Cherry Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

A Salad with a Surprise

I want to tell you about my Cherry Chicken Pasta Salad. It sounds a little fancy. But it is so easy to make. The best part is the sweet and salty mix. It makes your taste buds very happy.

My grandson once saw the dried cherries. He thought they were candy. He tried to sneak a handful. His face was so surprised. I still laugh at that. The cherries are sweet, but they are not a candy bar.

Why We Mix Sweet and Salty

This salad matters because it is a full meal. You get your protein from the chicken. You get energy from the pasta. And the fruit makes it feel special. It is not just a boring lunch.

Mixing flavors keeps life interesting. A little sweet with a little salty is a good lesson. It reminds me to try new things. Do you have a favorite food that mixes two different tastes? Tell me about it.

The Magic of Toasted Almonds

Do not skip toasting the almonds. It is the simplest step. But it makes the biggest difference. It makes your kitchen smell like a cozy bakery.

Just put them in a dry pan. Watch them carefully. Shake the pan until they turn light brown. Doesn’t that smell amazing? That smell means you are adding love to your food.

A Tip from My Kitchen

The recipe says to mix the dressing separately. This is a very smart step. It lets you taste the dressing all by itself. You can see if it needs a little more salt or pepper.

I learned this from my mother. She always tasted everything before it went in the big bowl. This matters because you are the boss of your own food. You get to make it taste perfect for you. What is a kitchen tip you learned from your family?

A Fun Fact to Share

Let me share a little secret with you. Fun fact: The poppy seeds in the dressing come from the same flower that grows in many fields. They are tiny, but they add a nice little crunch. I think that is so neat.

This salad is perfect for a sunny day. It is cool and filling. It is also great for sharing with friends. Will you be making this for a special lunch or a family dinner? I would love to know.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Rotisserie Chicken	2 cups, shredded
Gemelli Noodles	16 ounces (1 package)	Cooked al dente
Red Onion	3/4 cup, chopped
Dried Cherries	5 ounces (1 package)
Mayonnaise	1 1/2 cups	For the dressing
Poppyseed Dressing	1 cup	For the dressing
Salt	2 teaspoons	For the dressing
Black Pepper	1/4 teaspoon	For the dressing
Almond Slivers	1/2 cup	Toasted

A Salad Full of Sweet Surprises

Hello, my dear! Let’s make my Cherry Chicken Pasta Salad. It’s a happy mix of sweet and savory. I first made this for a family picnic years ago. My grandson thought cherries in salad was so funny. Now he asks for it every summer.

This recipe is like a cozy hug in a bowl. It comes together so quickly. You can use a store-bought rotisserie chicken to make it easy. Doesn’t that smell amazing? The toasty almonds make the whole kitchen feel warm.

Step 1: Grab your biggest bowl. Put your shredded chicken and cooled noodles in it. Add the chopped red onion and those pretty dried cherries. The colors look so cheerful together, like a summer garden.

Step 2: Now, let’s make the dressing. In a smaller bowl, mix the mayonnaise and poppyseed dressing. Sprinkle in the salt and pepper. Give it a good stir until it’s all smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Time to bring it all together! Pour that lovely dressing over your chicken mixture. Gently fold everything together. You want every bit to get coated. (My hard-learned tip: Save some almonds for the top. It keeps them nice and crunchy!).

Step 4: Finally, stir in most of your toasted almond slivers. You can serve it right away. The pasta is still a little warm and it’s so comforting. Do you prefer your pasta salads warm or cold? Share below!

Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Lunch, Salad

Let’s Mix It Up!

This recipe is wonderful just as it is. But you can also play with it. I love adding little twists depending on my mood. It’s fun to make a recipe your own. Here are a few ideas I’ve tried.

The Picnic Classic: Use cranberries instead of cherries. Add some chopped celery for a fresh crunch. It tastes like a holiday.

The Garden Party: Leave out the chicken for a vegetarian treat. Add crunchy cucumbers and sweet peas. So light and fresh.

The Sweet & Smoky: Swap the chicken for chopped ham. Use a smoky barbecue sauce in the dressing. My husband loves this version.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

The Perfect Plate

This salad is a full meal on its own. But I love serving it with a simple side. A buttery, flaky biscuit is just perfect for dipping. Some crisp, fresh greens on the plate look beautiful too. It makes the meal feel extra special.

For a drink, a glass of iced tea with lemon is my go-to. The tartness is so refreshing. If you’re feeling fancy, a chilled glass of rosé wine pairs wonderfully. It’s a lovely, light combination for a warm evening. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Cherry Chicken Pasta Salad Fresh

This salad is best eaten the day you make it. The noodles stay nice and firm. If you have leftovers, just pop them in the fridge. Use a container with a tight lid. It will stay good for two days.

I do not recommend freezing this one. The mayonnaise can separate when it thaws. It makes the texture a bit grainy. I learned this the hard way with a different pasta salad. It was a sad lunch indeed.

You can batch-cook the parts ahead of time. Cook the noodles and shred the chicken on Sunday. Store them separately in the fridge. This makes throwing the salad together so fast on a busy weeknight. Planning ahead saves your energy for more important things. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Salad Problems

Is your salad too dry? The noodles soak up the dressing over time. Just mix a little extra mayo and poppyseed dressing. Stir it in right before you serve. This brings all the flavors back to life.

Do you dislike raw onion? Its flavor can be very strong. Try soaking the chopped onion in cold water for ten minutes. This makes the taste much milder and sweeter. I remember when my grandson taught me that trick.

Are your almonds soft? Always toast them right before you add them. This keeps them wonderfully crunchy. A little crunch makes the whole salad more fun to eat. Getting the textures right makes a simple meal feel special. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Cherry Chicken Pasta Salad Questions

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta. It works just as well.

Q: Can I make it ahead?
A: You can prepare everything a few hours early. Keep the dressing and almonds separate. Mix it all just before you eat.

Q: What can I use instead of dried cherries?
A: Dried cranberries are a perfect swap. They give the same sweet little bites.

Q: Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
A: Absolutely. It is a great dish for a potluck or family gathering.

Q: Any other add-in ideas?
A: Some chopped celery adds a nice fresh crunch. Fun fact: Adding a new ingredient makes a recipe feel like your own. Which tip will you try first?

My Kitchen Table is Always Open

I hope this recipe brings joy to your table. It is one of my family’s favorites. Cooking for people is a way to show you care. I love knowing you are cooking in your own kitchen too.

I would be so happy to see your creation. It makes my day to see your photos. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! Let’s build a little community of good food and happy cooks. Thank you for spending this time with me.

Happy cooking!
—Grace Ellington.