READY IN 30 mins

Chicken Seashell Salad

Read Reviews (34)

"Refreshing chicken salad made with pineapple, apples, mandarin oranges, and seashell macaroni." — MAGGIE MCGUIRE

Directions

Cook macaroni in a large pan of boiling water until al dente. Drain, and rinse. Set aside.
Place nuts in a dry skillet. Toast over medium heat, turning frequently, until nuts are fragrant and lightly browned.
In a large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, pineapple, apples, celery, mandarin oranges, and toasted nuts.
In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, reserved pineapple juice, and almond flavoring. Stir into pasta mixture, and mix well. Chill.

Kitchen-Friendly View

PREP 10 mins
COOK 20 mins
READY IN 30 mins

Reviews More Reviews

Most Helpful Positive Review

Jun 10, 2004

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.

—mn78

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Most Helpful Critical Review

Sep 18, 2003

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.

—Gourmet Gal

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53 Ratings

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Jan 11, 2004

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

—DRAGON1246

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Jan 25, 2004

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!!

—TOOKEC

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May 07, 2004

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.

—NCSU4GANNE

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Dec 22, 2003

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...

—CECILIAMORISON

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Jul 14, 2003

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!

—CASSIDYANN

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Jan 11, 2004

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

—RANGIE

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Nutrition

Calories
538 kcal
27%

Carbohydrates
33.7 g
11%

Cholesterol
55 mg
18%

Fat
36.6 g
56%

Fiber
2.6 g
11%

Protein
20.4 g
41%

Sodium
294 mg
12%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Nutritional Information

Chicken Seashell Salad

Serving Size: 1/6 of a recipe
Servings Per Recipe: 6
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 538
Calories from Fat: 329

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 36.6g 56 %
** Saturated Fat 6.2g 31 %
Cholesterol 55mg 18 %
Sodium 294mg 12 %
** Potassium 311mg 9 %
Total Carbohydrates 33.7g 11 %
Dietary Fiber 2.6g 11 %
Protein 20.4g 41 %
Sugars 9.9g
** Vitamin A 7 %
** Vitamin C 14 %
** Calcium 4 %
** Iron 19 %
** Thiamin 6 %
** Niacin 73 %
** Vitamin B6 29 %
** Magnesium 17 %
** Folate 40 %

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.