Chicken Seashell Salad

I really liked the combination of chicken, cashews, celery, and fruit. However, the dressing was too bland for me and the almond flavoring just didn't seem to work. I would make this again, but I would add curry to the dressing instead of the almond flavoring.

My family loved it. Left out the apples, added more pineapple tidbits, added a lg. can of mandarin oranges and glazed the nuts. Didn't use the almond extract added curry powder instead. Good the next day too.

This was such a big hit that anytime we have family get togethers everyone wants me to bring it. So much for potatoe salad. Thanks for this great recipe and for the great reviews I got for making it. Linda

Excellent -- I took the advice from other raters and it was prefect! Here’s what I did: 3 cups cooked pasta shells, no cashews, 2 full chicken breasts, 6 oz pineapple tidbits, 1/2 cup reserved pineapple juice, 1 big red delicious apple (peels on), 1/3 cup celery, 1/3 cup carrots (shredded with a serrated knife), 1 can mandarin oranges, 1/2 cup red grapes, 1 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 teaspoon almond extract, 3 tablespoons mint flakes. I also used the remaining pineapple juice and the mandarin orange juice to boil the pasta. Good stuff, very pretty! Update: Didn't like next day...

Fabulous recipe!! My only addition to this recipe was green grapes. If you're going to make this a day ahead, wait to add the cashews until just before serving so they stay crunchy. I served this at our 30th wedding anniversary open house and people raved about it. I will make this often!!

I took this to a "salad supper" and it did not go over well @ all. It was too sweet and the almond extract gave it a funky flavor. Even though no one told me that they didn't like the recipe it was pretty evident when more than half was left. I don't think I'll make this again.

VERY GOOD! I would add more pasta than it calls for. I used red apples and no almond flavoring.. EXCELLENT!

This recipe leaves a lot to be desired. The flavor, consistency, color, everyone ate a very small serving, but no one took seconds. I usually get rave reviews on my dishes from my friends, but NOT THIS ONE. I definitely wouldn't do this again.

This is a refreshingly different chicken salad. The almond extract adds a wonderful flavor that enhances the apples and the chicken! Thanks for sharing, Maggie!

My family loved this recipe. I was a little skeptical about the almond extract, but added it anyway. The flavor of the dressing was great on the salad. I don't usually care for pasta salad, but this one is very tasty. The celery & mandarin oranges are critical to the salad for color. Everything else in it is white and not very pretty. I used fat free mayo and will probably leave out the cashews next time to make it very low fat.

I gave the recipe 3 stars because two of my guests loved it. I didn't. I used Perdue already cooked chicken and that may have been the problem since the flavor of the chicken did battle with the mayo/pineapple juice. The toasted cashews are a MUST to make it edible and I added extra pineapple, extra pineapple juice, red seedless grapes and yellow apples (unpeeled). It was a lot of work for something I don't want to eat.

Yum! In an attempt to reduce calories I used low fat Miracle Whip. I've made this following the recipe exactly, and also made it at the last minute, having to make a few substitutions (almonds instead of cashews, etc). It comes out awesome every time!!

This is one of the best pasta salads I have ever made. My family requests I make it at every gathering. Thanks. It's great not having to make potato salad anymore. Linda

I made this recipe today for my fiancé. He loves it but he said more nuts. I used clementine oranges instead...Very good salad. It would be a great recipe for picnic.

My daughter and I really liked this recipe. My husband, son, and toddler didn't... This is a good recipe for a shower side dish.

I absolutely LOVED this salad that I made for a potluck family reunion! Others loved it too. I think the almond extract makes the whole recipe and gives it a very unique flavor. I doubled the recipe and used Light Miracle Whip, 3 different kinds of pasta, added grapes, and i added a handful of freshly chopped mint leaves. Delicious! I will definitely make this many times in the future.

Pretty good, though my 17 month old wasn't thrilled. Modified a few things: no cashews (my daughter can't eat them) or celery, added more chicken (canned - got lazy), pineapple, oranges, apples, dressing. Makes a ton!

Wonderful, refreshing salad! I added a little salt after tasting it to balance out the flavor, because it was pretty sweet. I also used fat free mayo. Great recipe!

Thanks for the great recipe! I made this for a family potluck and received many requests for the recipe. I made this when grapes aren't in season and added raisins.

This pasta salad is a welcome change from the routine tuna macaroni pasta salad! Everyone's taste is different and the recipe is easily customized. I omit celery and add finely diced sweet red or orange pepper, or alternately a handful of chopped dried cranberries, just for some colour. I also use a little mandarin orange juice in the dressing for added sweetness. I usually take this salad to family barbecues and some have commented that this is like dessert!

The is one of the best chicken salad recipes I've made. I've passed it along to some of my friends for them to enjoy.

I made this for a dish to pass at work and was repeated told how "different" it was but very good.Was repeatedly asked for the recipe.

Great recipe! The entire family enjoyed it, and I plan on making it for our family reunion. I wouldn't change a thing.

Thanks for this recipe. I doubled the recipe and brought it with me to a family picnic and came home with an empty bowl. Everyone enjoyed it.

Yumm... this is a great summer salad. Try adding some grapes.

THIS IS THE BEST COLD PASTA SALAD I HAVE EVER MADE AND EVERYONE WANTS THE RECIPE EVERYTIME I TAKE IT ANY WHERE. THANKS

This salad was delightfully different. Very impressive for company. J.Barber

This is a great recipe! I have made it several times. I also used Louis Rich Carving Board chicken and red delicious apples. Yummy!

I was transferred to another office several months back, and they are not permitted to have a microwave, so I needed to come up with new things for lunch. This has been a staple of mine! I make it regularly, and I don't get the least bit tired of it. I omit the almond extract, I don't like the way it makes the recipe taste.

Excellent recipe - this salad has great flavor. I added more than the recommended cashews, and it was great - disappeared our Christmas party, and it made for great leftovers!

This is a great recipe. I added more pineapple and more mandarin oranges than called for, and also some chopped parsley for color. I couldn't find Gravenstein apples, so substituted another variety. Might try leaving the apple peel on a red apple, for additional color.

Delicious! I made it with Louis Rich Carving Board Chicken so that made it even easier.

Sounded like it would be a really good salad. I like all the ingredients, but I didn't end up liking it very much.

This recipe really made a hit! Out of town company raved about how delicious it was. Thanks.

I sprinkled with Mrs. Dash and paprika and baked then for 15-20 minutes at 350 degrees instead of cooking them.

We thought this was very good! I made a partial batch and could have added a little more chicken to it. When I had cleaned up everything, taken a photo, and consumed the salad, I found the bowl with the cashews in it that I accidentally left out of the salad! I followed the recipe otherwise--including the almond extract, though going just a little shy on that. I would definitely make this again! The only thing I felt it was missing was a little color. The next time I would at least leave the skin on the apple and maybe add some red bell pepper. Thanks for the recipe!

It's awesome! I had it at a baby shower and everyone was asking for the recipe. The almond extract is what makes it great. I use Granny Smith apples. I've never seen a Gravenstein apple in the store.