Monday, June 29, 2015

Bow Tie Pasta Chicken Salad

This is a delicious pasta-chicken salad that we like to call "Kitchen Sink Salad" because it has everything but in it.  It's one that you can leave out or substitute ingredients and it is still always delicious.  The key ingredient is this Brianna's Blush Wine Strawberry Vinaigrette:

This a great recipe to make for a crowd- a shower or other party.  It says it serves 20.  I think those would be huge portions.  For our family, I halve it and it still is huge.

Bow Tie Pasta Chicken Salad aka Kitchen Sink Salad
2 bottles Brianna's Blush Wine Vinaigrette (with a strawberry on the label)
1 lb. bow tie pasta, cooked el dente (do not overcook)
6 cooked chicken breasts , cut into chunks (I use rotisserie chicken breasts)
1 bunch green onions, chopped
1 bunch grapes, cut in half
1 can water chestnuts, drained and chopped
1 can pineapple tidbits, drained
1 small package craisins
1 package baby spinach
Handful of nuts( cashews, honey roasted peanuts, pecans, or whatever you have)
2 cans mandarin oranges

If you remember, marinate the chicken and el dente pasta in a ziplock overnight in the vinaigrette.  If you don't remember, it still will be fine.  Just try to mix the salad an hour or two before you serve it.  Add the rest of the ingredients and serve immediately.  I usually serve the grapes on the side because they turn mushy in the leftovers.



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