Chicken Bowtie Salad

We once had this yummy salad delivered by a neighbor for dinner (thanks Fife family). It is wonderful as a stand alone summer meal or as a great addition to any potluck. Most the ingredients I keep in my pantry so it is a snap to put together.

1 cup red grapes, sliced
3-4 cooked chicken breast, cubed
12 oz box bowtie pasta, cooked al dente
1 can pineapple tidbits, drained
1 can water chestnuts, chopped
1 cup celery, chopped
2 green onions, chopped
2/3 cups Craisins
1 can mandarin oranges, drained
8 oz Coleslaw dressing
1/2 cup mayo
1 small can of cashews

Mix together all the ingredients, except for the dressing, mayo, and cashews in a large bowl. Combine dressing and mayo until well blended then pour over the ingredients in large bowl. Stir until well combined let rest in fridge overnight. Right before serving add cashews. If it seems to dry you can add more coleslaw dressing.

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• When chicken goes on sale (I watch for $1.69/lb or less for boneless skinless) I buy a lot and freeze for later use. I will usually place 3-4 breasts in a freezer baggy, and label it with the date.
• Another thing I do is cook quite a bit in my crock pot (just add your trimmed chicken, a few sprinkles of dried onion, salt and pepper if you like, and about 1 cup water or broth and cook on low 6-8 hours or until the chicken is cooked through) then bag about 2 cups worth in freezer baggies and lable with the date, the amount you put in there, and what it is. It is ready to use instead of canned chicken! Here is a frozen food chart to help you know how long things will keep in the freezer.
• We are not huge celery eaters around here but in recipes like this it ads so much flavor so I will dice celery and place it on a large cookie sheet then freeze it. After it is frozen I then transfer it to a freezer bag and label it with date.
• Don’t have coleslaw dressing? You don’t have to buy it you can make this one instead. (follow the recipe except don’t worry about making the cabage salad)
• Complete this meal by making these yummy rolls to go with it.

Filed under: Dinner, My Kitchen Tips, Recipes, What's on the Menu