This Mango Chicken Pasta Salad bursts with summery flavor in every bite—sweet grapes, juicy mango, crisp celery, and tender chicken all tossed with a creamy basil-lime dressing. It’s a refreshing, wholesome meal that’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a light family dinner. Add toasted almonds for crunch and creamy avocado for a finishing touch kids and parents will both love!
Why Families Love This Mango Chicken Pasta Salad
This bright and flavorful salad is packed with texture and taste—tender chicken, juicy fruits, crunchy veggies, and creamy dressing in every forkful. It’s a fuss-free way to introduce kids to new flavors like basil and mango, while giving parents something crave-worthy too.
● Sweet + Savory = kid-approved flavor combo
● Easy to prep ahead for busy families
● Avocado and almonds add texture and healthy fats
● Perfect for picnics, parties, or weekday lunches
Prep Tips for this Mango Chicken Pasta Salad:
Cook Pasta Just Right
- Rinse with cold water after draining to stop the cooking and cool it quickly for salad use.
- Cook bow tie pasta al dente so it holds up in the dressing without getting mushy.
Use Leftover or Rotisserie Chicken
- Rotisserie chicken is a time-saver. If you’re watching sodium, go for plain grilled or poached chicken breasts.
Add Avocados Last
- Cube and gently fold in the avocado just before serving to keep it fresh and vibrant.
Toast the Almonds
- Toasted slivered almonds add the perfect crunch—just 5 minutes in a dry skillet brings out their flavor.
Chill Before Serving
- Let the salad sit in the fridge for 30–60 minutes after tossing everything together (except avocados) to let the flavors meld.
Ingredient Swaps & Customizations:
| If You Need | Try This |
|---|---|
| Dairy-Free | Use coconut yogurt or vegan mayo + almond milk |
| Nut-Free | Skip almonds or sub with roasted pumpkin seeds |
| Gluten-Free | Use brown rice pasta or lentil pasta |
| Vegetarian | Omit chicken and add white beans or chickpeas |
| No mango? | Swap with diced pineapple or peaches |
Kid-Friendly Tips:
● Use diced rotisserie chicken for familiar flavor
● Cut mango and grapes small for easy bites
● Let kids sprinkle in almonds for crunch
● Serve in colorful bowls to make it fun
More Delicious Pasta Salad Recipes:
Ready to Make Mango Chicken Pasta Salad?
This colorful, creamy, and crave-worthy pasta salad is about to become your family’s new go-to! With sweet mango, juicy grapes, and a zesty dressing, it’s perfect for kids, potlucks, and sunny days. Share your delicious creation and tag us on social!
Mango Chicken Pasta Salad
This Mango Chicken Pasta Salad bursts with summery flavor in every bite—sweet grapes, juicy mango, crisp celery, and tender chicken all tossed with a creamy basil-lime dressing. It’s a refreshing, wholesome meal that’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a light family dinner.
Servings: 10
- 12 oz bowtie pasta
- 2 cups cooked, cubed chicken rotisserie or grilled
- 2-3 cups red seedless grapes halved
- 2 large mangoes peeled and cubed, about 2 cups
- 1 cup celery diced
- 1 bunch green onions, sliced green part only
- 1-2 avocados, ripe but firm cubed
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds toasted
-
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
-
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, buttermilk, lemon juice, lime juice, honey, basil, salt and pepper. Whisk until smooth; refrigerate until ready to use.
-
In a large bowl combine the cooked pasta, chicken, grapes, mango, celery and green onions. Pour in half the dressing and gently toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
-
Just before serving, gently stir in avocado and toasted almonds. Add additional dressing to taste. Serve chilled.
