Cherry Chicken Pasta Salad

Imagine twirling your fork through a vibrant pasta salad where sweet cherries burst with juicy flavor against tender chicken and al dente pasta. This Cherry Chicken Pasta Salad is summer’s perfect potluck companion, combining unexpected sweetness with savory protein in a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. The bright red cherries create a stunning visual contrast against the creamy dressing and fresh herbs. You’ll learn how to balance these flavors perfectly while creating a pasta salad that stands out from ordinary versions at your next gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cherry Chicken Pasta Salad transforms the concept of traditional pasta salad into something truly special. The combination of sweet cherries and savory chicken creates an irresistible flavor contrast that keeps your taste buds engaged with every bite. The tender pasta provides the perfect backdrop for the juicy cherries and protein-rich chicken, while the light, tangy dressing ties everything together without weighing it down.

What makes this recipe particularly appealing is its versatility. It works beautifully as a complete meal for lunch, a side dish at dinner, or the star of your next potluck. The make-ahead quality means you can prepare it when convenient and enjoy it throughout the week. The textures play wonderfully together too – from the tender pasta to the crisp celery, juicy cherries, and moist chicken pieces. Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory elements.

Ingredients

For the Cherry Chicken Pasta Salad:

• 12 oz (340g) farfalle pasta (bow-tie pasta)
• 2 cups (300g) cooked chicken breast, diced
• 2 cups (300g) fresh cherries, pitted and halved
• 1 cup (120g) celery, finely diced
• 1/3 cup (50g) red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup (75g) crumbled feta cheese
• 1/3 cup (40g) sliced almonds, toasted
• 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped

For the dressing:

• 1/2 cup (120ml) plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup (60ml) mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

The fresh cherries are the star of this dish – look for firm, deep red cherries for optimal sweetness and texture. For the chicken, you can use rotisserie chicken to save time or grill your own for added flavor depth. The feta cheese adds a salty counterpoint to the sweet cherries that elevates the entire salad.

Pro Tips

Perfect Pasta Technique: Cook your pasta just until al dente, then immediately rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy in your Cherry Chicken Pasta Salad. For the best texture, cook the pasta 1 minute less than the package instructions suggest, as it will continue to absorb liquid from the dressing.

Cherry Preparation Strategy: When working with fresh cherries, invest in a cherry pitter to save time and frustration. If you don’t have one, use a pastry tip or a sturdy straw to push the pits through the cherries. To prevent cherry juice from staining your cutting board and hands, work under running water or wear food-safe gloves.

Dressing Development: For the most flavorful Cherry Chicken Pasta Salad, make the dressing at least 2 hours before combining with other ingredients. This allows the flavors to meld and develop complexity. Always taste and adjust seasonings just before serving, as cold temperatures can dull flavors. If the salad seems dry after refrigeration, reserve a small portion of dressing to add just before serving.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Cook the farfalle pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Shake off excess water and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Toss the pasta with a small drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking while you prepare the other components.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. The dressing should have a pourable consistency but still be thick enough to coat the pasta. If it’s too thick, add a teaspoon of water at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

Step 3: Prepare the Add-ins

Pit and halve the fresh cherries, being careful to save as much juice as possible. Dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Finely dice the celery and red onion. Chop the fresh parsley and toast the sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Add the diced chicken, halved cherries, diced celery, and chopped red onion to the bowl with the cooled pasta. Pour about three-quarters of the dressing over the ingredients and gently toss until everything is well coated. Add the crumbled feta cheese, toasted almonds, and chopped parsley, then fold gently to incorporate.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover the Cherry Chicken Pasta Salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) to allow the flavors to meld. Just before serving, taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding the remaining dressing if the salad seems dry. Garnish with additional fresh parsley and a few cherry halves for an eye-catching presentation.

Variations

Mediterranean Cherry Chicken Pasta Salad: Transform this dish with Mediterranean flavors by adding 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, 1 cup diced cucumber, and substituting the feta for goat cheese. Add 1 teaspoon dried oregano to the dressing and finish with a drizzle of good quality olive oil for an elegant twist on the original Cherry Chicken Pasta Salad.

Vegetarian Cherry Pasta Salad: Skip the chicken and add 1 can (15 oz) of rinsed and drained chickpeas for protein. Incorporate 1 cup of diced avocado for creaminess and 1/4 cup of toasted pine nuts instead of almonds. This variation maintains the delightful cherry flavor while creating a satisfying vegetarian option that’s perfect for summer gatherings.

Asian-Inspired Cherry Chicken Pasta Salad: Create an exciting fusion version by using rice noodles instead of farfalle. Replace the Greek yogurt dressing with one made from 3 tablespoons rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons sesame oil, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon honey. Add shredded Napa cabbage and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped cilantro for a refreshing Asian-inspired take.

Storage and Serving

Store your Cherry Chicken Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve after a few hours as they meld together, making this an excellent make-ahead dish. If you’re planning to store it longer than a day, consider keeping the toasted almonds separate and adding them just before serving to maintain their crunch.

For the most impressive presentation, serve this vibrant salad in a large white serving bowl to showcase the beautiful colors of the cherries and herbs. Garnish with additional fresh cherries and a sprinkle of chopped parsley just before bringing it to the table. This Cherry Chicken Pasta Salad pairs beautifully with grilled proteins like salmon or steak for a complete summer meal.

For an elegant lunch option, serve individual portions on a bed of fresh arugula or spinach and accompany with a slice of crusty artisan bread. For a picnic or potluck, pack the salad in a chilled container and bring extra dressing on the side to refresh just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
While fresh cherries provide the best texture and flavor for Cherry Chicken Pasta Salad, you can use frozen cherries in a pinch. Thaw them completely and drain well to avoid excess liquid in your salad. Pat them dry with paper towels before adding to prevent the dressing from becoming diluted.

How far in advance can I make this salad?
You can prepare the Cherry Chicken Pasta Salad up to 24 hours in advance. For the best results, reserve a small portion of the dressing to refresh the salad just before serving, and add the toasted almonds at the last minute to maintain their crunch.

What can I substitute for cherries if they’re out of season?
When cherries aren’t available, try diced apples, halved grapes, or dried cherries reconstituted in a bit of warm water. Each will provide a different but complementary sweet element to balance the savory components in the salad.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the dressing?
Absolutely! Replace the Greek yogurt with dairy-free yogurt and use vegan mayonnaise. The dressing will have a slightly different tang but will work beautifully with the other flavors in the Cherry Chicken Pasta Salad.

What type of pasta works best for this salad?
Farfalle (bow-tie) pasta is ideal because its shape holds dressing well and provides a nice visual contrast to the cherry halves. Other good alternatives include rotini, fusilli, or orecchiette – any short pasta with ridges or curves that can capture the dressing.

Conclusion

This Cherry Chicken Pasta Salad is summer entertaining at its finest — a refreshing combination of sweet and savory flavors that brightens any table with its vibrant colors and textures. It’s the kind of dish that transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary, perfect for impressing guests at your next backyard gathering or enjoying as a satisfying meal prep option throughout the week. The unexpected pairing of cherries with chicken creates a conversation-worthy dish that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe.

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