway, you know?
Variations: Make It Your Own
Now, let's talk tweaks. Feeling virtuous? Swap out some of the mayo for Greek yogurt. Boom! Healthy Pasta Salad Lunch sorted.
Want a bit of spice? Add a dash of sriracha to that Creamy Dressing .
Seasonal changes? Use different veggies. In autumn, roasted butternut squash would be awesome. For a Summer Pasta Salad vibe, try adding mango or pineapple.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
This Asian Pasta Salad is packed with protein from the Pasta Chicken and cashews. The veggies add loads of vitamins.
You can pat yourself on the back! It's a balanced meal that's actually good for you.
On average, each serving packs about 550 calories, 35g protein, 25g fat, and 50g carbs. (based on 6 servings) Remember, that's just a rough guide.
So there you have it. Enjoy your cracking Cashew Chicken Recipe , folks! I recon this salad is gonna be a winner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad ahead of time? Like, the night before a picnic, innit?
Absolutely! In fact, this Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad is often better the next day as the flavors have had time to properly mingle. However, to prevent the pasta from becoming soggy, consider holding off on adding the dressing until just before serving.
This will keep your salad fresh and delicious, ready for your picnic spread!
I'm not a huge fan of mayonnaise. What can I substitute in the dressing for the Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad?
No worries, there are a few good options! You could try using Greek yogurt for a tangier and lighter dressing. Alternatively, try using a blend of hummus and tahini for a nutty and creamy alternative.
Just be sure to adjust the other dressing ingredients to taste you might need a little more rice vinegar or honey to balance the flavors.
My kids are fussy eaters! Any tips for making this Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad more kid-friendly?
Right, gotta think like a kiddo! Dice the veggies into smaller pieces so they're less noticeable. You could also add some sweeter elements like mandarin orange segments or pineapple chunks. A little bit of their favourite, a familiar ingredient, can go a long way!
And, naturally, let them help with the preparation kids are more likely to eat something they've helped make.
How long will Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad last in the fridge? I'm thinking of meal prepping.
Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad will generally keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days, stored in an airtight container. After this point, the pasta may start to become a bit soft, and the dressing can separate. Always give it a good sniff and a quick look before tucking in, just to be on the safe side!
Can I swap out the chicken for something else? I'm trying to eat less meat, you see.
Of course! Tofu or tempeh are fantastic substitutes for the chicken in this Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad, especially if marinated beforehand in a soy sauce mixture to boost the flavour. You could also use cooked edamame or chickpeas for a plant based protein boost.
Just remember to adjust cooking times accordingly, making sure your protein alternative is heated through or prepared as per the package instructions. That's the ticket!
