Plates and Palates, my favorite local cafe in Bountiful, UT was the inspiration for Mango Chicken Pasta Salad with Tarragon Lime Dressing. This pasta salad is a combination of flavors from two of my top picks at Plates and Palates: the Mango Avocado Chicken with Basil Dressing and the Lemon Bowtie with Tarragon Dressing. It’s like two salads got married and had the perfect baby!
What is the perfect pasta salad? For years pasta salads were only a savory affair, now the trend has leaned to the sweeter side, pairing pasta with fresh fruit. I love this trend, and this pasta salad has so many of my favorite ingredients included! The honey, lime, and tarragon dressing is also a stand-alone favorite and can be used over tossed greens, a bit of fresh grated cheese and sliced veggies as well.
Did you do a double take (or read) when you saw the name Plates and Palates? It’s not Plates and Pilates (what everyone thinks it’s called until they realize its a restaurant, not a workout studio). “Plates” (as we affectionately call it now) is locally owned and operated by Jared, Justin and Nina Christensen.
Their cafe has been a popular lunch spot for girlfriends in Davis County since 2004. When they first opened, I remember we made a pact as friends to frequent this place to help it stay in business (a serious sacrifice, I know).
Now, almost 20 years later, if you don’t get to the restaurant by 11:30 on most days, you have to wait in line for a table. It used to be unheard of to find men in this restaurant, but now, the secret is out, and Plates is also a favorite place for guys to meet for lunch.
The Christensen’s make all of their salads and dressings in the shop each day. My usual combo is a half green (usually Pear and Pecan with Sweet Red Wine Vinaigrette) along with half of one of their pasta salads. My favorite pasta salads are the Mango Avocado Chicken with Basil Dressing or the Lemon Bowtie with Tarragon Dressing.
This salad is my creation, a combo of the two, with a little bit lighter version of their dressing. You know how I love sweet and savory together! I love the way the flavors blend in this Mango Chicken Pasta Salad with Tarragon Lime Dressing . Perfect for your next summer gathering!
Oh, and if you are in Bountiful, make sure to stop by and have lunch or take-out from Plates. They treat everyone like family… you’ll be feeling like a local in no time, and I just might see you there 🙂
This recipe originally posted in 2018, updated with new content and photos July, 2023
Mango Chicken Pasta Salad with Tarragon Lime Dressing
Ingredients
Salad
- 3/4 pound bow tie pasta
- 2 cups boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and cubed
- 3 cups red seedless grapes
- 1 ripe mango, cubed
- 1 1/2 cups celery, chopped
- 1 bunch green onion, chopped (green part of the onion only)
- 1-2 avocados, ripe but still firm, cut into chunks
- Slivered almonds, toasted (optional)
Dressing
- 1 1/4 cups regular mayonnaise, not low fat
- 1/4 cup cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 2-3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons dried tarragon or 1/4 cup fresh tarragon, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta as directed on the package. Drain and rinse with cold water.
dressing
- In a small bowl, mix all ingredients. If using fresh tarragon, place ingredients in a blender and blend until tarragon is finely chopped.
Salad
- In a large bowl, combine pasta and chicken; mix with half of the dressing. Cover and refrigerate for an hour. Most of the dressing will be absorbed into the cooked pasta.
- In a medium bowl, combine grapes, mango, celery, and green onions.
- To assemble: Mix three-quarters of the grapes, mango, celery, and green onions with the pasta and chicken. Toss with additional dressing. Just before serving, top with avocados, almonds, and the remaining grapes, mango, celery, and green onions.
Notes
- I think tossing the pasta with the dressing and letting it rest in the fridge allows the flavors soak into the pasta. If you don’t have time for that, just mix up the salad and let the pasta sit in the dressing for at least a half hour. Then proceed as directed.
- If you want make a fresh basil-lime dressing, just sub 1/4 to 1/2 cup chopped basil leaves for the tarragon.
- I made this up with 1 lb pasta originally, but thought the veggie to pasta ratio was a bit on the heavy side for the pasta, so I reduced the amount of pasta in this recipe to 3/4 lb.
- Did I mention Plates and Palates caters? If you are not the cooking type, you can purchase a whole BOWL of salad for your next gathering.
Did you make this recipe?
Be sure to leave a comment and give this recipe a rating, letting me know how you liked it. I’d love to see a photo, tag @abountifulkitchen on Instagram!
Linda
This is a great salad and would be a perfect salad for a luncheon or for company. The only thing I changed was to omit the mayonnaise (since my family doesn’t really like mayonnaise) and doubled the other dressing ingredients. It makes a light, fresh dressing that really went well with the other salad ingredients.
Leslie Ella Rogers
I too live in Bountiful and love Plates and Palates. When my daughters come visit, it is where they love to go. This recipe is a home run. The very best copycat recipe! The secret to this recipe is the distinct dressing. It also is the perfect party salad or Sunday dinner salad because it can be made ahead of time. Making it ahead, gives the pasta a chance to pick up all the amazing flavors of the ingredients.
Carolyn Black
I LOVE this salad! It is a hit at every event I take it to!
Gretchen Chapman
one of our favorite recipes! It tastes just like the restaurant!
Maria
I love this recipe so much. It is pure heaven and I could drink the dressing all by itself.
Julie Call
I LOVE Plates and Palates and this recipe is spot on. Every time I make it, people want the recipe. Thanks for always figuring out all the yummy recipes from great places and sharing them, so I can share the food and enjoy it at home.
Shanna
My mom made this for my first baby shower 8 years ago and we still make it for almost every event – it is such a crowd pleaser and I ALWAYS get asked for the recipe. It is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, and I love that it has chicken in it too, making it more hearty than a typical pasta salad.
Ashlyn
Can you substitute plain green yogurt for the mayo?
Alicia
Made this last night subbing chickpeas for the chicken, and using the basil in the dressing instead of the tarragon. It was so good, and I’m excited about the planned-overs for dinner tonight! My husband said “Put this on the repeat list!” 🙂
Si Foster
I love your substitutions, Alicia, especially if you’re going for a more vegetarian dish. And it’s hard for anyone not to love this salad, the flavors are too delicious! Thanks for sharing and for reading ABK,
xo
Si
Jill
I ate this salad at Plates and Palates when I was visiting Utah several years ago. I loved it so much I did a google search for the recipe not expecting to find it and I was so happy to find it here on ABK! I love the unique blend of flavors in this salad. It is my favorite to take to a potluck. Make this salad. You will be so happy you did!
Si Foster
I’m so glad you found my recipe, Jill! And I agree, the flavor combination is what really makes this salad SO good. Thanks for sharing and for reading ABK,
xo
Si
Martha
This is one of the best salads I’ve ever made and eaten! I’ve taken it to a few events and am always complimented and asked for the recipe.
abountifulkitchen
Martha,
Thanks so much! I have had the same experience taking this salad to events!
Thanks for reading ABK,
xo
Si
Kaitie
This looks so yummy – I love Plates and Palates! Can this be made without the chicken? How many servings does this make?
Kelli
This was divine! I’m so excited to have leftovers for the next few days!!
abountifulkitchen
Thanks Kelli. This is a fan favorite in our home. Definitely on my top to salad recipe list!
Thanks for reading ABK
xo
Si
Jolynn
Do you think this would turn out without mangos in it? Sadly, I’m allergic.
abountifulkitchen
Hi Jolynn,
If you are allergic to mangos, I would try substituting mandarin oranges, folded in, or cut oranges, peaches (make sure they are not too juicy), or even apricots. let us know if you use a substitute you love!
thanks for reading ABK,
xo
Si
Kalyn Gourley
Saw this on your Instagram recently and bookmarked it. Finally made it last night and it is so so so good! Definitely saving it for parties! Eating leftovers for lunch as I type and I can’t stop! Yum!
Si Foster
Hi Kalyn, thanks for sharing! I’m so glad you found this recipe. It’s great for parties and especially good as leftovers. Thanks for reading ABK,
xo,
Si
Celeste Roper
I made this for my grandsons 1st birthday on Saturday. It was so yummy and a big hit! Thank you for sharing!
Si Foster
Thanks for sharing Celeste! It’s always a bit hit in our home as well. Thanks for reading ABK,
xo,
Si
Ilene Brown
I love this salad! Excited to try it. Have you ever had the apricot/almond blondes they make? I would love to get that recipe! Maybe they are apricot/pistachio. So yummy.
Si Foster
Hi Ilene, I know you’ll love this salad. I haven’t made a recipe for their blondies yet, but they are yummy. Thanks for reading ABK!
xo,
Si
Lindsey
I loooove that lemon tarragon salad at Plates & Palates. *drool* Can’t wait to try this. If you have a copycat recipe for the lemon version, I would die for it!
Si Foster
Thanks Lindsey, it’s one of my favorite pasta salads too. I haven’t made the lemon version yet, but I love the flavor combination of the Mango Avocado and Lemon Bowtie together. If you love any Plates and Palates salads, I know you’ll love this recipe. Thanks for reading ABK!
xo,
Si
Katy
Hello Si,
I am putting this recipe on my family menu this week. It looks like a great healthy summery meal. Thank you, Si.
PS I sent you a message via Facebook messenger. Do you use Facebook messenger?
-Katy
Si Foster
Hi Katy, this recipe is perfect for summer and I know your family will love it. I haven’t used Facebook messenger recently, but I do check my direct message inbox. I’d love to answer any questions you have. Feel free to leave me a message on my Facebook page and thanks for reading ABK!
xo,
Si
Jodi
I made this light fresh salad tonight for dinner. I had never used or purchased tarragon prior to your recipe. I tasted the fresh herb before tossing in the blender-now I know tarragon has a licorice taste. Thank you.
Si Foster
You’re welcome Jodi and thank you for sharing! The tarragon adds a really nice flavor that complements the mango and lime. It’s one of our favorite salads to have in the summer. Thanks for reading ABK,
xo,
Si
Mango Pasta Salad – TGIF – This Grandma is Fun
[…] sitting on my front porch, eating some of this amazing Mango Pasta Salad that I pinned from A Bountiful Kitchen, I am watching their kids running around trying to catch their dog and yelling ” Hey […]
Liz Pay
Hi Si, Do you know how many side servings this would make? I need to take a pasta salad to a mission farewell and I wondered if I should double this..
abountifulkitchen
Hi Liz,
I am not sure how many side servings this makes? If you are taking it to a farewell, I would double this, my guess is every bit will be eaten up!
lindsay kjar
terragon, where have you been all my life? what an interesting flavor combo, and anything with mangoes just makes my day:) thank you!
abountifulkitchen
You're very welcome! I love tarragon in home made chicken noodle soup too. Next time you make a batch, try ABK recipe for this. You'll love the tarragon 🙂 Thanks for alway being so kind to leave a comment!
Jen
oh, i LOVE going there when i go home!!! i am in LOVE with the coconut cake…oh my word!! thanks so much for sharing this!! i can't wait to try it! and yes, i will be going to eat lunch in btown when i come home in may!!!
abountifulkitchen
Hi Jen, I love it too. Their coconut cake tastes like the Barefoot Contessa recipe to me 🙂
shauna
I was treated today with 2 salads from plates and palates, one of them being the Lemon chicken tarragon pasta. I thought it was one of the most delicious salads I've tried in a long time. I was looking on the internet tonight for a creamy lemon tarragon dressing so I could try to create a similar salad at home. I love to entertain and try new recipes on my friends. I was thrilled to find your recipe. Thanks so much! I can't wait to try it and my next adventure will be a trip to Bountiful to plates and palates!
abountifulkitchen
Hi Shauna, Im glad you found this recipe. Hope you love it 🙂
Heidi
I just had their Lemon Tarragon pasta salad this weekend at an event and it was amazing! I was searching for the recipe and found your post, so I'm going to give it a try!
Si
Kimberli-I haven't ever even seen that salad on the menu! I've been going there for so long I don't really look closely at the menu. Maybe it's seasonal? Ok, next time. I'll try it. Thanks for the tip 🙂
Kimberli
I tried this recipe tonight and it was fabulous! Thank you!
P.S. Have you ever tried the Shrimp and Spinach salad (w yams, pistachios, and grapefruit) at Plates and Palates? It is fabulous! I tried to make something similar but didn't even come close.
Peggy
Oh my goodness, that looks incredible! Great photo by the way. This looks like a must try.
Thanks for sharing. I just found your blog at Skip to my Lou, I'll be back.
Melanie
Sooooooo good! Didn't even have to go to my fav place to eat to get this.
Biz
That salad sounds delicious!! I just bought mangos too and wasn't sure what to do with them. 😀
Bonnie
Besides sounding like a winner, it is beautiful. I have never heard of this little restaurant. Thank you for a good recommendation and for the recipe.
Rosemary
I'm right with you on the great combination of sweet and savory — all in one bite! I'm definitely stealing this recipe!
Busy as a Bee in Paris
oooooooooohhhh; that looks good!